Totally agree with you!!! There is no better way to learn is by getting in there an participating.
We had been very involved with on Dane rescue here. Sadly to say the woman that ran it passed away. Those of us that either worked there full time, or volunteered in what ever capacity never found out what happen to the animals at the site. It has always bothered me terribly. And this has been a few years back.
But your right.........it will bring you back to reality real quick.
Dragon