FYI--Recently retired from the Federal Government. I did a Katrina mission to offer counseling to those who lost their homes. However, I was asked to volunteer in a pet shelter because the pets were abandoned due to the crisis at hand. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I figured I could do it, if I didn't look the pets straight in the eye (to prevent the heartbreak and the tears from flowing). Well, one little doggie who was in the corner of her pen shaking and shivering, grabbed ahold of my ankle as I was walking out of her pen (after cleaning it and feeding and watering her) and she wouldn't let go. She dragged her little butt along the concrete flooring as I tried to close the gate. I broke down into tears immediately and said "okay, I'll take you home with me and the cat in the pen next to you". Yes, I rescued them both... Or should I say they rescued me..from Empty Nest Syndrome. They have brought so much love into my life! My Mississippi Mud Pie (Boston Terrier) has now gone to Doggie Heaven and I want to provide love to other's pets in honor of her memory.