My 'little rescue' consists of taking senior and unadoptable dogs into my home for the rest of their lifetimes. When they are deemed by my very compassionate vet to be in pain that is untreatable, this vet comes to my home where the pet curls up on their own blanket out in his/her own peaceful backyard, and calmly goes to sleep.
I have had dogs who were unable to adjust to the others in my home, and who had behavioural issues so problematic that many people advised me to put them down. In spite of paying trainers thousands of dollars, these poor fellows had been treated so badly that they simply could not adapt to living with other dogs. The solution was quite easy, of course - to find them good homes where they are the only dog; happily, they are all now living a wonderful life in homes where they are adored.
I wonder how often even humane euthanasia is used to solve problems and take the easy way out - easy for the humans, that is?
Isn't that exactly what is happening to the bunnies and feral cats all over our communities?
If the issue with animals will cost money, just kill them by the cheapest method available; after all, they're just animals and they've always been fair game.
It's a shame that those who condone the cruel killing of living beings that are deemed a nuisance cannot live by the creed offered by Albert Sweitzer: "Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight."