Adoption workers tell us one of the toughest things to watch is a foster child age out of the system, never to find a place to call home.

But that's what could happen to 17-year old Tomas.  Yet, all those who know Tomas insist that whoever takes him home will be the one blessed.

Tomas is a typical teenager, and he loves sports, especially basketball.  So we arranged for him to meet former NBA star Corliss Williamson, who now coaches the UCA basketball team.

"Being a coach and player, I've had the opportunity to see plenty of kids from different backgrounds," says Williamson.  "You hate to see it when they don't have that steady environment, of parents at home."

Yet that is a spot-on description of Tomas' life.  He has no parents, no home, no family to care for or love him.  In fact, he never really knows where he'll be next.

"Foster families," he says.  "Facilities, anything they can find."

What is the most difficult part of your job?

Have you ever been asked that question?  Most of us have.  As a practicing veterinarian, the answer has to be euthanasia, putting a pet "to sleep."  The heartbreak travels from the pet owner to the veterinarian, to the assistants, to the secretary.  It has to be one of the most difficult, saddest moments.

To quote an author from Parade Magazine, "We've come to embrace our animals as family members.  We are not meant to lose our children.  And yet we take pets on, knowing we'll have to lose them.  It's the package deal, to the very end."  I could not have said it better.

But what makes euthanasia even more heartbreaking is when I recommend a treatment or referral to a specialist, and the client cannot pursue my recommendation because of money.  We all understand it.  Everything costs, and nothing is free.  The euthanasia procedure do

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Officials at the Arkansas State Fair extend an invitation to all Arkansans to come out and experience the fun, food, thrills and excitement at the 2011 Arkansas State Fair, which runs Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 23. For ten days in October, patrons can enjoy a variety of free concerts, great food, livestock competitions, various creative arts contests, interesting attractions, professional bull riding and much more. The diversity of entertainment is sure to please everyone.

The 2011 Arkansas State Fair offers a variety of special values to ensure that everyone has a great time at great prices. According to Ralph Shoptaw, general manager of the Fair, Arkansans can find special deals every day of the Fair.