This is a horrific story with a wonderful ending.I had a terrible time euthanizing my canine companion of nearly 16 years,in a situation which was very clear cut. I can't imagine holding your sweet Riley as he breathed his last breath, with questions in your mind as to whether it was really necessary. Thankfully we have rescue groups that came forward quickly with an alternative to ending Riley's life. The lack of response and lack of contact from the veterinarian concerns me greatly. There could be any number of reasons for this but whatever they may be -a professional must have the courtesy and the courage to meet with the family and express the reasons for the behaviour and the error. You, as a foster care giver, had the courage to ask to hold you precious Riley during the planned procedure to relieve his future unrelievable suffering. You also had the courage to ask for a retest, even before you noticed the note regarding the blood sample. I also thank Forgotten Felines and Orphan Kitten Rescue for their example of practising real animal welfare, unlike the SPCA which offers their one and only intervention for too many situations.I believe there are a number of lessons we can all learn from your experience, some expected and some more subtle. What I realize is that fostering involves many Specialized skills which I myself did not think much about until now. Aside from care and rehabilitation, we also take on all responsibility as an advocate for every animal in our home,and often for those that are not. This point brings me back to a statement which was made in a recent post on the AAS Message Board regarding the meaning of "welfare", being unchanged Whether the word animal, child, adult, or person with disabilities is placed together with the word welfare itself. I can now see that same premise applies to advocacy. There are many agencies which have staff and volunteers who are advocates for women, children in need of protection, persons with disabilities and other members of society. Advocacy does not change its' meaning when the word "animal" replaces women, children, victims of violence or sexual abuse victims. Advocacy remains the act of supporting, speaking for, being alongside and helping the recipient to be given the opportunity to be heard and to have their needs explained,assessed and met as best as is possible. We must never sell ourselves short by minimizing the scope of the work that we do as an advocate for animals. We have absorbed information, learned skills and are prepared to speak for the helpless, voiceless animals we have accepted responsibility for. Riley's brush with death is a perfect example of the meaning, importance and inspiration of true "animal" welfare and "animal" advocacy. Great job Jean!!