Originally Posted By: Mike
It is the act of helping them, and guiding them towards the path that is most conducive to their happiness,


According to your own diagnosis...

Originally Posted By: AllenA
Even the most earnest of nature lovers who advocate setting animals found in the wild free will take them in and nurse them back to health.


This presumes they want to accept help

and

...also presumes somewhat of a sanctimonious attitude that we know what's best for them.

That WE have the medicine to heal them.

Two very big presumptions.

What happens through time as you try to "guide" them and they choose not be?

Anger?

Resentment?

Or

Acceptance that we cannot control (guide may be a euphemism for this IMO)

and

Our resentment and anger gives way to a deeper understanding.

My goal is to some day be the person my dog thinks I am