After visiting several shelters throughout Phoenix, I finally came to Halo. Their selection of dogs is larger than most, and the cages did seem to be kept relatively clean (as clean as you can really expect from a shelter. Not as nice as the humane society, but decent.
Walking through there was one dog in particular that caught my eye. I went up to the front and asked to see him. The volunteer that helped me was kind and helpful. I asked if I could have the night to think about it (while I really wanted this dog my roommate was not entirely on board yet so I needed to double check that he wouldn't lose it). I asked the volunteer if they could sort of hold the dog for me. He said they couldn't hold it exactly but would call me if someone seemed interested and if I could come down right then they would let me have him. They did also take him off their website for the day.
SO after a night of discussing I did end up going back the next day to adopt a small dog who was said to be 5 months and cost $185. HERE is why the shelter is receiving 2 stars: once I took my dog to my vet, she said there is no way he's only 5 months. Her estimate is 2-4 years. Upon further look at his paperwork, the vet at the shelter had also aged my dog at 4 years, with his birthdate listed as March 2011. They charged me for a puppy, and I lost 2 years with my sweet little dog.
The shelter did earn 2 stars only because the dog I adopted was healthy and is sincerely a fabulous dog. Definitely CHECK THE PAPERS BEFORE THEY CHARGE YOU.