For your consideration the SPCA or other animal shelter in your area. In my area we have a no kill shelter called the Humane Association that is really struggling and about to close.( I don't know if they are national), but because of recent foreclosures and the economy in general people have almost stopped adopting and are abandoning their pets in record numbers.
I have 3 dogs and 2 cats that my children left me with, my daughter has 2 dogs 3 cats a guinea pig and 2 quarter horses that she adopted, so I can't imagine the tough decision to have to give up a pet.