possible new addition

Well, my stepdad finally came around and "decided" we could get a new dog sometime. My mother is of course set on getting a dog for her and a kitten for the kids. It will happen eventually, my stepdad just doesn't know it yet.
The problem is my stepdad doesn't know or care to learn about byb's. He wants a puppy because a few of his friend's got puppies recently. He seems oblivious to the fact that we really can't afford spaying or neutering right now. (if we got a puppy it would be done, but not without sacrificing to make up for the money). He also wants to be able to train it, because he thinks a year old rescue won't be trainable. I'm hoping my mom straightens him out and finds a good adult dog to rescue. I'm going to be looking on petfinder lots to find a cocker or sheltie (my mom's favorites).