Just as life has it's ups and downs, so does a rescue.  Recently we were able to pull an older beagle girl from the shelter.  She had been turned in by her owner, who apparently kept her in the yard her entire life.  The excuse was that she had started barking.  Ruby, AKA Speck, is a tiny beagle girl, never spayed, probably bred several times and left alone in someones backyard her whole life.  Her immediate apparent needs were food, a bath and dental attention.  Myra took her home, bathed her, fed her soft food and put her in a warm bed.  She wakes up in the middle of the night crying and Myra picks her up and comforts her.  Holding her is a wonderful experience, she is quiet in your arms and although we really have no way of knowing, you can feel that she appreciates your warmth and kindness.  Ruby went to the vet today and we were told that she is 13 or 14 and aside from her severe dental issues, she has bordatella and several mammary tumors that should be removed and biopsied.  The vet said that she is a hospice rescue.  We will make sure she gets all the medical attention she needs to be comfortable and she will live a safe and happy life with Myra.  We will be there for her, whatever she may need.
Although we started our rescue to help dogs like Ruby, we are always heartbroken when we find that all that we want for them is not possible.  But we have accomplished something, Ruby will not die alone in a shelter.