Marie, I have dealt with shelters for MANY years.
In my area, they not only treat the dogs like crap, they also treat humans like crap.
Also, in my area (Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County, San Diego, etc)
We cannot figure out the "RULES". Big surprise, as they can't seem to know their right from their left. You would think, within a shelter, the same rules would apply, yet can't get a flippin' answer to save your life.
I've been set, many times to pull a dog. The shelter knew the time I was coming, just to find out they euthanized the very dog, THEY KNEW, I was on my way to pull.
I've also had a "hold" on many dogs, which I drove, thru LA traffic, for hours, just to find out they adopted a sickly dog to a private party, with small children, and the dog needed extensive medical treatment. Yep, I've had those little ones, ultimately, surrendered back to me. What a shame the dog had to go thru that crap.
We do have a handful of good "shelter" people, but the majority are a death sentence to most.
Bless Sarah, and the little pooch. Sorry, I don't have an answer. You would think, thru the years, I would.