Why is there a fee to adopt a rescue dog?

[Mr.Bill]

49. I paid $300 for my rescue mutt.

That's a lot, I know, but the rescue organization I got her from rescues dogs from kill shelters who would be euthanized because they have medical problems, and the shelters don't have the funds to pay to correct these issues and make them adoptable. While my dog's only problem was that she was malnourished, I figure some of the money I paid for her helped other dogs.

My dog was rescued from a kill shelter 700 miles from here, and they drove there to get her. They paid to have her spayed, microchipped and a professional groomer donated her services to make her more presentable. These were all procedures I would have had to pay for with any other dog, and while it may have cost less, the entire $300 I paid the rescue organization was tax deductible. She is four years old now, and is a wonderful little dog.

I know not everyone can afford to pay what I did, and the rescue people would have worked something out with a good adoptive parent. I'm glad I was able to contribute. I figure because I was fortunate enough at the time to pay more, others may have been asked to pay less.