The decisions you make on behalf of your dog will determine not only the quality of his life, but even whether he will live or die. Unfortunately, you will have to guard against turning your dog over to people who may present themselves as a legitimate applicants, but in reality are in the business of acquiring dogs, especially pure breed dogs for harmful purposes. Brittanys can be and are used bait for fighting dogs, and they're sold to labs for experimentation, and tortured by occult gangs. As with any other breed or mix, sadly many are abandoned to die of starvation and disease, maimed or killed by cars, and dumped at animal pounds to face euthanasia. Please don't rush your pet to an animal shelter.
Shelters are the place of last resort for lost and abandoned animals.
They are not placement centers for pets. If your dog has heartworms or even the slightest health or behavioral problems, it will be euthanized immediately in most shelters. Shelters have a difficult time placing older dogs and those with special needs. The vast majority of animals that enter shelters are euthanized. Be sure your dog is current on its shots, is spayed or neutered, is on heartworm preventative and has had a recent heartworm test.