header

Sprite

Here is a picture of Sprite

Sprite 1

48 Responses

  1. Ruby Klement Says:

    Your Sprite looks remarkably like my Poky in the face, (Poke is a 15 year old Brittany) I wish I had access to his pictures at this moment, I will submit one soon.

  2. Laura from L.A. Says:

    OH MY MY MY….Looks like you just took a bath!! Your curly hair looks like mine!! TOO CUTE!!

  3. susan scharenguivel Says:

    Sprite is such a sweet looking dog my Cheyanne looks alot like Sprite. I can’t wait to read your book

  4. Steve Shiver Says:

    Mrs. Levin,

  5. Steve Shiver Says:

    Mrs. Levin,

    Your husband is a lucky man. A good woman, family and dog is part of the key to happiness. Good for you, Mark.

    Steve Shiver

  6. sherry powell Says:

    “Jawsie Girl” is my baby. Jawser is 14 yrs.old, a rotweiller and german sherpard . “Star” is part boxer, and she looks like a tiger. We joke and tell her all the time, she is very lucky she doesn’t live in China, someone would be wearing you. “Lexi” Lexicon was our Rotweiller, she is gone now, her ashes, collar and picture still sit on a shelve in this home. “Scooter” she’s the baby,6mths.old and the terror of the neighborhood. We live rural, country, no fences and definately no chains. We have armed our neighbors with huge water guns, vinegar and have replaced shoes and such. She is so cute but such a terror. She is the Scooternator.
    Thank you, Mark Levin. I will read your book.
    Sincerely,
    Lexi the Licker
    Jawsie the Jealous
    Star the Stalker
    Scooternator and
    Sherry, the Mom
    PS, I have pictures of all my doogies, but unable to upload them, I have tried.

  7. Miriam Says:

    I am so sorry for your loss of Sprite. What a lovable face. I understand completely. My husband and I brought a brindle Spanish Greyhound back with us from Spain(years ago). Her name was Brandy. We had her for 14 years. We got her, because someone threw her out at a garbage dumpster(she must have been the runt). I still miss her. She was so loving and sweet. We would ask her to be a “silly girl” and she would roll over on her back and throw her paw over her nose. She slept on our bed. I miss her soo much.
    Thank you for your featuring Sprite. I haven’t read your book, yet, but hope to soon. I believe dogs are God’s gifts to us; they show such unconditional love. We now have a yellow Lab named Joy!
    Thank you again, Mark!

  8. dave Says:

    I like the stories from people and their pets. We really become attached to them don’t we. I’ve lost two mini schnauzers one at 12 and one 14. It really is hard to loose a pet that you have loved for so many years. A dog really is the only animal that loves you more than it does itself. We now have another mini schnauzer he is 3 and a great little dog.
    Dave in Kent WA

  9. Geoff R Leonard Says:

    Dogs have evolved with man over thousands of years. I believe that Sprit and the ones here today have been the product of natural selection and results in the profound empathy these animals have. Better for Sprite to have existed than not at all and by the looks of things Sprite fulfilled a mission few have.

  10. Eva Jordan Says:

    Have ordered you book and looking forward to read the good the bad and the ugly times.
    Thanks for taking time to write a book. It must be very hard to evn get started on Resquing sprite.

  11. Julie Says:

    Mark, God blessed you with sprite, and your other four legged children,now he has blessed us with your new book. I can’t wait to write my stories, one of which was the factor in my daughters destiny. Thank you for everything you do, especially the “good” fight. Julie

  12. Kurt Oswald Says:

    Mr. Levin,
    I had the oppertunity to hear your touching story last night on Hannity & colmbs. My heart goes out to you and your family on the loss of Sprite.
    Your comments regarding the devistation you’re experiencing mirror my own as I recently lost my Chocolate lab to cancer 2 weeks and 2 days shy of his 11th birthday.
    Soon, I would like to submit my story.
    Again, please accept my heart-felt condolences.
    ~Kurt Oswald

  13. Georges LeBlanc Says:

    My Wife (of 24 years) has had to deal with a lot on her own while I was on active duty in the Marine Corps. She had to have our 14 year old Golden Retrever “Puff” put down while I was deployed to Okinawa. I knew then that I never had to worry about her being able to accomplish tough tasks while I was gone. Puff died in her arms and I think your book will be very therapudic for her. Is there any way I can purchase a signed copy for her? I expect that her experience was much like yours. Thanks and Semper Fi. Georges LeBlanc LtCol USMC Ret

  14. Sandy Says:

    I’m reading your book, and crying since I know “someday” I will have two less dogs. Well all I have is two right now, but I know that as it appears, I will out live them, since dogs are given too few years to share with us.

    There was my first dog Gretchen, then Missy, and my first dog as an adult, Nugget, then all the dogs I cared for when I wasn’t able to have one of my own, (serving on active duty in the Air Force and working shift work is not fair to the dog)since retiring we have two, and maybe will have more. I can no longer see a time without a dog to share it.

  15. Judith C. Willison Says:

    Dear Mark: I had a beautiful black and white Border Collie mix, named China. Our son bought her at college (and named her “China” because she looked like fine China)and she and I fell in love and I finally got to keep her when our son moved to California. She was 3 when she came to live with me and lived until she was 11. She died at the foot of my bed five days after my father died. It was so hard to lose a beloved parent and best friend at the same time.

  16. George Gilkenson Says:

    Dear Mark;

    I look forward to reading your book in the near future. I lost my dear Lucy a week ago after she was struck by a car… I’m still in shock, but I look forward to the book after I’ve had some more time.. I hope Sprite and Lucy have met on the other side…

  17. Connie Chauvel-Gomez Says:

    can’t wait to purchase your book, Mark…I am a pet-sitter, lover of dogs, and former Mum to four Beagles (was a breeder).
    We now have a 12-yr( a guess as noone knows for sure)old Beagle, Bagel, who was dumped at Best Friends Anial Sanctuary, three years ago. Our little guy survived pneumonia and Cancer; he now has Mast Cell tumors, Liver disease and Cushings. We are doing all we can to make him comfortable yet keep him with us as long as possible. (After saying “goodbye” to four Beags in the past 12 years, we did not want another dog…until we met Bagel! He is the Sweetest, most loving (to humans and other animals) canine I have ever met!!
    Please pray the Poly-MVA, etc., helps us have our Boy much longer; though it is Never long enough.
    I cling to the fact that I will one day be with my “kids” in Heaven, for Eternity!!!
    Bless you, Mark!
    Connie

  18. AnnaMaria Emerine Says:

    What a beautiful dog. How can you not love that face. God Bless you Mrs. Levin for rescuing Sprite.

  19. Sandra Bacon Says:

    After reading Rescuing Sprite I wanted to say something to Mark, but when I read David Limbaughs letter I knew it had already been said so I will just say Thank You Mark. I thought I was the only person in the world to kiss my dogs on the nose, and whisper in their ears. I have even licked them on their ears. When I saw you on Sean Hennitys t.v. interview and your picture on your book, I see a wonderful compassionate human being who is totally in touch with his soul. My husband is now reading Rescuing Sprite, and I hope he learns its O.K. to be a softie. I love that in a man. Thanks again Mark.

  20. Don Smith Says:

    Mark-I listen to your radio show on my way home from work each night. Besides the humor and intelligence you convey on your show, I especially admire the the passion with which you discuss the various topics, like the libs and our country. I just bought Rescuing Sprite and can’t wait to read it. I have an amazing video of my Boston Terrier, Dublin, that I would like to email to you. She plays catch with herself. She shoots a little rubber ball out of her mouth up against a wall and catches it on the rebound. We call it “Wallball”. She just turned 1 year old and she makes us laugh. My wife and I have become so attached to her that we would have the same difficulty handling her loss if something were to happen to her as you did. If you have a generic email address, I could send it to you. I know you would get a laugh out of it.

  21. Rachel Says:

    My boyfriend bought your book this morning, being a dog lover and a fan of yours, and I began reading it first. I finished it because I could not put it down.

    I am a recently new pet owner of two beautiful puppies and cried as I read your book. I hope it will be a long time before I have to experience the loss of one of them but I know that after reading your book it will be just as heartbreaking as I can only imagine.

    My heart reaches out to you as the year anniversary is approaching. My prayer are with you and your family.

    Rachel, Cincinnati, Oh

  22. Andrea Says:

    Dear Mr Levin,

    My husband, an ardant fan of yours sent me the link to your website for Rescuing Sprite prior to it’s release. He knows my passion for all creatures great and small and knew your book would be cathartic for me.
    I had the opportunity to purchase your book last night and finished it in one sitting. I was capivated by your unabashed candor personally and professionally. I never gave much thought to the fact that there could be an alter ego of mine in this world with the same love and adoration for his pets as I have. I thank you for sharing on such a personal level. I have lived your pain many times in my lifetime having to say goodbye to many cherished pets. They are gone but never forgotten. I hold dear, the words of Gretchen Jackson on the loss of her beloved racehorse Barbaro…” Certainly,grief is the price we pay for love”.
    My only wish is that all dogs everywhere could experience what it is to be loved.
    I thank you and your family for “rescuing” Sprite.

  23. Kathleen Says:

    I love your book, Mark. I love your passion about dogs, politics, and life in general. You are a role model for us all. I absolutely adore you. I had the honor of both meeting you at BookRevue in Huntington and speaking to you live on the air on 11/30/07. That was the greatest thing for me. Keep up the good work.

    Kathleen, Valley stream, Long Island, N.Y.

    P.S. I am glad that you did not quite radio. Your job is very important. It is just as important as mine. (I’m a nurse) You keep the country informed and that is so important!

  24. Allyson Cunningham Says:

    I just bought your book this morning. I was crying all morning while I read your heartfelt story. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Sprite. I am going to tell everyone I know to read your book, especially all of my animal-lover friends. I have (2) 13 year old Lhasa’s and one is in failing health with diabetes. They are my children and I am dreading the day when they are no longer in my life. We also have (3) Saint Bernards and they are so amazing. One of my Saint Bernards is named Winston. He is my big 185lb baby. He has changed my life more than any other dog I have ever had. He is best friend and he is my world. He has such a huge heart and such a kind soul. He is 3 years old and not a day goes by that I don’t think about the day when he won’t be in my life. I get emotional everytime I think about that. It is amazing how dogs can change our lives. I have lost loved ones and the grief I had for losing a pet felt so much worse which is a terrible thing to say but it is different. You have moments where you don’t know how you are going to go on without your beloved pet. With time, the days start to get a little easier but not a day goes by that you don’t think about them. I just wanted to thank you again for such an amazing book and thank you for sharing that with all of us.

  25. Michael Zubik Says:

    Mark,
    Thank you for such a well written and emotional book. I can truly understand how heart broken you can be. As an elder gentlemen, I find it hard to hold tears back as I read about Sprites deteriorating health. My wife and I had a sweet Golden/Shepherd mix. Unfortunately we had to give her away due to a military retirement move. We found out in less than a year of giving her away that they put her down. Katy was brought up as a pup with just my wife and I. Due to the neighbor kids continually teasing her (when she was outside), it caused her to grow up not caring for children too much. The elderly couple we gave her to decided they no longer wanted her. She went to a shelter where she was adopted by a family with children. She unfortunately did not get along to well with the kids. They returned her back to the shelter where they destroyed her. I regret this until this day, and that was 10 years ago. Since then, my wife and I have adopted another Golden Retreiver from Texas Golden Retreiver Rescue. Starting to read your book has given me a more love and appreciation for our dog Lexi. I look forward to my morning and evening walks which I think she does as well. She is our spoiled Lexi that my wife and I love dearly. I will never ever make the mistake I made the first time. The Lord willing, Lexi will be with us until her days end naturally. Others may think we are crazy, but we don’t mind. Thank you again Mark for showing your tender side and writing such a powerful and emotional book. I hope to buy many more copies and hand out to other dog lovers.

    Mike, McKinney, TX

  26. Stacey Kelly Says:

    Dear, Mr. Levine

    My husband and daughter gave me your book for my birthday which I could not put down until I finished it. As I was reading your book I could see myself in your shoes when the time comes for my Dutchess and I. Dutchess is our 15 year old Border Collie along with Oreo 11 years and Dakota 9 years they are Border Collies as well. She has shared so much with me from getting married to my husband, John “Daddy”, watching our daughter grow up, and traveling the world. I feel truely honored that she has chosen me to be her Mommy. As she lays beside me and groans because I am interupting her sleep I will cherish every moment I have with her you have down with Sprite, Pepsi and Grifffen. My heart goes out to you and your family over losing Sprite, but he is always with you wherever you go.

    Stacey and Dutchess Riverview,Fl.

  27. Michelle Graning Says:

    I enjoyed your book tremendously. I laughed and I cried. God Bless you for writing this book. I really needed it. Sprite was such a beautiful dog. He was lucky to have you.

  28. Kathleen Says:

    Dear Mark.
    Sprite was an angel. I totally understand how you feel. This book made me cry for a good 2 days straight. I listen to you every night and you are so warm and caring. God Bless you and your family and merry Christmas.

    Kathleen From Long Island

  29. Jessica W. Says:

    I stumbled across your book on Amazon and added it to my Christmas Wish List. My husband reluctantly gave it to me after reading reviews that it was sad. It took me no time to read it, because I could not put it down. It certainly did make me cry though, a whole box of tissues worth!

    Mark, it takes a lot of courage to write a book about something so near and dear to your heart. I can remember being in a similar situation to your Lauren when my parents decided it was time to put our cocker spaniel, Sienna, to sleep. The only saving grace I had was that they waited for me to come home from college on Winter Break so I could be there when we took her to the vet. She loved going to the vet and on that day I can remember her prancing her way into the office with my Dad.

    Thank you for writing this, you captured the emotions perfectly.

  30. Jane Harford Says:

    I just finished reading Sprite’s book. Having
    been through the tough process of having two really terrific rescue labs put down in the past
    four years, I am so in tune to all of the feelings that Mark and his family have gone through. I now have four much younger labs, but am already prepared to have to deal with their losses someway far down the road.

    The sentiments that you provide of having loved
    an older dog for a while and having the love they
    give back to you are tremendous….and they
    give far more than they get, that is for sure.

    Jane Harford

  31. Marjorie Says:

    What a wonderful book! I read it in two nights after I went to bed…staying awake until after after 2:00 A.M.

    I know the feeling of putting down a loved pet as many of your other readers have said. I will face it again too soon.

    I appreciate so much your sharing this story. I think it sends a good message that loving a pet, caring for a pet, and crying over the loss of a pet are all emotions that are not reserved for the female sex. Sprite was special; so are you.

  32. judy wong Says:

    Hi Mark,

    We just put our beloved Beagle, Rexie, down on December 27. He had liver cancer which spread to his chest. He could hardly walk. He limped heavily and sometimes couldn’t make it outside to pee. We loved him so much. When reading your book, which our son read and then gave to us, I cried and cried. It made me realize that I am not the only one who feels the depth of pain that I do. You described the pain so well. His things are still in the house where he left them. I am reminded of him every minute. He wouldn’t eat his dog food any more, but at cooked carrots, chicken soup and rice toward the end. I will miss him forever.

    Judy Wong Portland, Oregon

  33. Alana Says:

    I just finished reading your touching book about Sprite. As promised in your introduction, I laughed and I cried…Thank YOU for being an angel among us who has opened his heart and his life to precious animal companions such as Sprite…You and your book are an inspiration….thank you for sharing.

  34. Carolyn Lightfoot Says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your life with Sprite. I received your book from my husband for Christmas – and it has touched me so much!

    I am a dog lover too! We have too precious dogs – Lacey and Cody. I love every minute I spend with them and I just can’t imagine a day without either of them.

    I could write so many stories about things they do – and how much they help me everyday. When I’m happy – they are there to share in my happiness – when I’m sad – they make me feel better. When I’m sick (which I am almost every day – I have Fybromyalgia) they know it! They will lay on the bed with me and stay with me until I am well enough to get back up! They just know when something is up. They both have such a sense of what is happening in our lives.

    I am so grateful for receiving your book from my husband – and what he wrote to me when he gave it to me! I will cherish this book for the rest of my life!

    Thank you and God bless!!

    Carolyn Lightfoot

  35. judy Says:

    I recently read your book. I could hardly read it because I was crying so hard. I just had to read it again for details missed.

    I have a proudly stubborn but sweet coton puppy named Sadie aka Ms Sadie, sugar, missy, Sadiekins. I hope it will be an extremely long time before I have to experience the loss of a pet. I just hope I have the courage that you displayed in this book.

    I have recommended this book to all my friends. Good bless your family, pepsi and sprite.

  36. alexis Says:

    hi there. i am alexis and i am only 12 and i love ur book called rescuing sprite. it touched me. i am a dog lover for any kind of dog even if the dog is ugly.

  37. alexis Says:

    hey, i just post a comment and i forgot to say that i forgot what non- fiction means but i think it means real so ur dog pepsi is sooooooooo cute, same for sprite, i wish i had pepsi and sprite.

  38. Suzie Love Says:

    I live in Indianapolis, In, I went to Dallas Ft Worth for a nascar race. On way home I had to fly to Philly just to get home to Indy. I had a 3 hour layover and had never been there and didn’t know anyone. Got lost. Had a bad time. When I found where i needed to be, there was all kinds of stores in the airport. Well I went in to a book store I thought it would be the best thing to do with my time. I saw the book Rescuing Sprite. So i got it. I read the entire time I was at the airport,the way home and finished when I got home. I will say the very first thing I did when I got home was hug and kiss my 185 pound lap dog. He is a very very big part of my life. However after reading your book it made me look at him in a very different way. Thank you so much for writing your feelings and that of your families. I hope that all is well with you and all that love. And once again thank you.

    Suzie

  39. Susan Says:

    HOW CUTE! I got your book for my brother-in-law for Christmas. I hate to say that I’ve not read Rescuing Sprite yet, but I really did enjoy Men In Black!

    I’m really sorry to hear that you lost Sprite. He looks like he was your best friend.

  40. Darlene Spence Says:

    Mr. Levin: I really loved your book. I cried when I read emails from your listeners who had lost dogs that they loved. Only one thing would have completed the story for me–I really wanted to see Sprite’s tree. If it’s not too personal or painful, would you post a picture of his memory tree? It would mean so much to the readers who also love and grieve for Sprite.

  41. natalie Says:

    i love dogs but these are some special dogs they touch my heart
    i just want to say if you are a dog lover like me go onto
    http://aspcacommunity.ning.com

  42. Greg Says:

    I was very upset after losing my friend. It’s one of the most heartbreaking times in a persons life, to lose their dog. In life we have to give something to get something else. The only exception I can think of is….unconditional love. That is what our dogs give to us and it hurts when it is gone.

  43. Shari Says:

    My husband thought I was crazy for buying your book, as we are all too familiar with the pain of losing our beloved babies. My first loss was 6 years ago, when we lost our 4-yr old St. Bernard “Poochie” to bone cancer in his spine. It was devastating. Then this winter we lost our 6-yr old rescued St. Bernard “Rumpke” completely unexpectedly. He seemed completely healthy and still very boisterous, but laid down, went to sleep, and never woke up. Then 2 months later we lost our 15-yr old Scottie, Brady. We still have two babies, our 6-yr old Mastiff “Nub”, and our rescued Mastiff “Annie”. They are the absolute joy of our lives and I cannot begin to imagine losing them.
    I just finished your book, and I have been crying my eyes out. I brought it with me on a business trip, so that I could read it and cry in the privacy of my hotel room. It was a beautiful tribute to your friend, and I hope it has helped you to find peace. We have all three of our babies in special “treat jars” and are finally able to smile through the pain when we remember their unique personality quirks.
    Best to you and your family,
    Shari

  44. Anthony Gieser Says:

    Dear Levin Family,
    I am also a huge dog lover. I used to to have five but, lost two both to cancer. The first was Sebastian nicknamed sweetpea a Lhasa Apso in 2005. My second recent loss was Susie a stray black lab golden retriever mix nicknamed my big black bear. My sincerest sympathy I send to your family on your loss. They just don’t live long enoungh. I listen to your show every chance I get. I still have Buddy a stray, Missy a stray, Nicholas (Sebatians brother)almost 16 years old, and Lucky the cat.

    My Highest Regards,

    Anthony Gieser

  45. Paula Says:

    Mark, I can see why you thought Sprite was much younger than his years. He’s beautiful and looks like a puppy. Thank You for sharing your story with your audience and the world. I was extremely touched by your appearance on Rush’s show. I do have the book, but haven’t been able to bring myself to read it yet. I can’t think of my Sam, 16 months later now, without crying. It’s hard to read through tears. God Bless

  46. Sharon DiPiazza Says:

    I read your book “Rescuing Sprite” last night. It really hit home as we have had to go through this with two doxie’s, two cats, a horse and a golden retriever named Honey. We lost her to a very aggressive form of cancer at 13 years of age. She was a sweetheart, smart and lovable. She has been gone a year and we still think of her everyday and miss her. We have one cat and one dog left. Muffy is an American Eskimo, about 12 years old and has severe arthritis. She can’t walk much anymore but she loves to ride in the truck and go for walks in her stroller. She is very bossy and when she sees us getting ready to go out and not moving fast enough for her she barks and barks until we finally put her in the truck just to shut her up.When we get home from out outing and she isn’t
    ready to come in the house, she refuses to get out of the truck and will sit in there for hours.
    I fully understand your experience with Sprite and thank you for sharing it with the rest of us dog lovers.

  47. Vicki Says:

    Dear Mark,
    Your book, Rescuing Sprite, I purchased weeks ago, but left it sitting on my bookshelf until I had the courage to read it. Having heard it was a tear-jerker, I had ambiguous feelings about reading it, yet I felt compelled to buy it just the same. I’ve listened to you on my way home from work, when I’m able to, but missed the timeframe of when you and your family were going through the emotional rollercoaster ride with Sprite. After looking at your book sitting on the shelf for goodness knows how long, I finally felt the time was right to start reading it. You may have guessed my reason for not wanting to read it was personal, and of a similar nature. This past September was unbeknownst to me, the beginning of the end for my Grace, the most wonderful dog and rescue companion I ever had. She was rescued from the local dog shelter, and I adopted her about 11 1/2 years ago. We bonded instantly. How is that possible? She seemed to look into my soul and we had a great partnership for those few years. Grace, my Rottweiler/Shephard mix had a non-cancerous lung tumor and had an operation in September 2007. Almost a month to the day, we found that while the operation was successful and Grace was up and about as if nothing happened, she suddenly encounterd another issue which turned out to be a slipped disk in her spine. One more operation, and again Grace was doing so well on her road to recovery. Another setback. She lost her nerve sensation in her back legs which led to non-walking and even with weeks of rehab exercises, she never regained it. At this point poor Grace was on a catheter, and she lost alot of weight. We were never able to get her beyond that point and ultimately, we had to pursue the final steps you went through for Sprite. It was extremely difficult and the rehab veterinarian was crying along with us on her final day, December 21, 2007. Reading your book I naturally relived those emotions all over again, but empathized with how it may have been for you with Sprite. My sympathies to you and your family. It’s been several months now, and I still have a hole in my heart. Someone is missing, my Grace. I miss her presence terribly. Grace was my shadow, confidant and next to my husband, my unconditional, best friend. I still love her. Now, we have another rescue dog. While we are still trying to get to know each other, it’s not the same kind of relationship, not yet anyway. Grace was unique, so gentle and well-trained, and dear to my heart. I will always miss her. Thanks for your tender book, which must have been a bittersweet task for you to write as it was for me to read. So good to know other people love their dogs the same way I love my Grace. I’m hoping that in time, the same affection can be shared with my new dog, Chloe.

  48. Bob Byerly Says:

    Just finished the book. Mark never feel guilty that you may have put your darling Sprite down too soon. I have been thru both, and you will always wonder if you did right. I put my lab, Shannon down several years ago when she could barely walk, and no longer had bladder control. I have always wondered if I did it too soon. I don’t have a lot of money, but wished I could have afforded more tests.
    Then, last year, the hardest day of my life was on April 10, when I had Gus put to sleep. She was a lot like Sprite, although was an Australian Cattle dog. So faithful for 15 years! I cried like a baby. But then I always wonder if I made her wait TOO LONG – just the opposite of Shannon.
    So, you just have to know that you did what you felt was right.
    I loved the book, and it sure brought back memories, and some tears.
    Thanks. Bob Byerly (pictures of Gus at http://www.driverbob.com)