AAS does not usually rehome dogs who have owners to do that. If we did, the list would grow by 100 requests a day from people looking for a quick, free, fix for their "unwanted pet problem".

But this story that came to us amid all the requests for money and fixes was different. The mother had died, leaving her children, their father, and her dog, and all of them were in distress. Eight-year old Duchess was "Mom's dog" and now she was seldom walked and was alone too much. Her nails were like hooks, and she was alarmingly thin. The family had tried to find her a new home without success, and were just about to put her down when AAS found out.

In less than 48 hours, we connected with a wonderful Great Dane lover, went with her to visit Duchess, and Duchess went home. In less than an hour we had more good news - old Duchess was romping like a pup in the backyard with Vinny and Zsazsa, everyone ate nicely, and were settling in like best friends.

We wish we could help Duchess's family; we would if we could. We will have the cat neutered. Sadly, that is the extent of our ability to help them. Animal rescue is full of rewards; there never needs to be an unhappy ending with animals. Unless the animal is suffering from unrelievable disease or injury, there is no justification for an unhappy ending, except for a lack of compassion or a lack of ethics or a lack of will.

It was the "Flying Nun" ears that couldn't be resisted!