Most of my pets are rescues even if I wasn't the one who rescued them.

Obviously the rescuers are heroes and deserve great praise. But those like me, who provide forever homes, are also doing something good.

My last collie, who I got from a rescue organization, was 10 years old when I adopted her. She had been horribly abused. The foster mom had done so much to rehabilitate her, but I still had work to do.

The first time I touched her butt, she whirled around and snapped at me. She was very careful not to break my skin, though, I could see both her restraint and her fear and it deeply touched my heart.

I've never actually rescued dogs, though I've adopted them from rescue organizations or shelters. However, I've rescued cats. That can be tough at times.

One of the kittens I rescued was sick with a respiratory infection. I took her to the vet, gave her antibiotics - and she died. It was heartbreaking.

Anyway, I think that people who adopt an animal from a rescue organization or a shelter are still doing an excellent thing. Those who rescue animals can be overwhelmed and by providing a forever home, people who take in the rescues are helping to make sure that more animals can be saved and supporting those who do the hard, necessary work of rescue.