[capt_noonie]

I can give you a bit from my experience. i volunteer with YTNR and on their website, each available dog has a little bio about them, and most will say this dog would do better as an only dog, this dog needs to have a quiet home, etc, etc. this helps with weeding out too many apps. Then once you fill out the app, and it's a long one, you can put in what dog(s) you are interested in. Sometime the one you are interested in is not the right match, and another could be recommended. But just bc you get a call does not mean you are the right match. You would still need to pass a home check.

As far as fees, puppies have a higher fee so not everyone will try to get the puppies and leave the older ones. the ones who have surgeries are higher, however even with katie's bladder stone surgery, her adoption fee was $300. She was already spayed, but also had a dental, and was in the hospital for nearly a week. I think that was a very low fee for how expensive invasive surgeries and overnight vet stays are.

Don't forget that the right dog will come along when the time is right.