I know they're not the greatest, but if your really strapped for cash, places like petco, petsmart and walmart have the cardboard ones... I originally had one for Ollie just til I could get some cash together for a soft sided one I got from Petsmart... if you do go with cardboard, I suggest not holding it by the handle but carrying it from underneath for extra support... I think Ollie's soft sided carrier was like $35... (sorry, I don't know anything about St. Paul, so I don't know what types of stores are near you
I think there are other people from around there on here though)
Petsmart clearence... $5 for Gigis new "purse" org price was 35 ... Garage sales ( bargins galore just need to make sure to sanitize)... Everyday value Walmart
If you are good with your hads you can get a storage bin and put a bunch of small holes in it and a towel at the bottom and they are like $5 at target. One way i got around it and saved money. Plus they are alittle bigger inside than a carrier.