Each year somewhere around 6 to 8 million dogs, cats and other animals in the United States end up in shelters - and about half of those are eventually euthanized. The number of these "animals in need" has reached epidemic proportions and continues to grow. "No kill" and "low kill" shelters are forced to turn away animals because they simply don't have room for them. If you're interested in trying to do something for these homeless animals and rescue them from what in many cases amounts to "death row," then this book can offer some advice on helping your local shelter and adopting or fostering shelter pets. In addition, there are chapters on how to keep your adopted pet safe and healthy and how to deal with sick or injured pets, plus a few stories about actual dogs, cats and parrots that my family and I have rescued. We all have many other things to deal with besides animals in shelters. But if you or anyone you know is thinking about getting a dog, cat or other animal, please contact your local "city pound," animal shelter, or special breed rescue group and take a look at some of these homeless animals. If you're looking for a great companion, there are so many of them there - lost, abandoned or unwanted - please consider giving one of them a chance at a "forever home."