How to put pet up for adoption

I am in desperate need of putting my dog up for adoption. I am unable to care for her and provide her with the home she needs due to changes in my life.
   
I have no clue how to go about this as I have never had to give up on a pet. It breaks my heart to have to do this, but it is my penny's best interest.
   
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Post an ad on Craigslist or petfinder.com and/or place an ad in your local newspaper.
   
The newspaper ad will not be free but some papers do have a special section for pet adoption and at least if someone sees the ad in the paper they'll be fairly local.
   
You do not have to surrender your pet to the first person who comes along, but bear in mind that there are more homeless dogs than there are homes available so it is not a 'seller's market' as it were.
   
If someone contacts you, do not meet at your home. Offer to meet them at a park so they don't know where you live.
   
A park is good because the dog is allowed to be there and there will be other people around but any public place where you can bring a dog is fine.
   
Don't wear any jewelry and don't carry a purse or a lot of cash, credit cards, etc.
   
Get to the meeting place early and park your car in a crowd so the person does not know which car is yours. This is particularly important if you drive a new and/or fancy car.
   
The world is full of nut jobs, scammers and downright thieves. Don't make yourself an easy mark.
   
Good luck, hope you find a great new home for your dog.