Get pet insurance, we didn't and our dog has needed hip dysplasia surgery and ended up getting an auotimmune disorder that cost us $6000 for three days in the animal hospital.

Oh, and pick a good rescue. We used Castle of Dreams in central jersey - they rescue animals from kill shelters in the south. If you're looking for a specific kind of dog, you can tell them and they can call you when they see one.

We also used a dog trainer who came to our house, I think it was The Social Dog? She was affordable and very helpful.

oh, and get a good harness - we use a freedom harness and our dog LOVES it, when we grab the harness he knows he is either going for a walk or going to the vet (and he loves the vet because he gets to meet a lot of people)