Great thread.
I agree wholeheartedly. There should certainly be an award with recognition for these silent helpers.
I thank my long suffering hubby for the times on Xmas eve, Xmas day, New Years eve, New Years day (0800) when there have been urgent calls for rescue, problems with foster, adoption calls, surrender calls, Hubby hasn't thrown my phone in the loo (or the computer). He has trekked out to kennels on his weekends. 4 out of 5 days of precious annual leave spent on transporting dogs to and from transport, kennels, vet, foster carers. He puts up with my moods when I am frustrated, angry or upset by the phone calls, emails, pounds or owners.
Certainly would be a lonelier and more difficult task without these vital people in our lives - and I agree it sometimes warrants remembering that they, and our own animals, should remain the priority. Which sometimes gets forgotten in the overwhelming volume of emails, phone calls and tasks.