I am thinking of adopting a pet.

[Squidney]

I think it's great you are considering rescuing from a shelter.
I work with a non-profit cat rescue group in my city, we take as many cats as we can from the kill shelters and foster them until we find them good, permanent homes. Most of the animals at shelters have been dumped by people who did not care to give them a lifetime commitment of love, shelter, medical care, etc. once the novelty wore off.
I think people who rescue previously given up pets are AMAZING for deciding to give an abandoned animal a forever home, so I wish you the best, and hey, if you decide to go through with it, come back and post pics of the lucky baby!