Oh Aly, what a wonderful idea, and I do wish you well.

As a rescue volunteer, I would recommend first and foremost, you volunteer full time at a rescue shelter first. Attend pet CPR and First aid classes, spend time with your vet to get aquainted with the types of parasites, diseases, and ailments, you will run across. Read books about the breed you plan on working with to become familiar with common problems, temperament, and health issues specific to this breed. Then attend obedience courses all the way to the advanced courses. This way you will be familiar with the proper handling and treatment of those hard cases. Check you finances to ensure you can provide all necessary medical, dental, and routine feedings and medications. Make sure you have the proper training to evaluate dogs to ensure they are not a danger to others, that the people you place them with are going to give them permanent safe homes, and not adopt for all the wrong reasons. Be prepared to go to court. Be prepared for the emotional downs you will experience caused by their "humans". Be prepared to work 24/7 with no break. Know your laws in your state pertaining to rescuing/placing dogs. There are some strict laws out there we are not aware of.

The shelter owner I volunteer at, has missed many family events because of her dedication to the animals she rescues. She tell everyone, ... If I can get one dog adopted today, then I have done something worthwhile..." She also spends a very large portion of her personal finances in funding rescue. Even after 15+ years of the business.

Please, please spend a lot of time volunteering at these places, there is alot more involved than just taking a dog in, and placing it. I applaud your effort, but I'm not going to candy coat the responsibility either. The affects of inexperience can snowball, and cause more harm than good especially to those you try to help.