I've been fostering as a volunteer for this shelter for about six months and have a huge level of pride for them. They bring in sick, injured, and abandoned dogs and save their lives, no matter how much the vet bill costs. They also rescue countless dogs from the euthanasia list at county, healthy dogs who will be put down simply because the pound is full and there isn't room for another chihuahua or Pitt.
Does the shelter look crowded and smell like dogs? Yes. But have you been to the pound? The conditions here are as good as a shelter can possibly be (and far better than the pound), and they've recently gone through a major renovation.
Long story short, they do amazing things here. I've cared for some very special dogs and have helped them into their forever homes because of this rescue. If you want to skip the shelter experience, troll their facebook page for dogs in foster homes. You can talk to the foster parents, get photos and videos of the dog, and play with them in a natural home environment that way. Now go and find your future furbaby!