Getting your kids involved in rescuing a dog would be very, very cool Tracie! :) You might want to check out breed rescue, too, while you're at it. There's a rescue organization for every breed of dog -- My lifemate, John, and I happen to be miniature pinscher rescue volunteers.
Here's the website for I.M.P.S. (Internet Miniature Pinscher Service) where you can see pictures of minpins waiting for their "Forever Home":
http://minpinlist.tripod.com/imps/dogs.html
-- Nanaea