Good for you for trying to learn the best course of action SauCy. You are a great human being. Too many people don't even try.
While my step daughter was at the vet with a foster dog (she works with the local pit bull rescue) some guy brought a beautiful Gordon Retriever looking dog in - four years old, dirty, underweight by 25%, and wanted to have the vet put it down. He was moving and caring for the dog wasn't convenient so he wanted it killed!
I may end up with him. I have two dogs and don't really need another, but he is a sweetheart and needs love and care so bad...