I also think a lot of people use the term rescue dogs to cover shelter dogs and puppy mill dogs, which is true and not true depending on how you slice the pie.

Rescue dogs seem to be just that, rescued dogs. Sometimes abused, malnourished, or neglected dogs with human contact that may not have always been in a positive light.

Shelter dogs are usually strays, abandoned, or unwanted dogs.

Puppy mill dogs are usually used by shitty breeders just to breed and make money, usually having piss poor living conditions like being caged up and no human contact.

Most anywhere you go you will be able to "meet" the dog and spend some time with it before adopting.



On another note, I think six months or so ago, shelters got so bad in North Carolina, specifically Cumberland County and in the Raleigh area that dogs were only getting 1-3 days before they were put down due to the high intake of unwanted dogs, usually those bought from breeders by impulsive owners.