@tko7800 – Firstly, I strongly believe in using one’s gifts (be it money, time, skills, or whatever) in a focused effort to do good in the world. However It has been my unfortunate experience that most charitable organization I donate money to will “reward” me with a subsequent steady stream of junk mail and telephone solicitations “thanking” me for my support and asking for additional funds. I cannot help but believe that for the most part these organizations spend the vast majority (if not more) of what I donate to fund those solicitation efforts, which in turn makes me a bit skeptical/cynical about the actual effectiveness of the cash donations I make to most of those organizations. Perhaps your charity navigator link can help with choosing a bit more wisely.
As for saving the puppies, I have two rescues, one of which was abandoned and the other who found me while wandering our neighborhood as a stray. Both now receive more love and care (sadly) than most kids.
As for people, I quite agree that there is a feeling of those homeless folks having a chance to help themselves. I generally don’t hand out money, but on those days when I don’t get around to eating my lunch, should I happen to stop at a corner on my way home with a deserving looking soul I am happy to give it to them. I really sincerely wish I had a real jobs to offer these folks (I’m talkin’ a job with a livable wage that would be available long term for those who are willing to show up and do it) . It would be an interesting study to see how many would take me up on the initial offer and how many would actually continue to return to work for more than a week.