One of the best things you can do to help the overpopulation of dogs in the state (other than spay and neuter) is to be a foster parent. Fostering is very rewarding and it is a nice baby step for someone looking to maybe adopt a dog of their own. You can test drive a dog or two or ten and then help find them their perfect forever home while you decide if you want to continue fostering or adopt your own dog or both!
If you are interested, please visit Ginger's Pet Rescue. Foster homes are always needed and they can keep many dogs out of the shelter environment and place them into a home where they can learn how to be a welcomed family member.
Ginger's Pet Rescue saves hundreds of dogs from puppy mills. Each of those crates has at least two dogs in it who are malnourished, scared and need loving foster homes to clean them up and teach them that humans are not be feared any longer. The people are all there to take one or two dogs to foster until they find their forever homes.