Wow - the "Meaning of Rescue," really knocked my socks off. It is so darn true.. I volunteer for a humane society in the area. I take dogs to PetsMart in hopes of attracting new owners for them. I really enjoy spending the time with the dogs, and it is amazing - and sad - to see how quickly they bond to us on those Saturday afternoons. Most of these dogs have been in several homes, and all of them are so special. Taking them back to the shelter and leaving them is quite depressing. And, a few that we have become attached to have been killed. (They call it euthanasia, but I think euthanasia is for suffering sick animals - these dogs have only been at the shelter too long.) I'm sick to death of people and their "new" puppies when there are all these wonderful recycled canines and cats needing homes. I also volunteer at the Ferret Nook. It is comforting to know the ferrets brought in there will get to stay until a good home is found for them. Thanks for the great poem about rescue. I recently adopted a dog with some baggage, but he is living in his last home - along with three cats and five ferrets. [Posted in FML issue 2684]