Ours is a shelter dog, but not abused, just neglected and dropped off at the shelter because they decided he wasn't a cute little puppy any more, so they didn't want him. Had him for a year and a half, and everyone we meet comments about what a sweet and loving dog he is.
Everyone who wants a pet should have to get one from a shelter. Most of the time, the animals that are there and up for adoption are there through no fault of their own and make much better pets that mass-produced 'puppy mills' can ever turn out.

And before someone comments on the mess- this is the mud/storage room, combination dog heaven and repository for stuff that's too old or junky to be used every day, but still too useful to throw out.
This is him pouting because the kitten we just got (also a rescue- he was found abandoned and abused on the side of the road not far from our house) doesn't want to play with him (I'm serious, the poor dog has a complex now).