Rescues come in many varieties from physical to emotional. This week we're thinking about the rescuers we appreciate, those we take for granted and some we hope we never need.

Teens to the rescue

The Tri-Tech students' good deed this week of helping Spot-O-Faith Farm with its horse-rescue operation gives us two reasons to smile.

First, we appreciate the animal rescue operations in our community. We have several, and they take on a big responsibility.

Second, we love Tri-Tech. It helps kids be successful in high school -- and beyond -- by allowing them to earn required graduation credits in a hands-on approach.

Kids who go to Tri-Tech spend their time learning employable skills in 18 different disciplines, from culinary arts to auto body technology to law enforcement and firefighting.

We spend a lot of time talking about higher education, but here are programs that give real training to students while they're still in high school.

For some kids who don't do as well in a traditional high school setting, Tri-Tech rescues them and gives them hope for the future (and job skills to go with it.)

Type "Tri-Tech Skills Center" into any internet search engine for a link to the schools website for a full list of programs and more.

Dogs ready to be adopted

Another recent example of animal rescues is the continuing story of a homeless pregnant dog that was taken in on Christmas Eve.

She was delivered by emergency Cesarean section thanks to veterinarian Charles Coleman.

Those puppies are now ready for adoption.

And for every cute little puppy that needs a home, several grown dogs and cats are available at adoption agencies throughout the Mid-Columbia.

Thanks to everyone who helped in this case, but the bigger issue of animal control is a long way from resolution.

Water robot

Franklin County now has a search-and-rescue robot to help with water rescues.

It has taken Deputy Terry Brown two years to come up with the $83,000 purchase price.

It is our hope that the robot only gets used in training and never has to be deployed for an actual rescue or -- even worse -- recovery.

Most likely, our hope will not be realized.

We live near some beautiful water. Unfortunately, it is also dangerous. Every year, the rivers and lakes in the Mid-Columbia claim additional lives.

Even though it's not swimming season, it soon will be. Be respectful and cautious when on and near the water.

Poet laureate

The title of poet laureate sounds medieval but is really quite modern. And Washington's newest holder of that title is a Bomber (Columbia High Class of '79).

Kathleen Flenniken, now living in Seattle, is also a wife, mother and engineer.

The Washington state Poet Laureate serves to build awareness and appreciation of poetry -- including the state's legacy of poetry -- through public readings, workshops, lectures and presentations in communities, schools, colleges, universities and other public settings in geographically diverse areas of the state.

It's a whole different kind of rescue mission.

She's busy, but what an interesting task.

Perhaps there is a need in the state for a bard as well?