[RoyalHam]

I've had hams appear at shelters at just the right times, and they've always been exactly the ham I was waiting for. Have you checked local listings like Craigslist as well? I've seen hams on there up for adoption by people who can no longer care for them, and that way you are keeping a ham out of shelter which is just as admirable. After that I'd say a reputable hamstery is best. But depending on where you live I'd say circumstances are very different. If you're in a major city I would personally wait, but if you're in middle of nowhere Ontario and can't drive to another city to find a ham that's different.