Cartwheel, I think if you looked at the posts on this board, you will see that probably a majority of the people on here have adopted their animals, verses those of us who have purchased our pets from a breeder. These people did not think of frugality when they adopted them, they did it out of love and compassion. I admit I purchased my dogs from a breeder because I love Schnauzers and there weren't many around to buy, let alone adopt one from a shelter. Many of the people on this board are giving their time to shelters and they understand the plight of the shelter dog.
Personally I am a little old to try working at a shelter, but I donate two or three times a year to "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" who do such good work. I wish you had taken a little time to read some of the posts, some are funny, some are sad, some are silly, but everyone on this board loves all animals and would do anything to help them.

On another note, this is the first board that I have taken part in discussion and everyone is so nice and friendly. I have tried other boards, but there is a lot of angry people out there who vent in a very bad way. I love tha fact that everyone on this board loves all animals and love to talk about them. It is a safe haven for the animal lover.