Going for a ride
Pepsi excited for a trip in the car.
Although Mark Levin is known as a constitutional lawyer and a nationally syndicated broadcaster, he is, first and foremost, a dog lover. In 1998, he and his family welcomed a half-Border Collie/half-Cocker Spaniel they named Pepsi into their lives. Six years later, his wife and son persuaded him to adopt a dog from the local shelter, a Spaniel mix. It turned out he was older than originally thought, and he was the most beautiful dog they'd ever seen. They named him Sprite.
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
October 24th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
What a face!!! Reminds me so much of my Tuey girl..even though my sweetie is heaven, it seems the spirit of all them remains the same: Life.
Now go faster Daddy, come on, step on it!!!!
October 25th, 2007 at 5:18 am
Mark, Sprite reminds me of my golden ret.only with some collie. Regardless of what the mix may be, the face is so very sweet. I understand your heartbreak & it will take a long time to not think of your baby every day, if that ever seally happens. I have never been able to do that. They are always in my heart.
I will send you some info. & some pics on my sugar’s in the near future. I will purchase your book also. If you are in the Cincinnati,Oh area, I would love to meet you & get the book signed.
Take care,
Susan Zeter
Cinti. Oh 45255
October 25th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Mark,
Thanks for providing this service to those of us who have lost our beloved furry friends. I’m deeply touched by your story and the others on this site. I recently lost my beloved Buddy (a cock-a-poo) around a month ago. As soon as I can attach a picture, I’ll add Buddy’s story to the others. Having lost my mom last December 14th, Buddy was the lynchpin that kept me together during this time of mourning. Now he’s gone and he leaves a huge void. I thank God he allowed me a wonderful 12 years with him. Thanks, again.
Best,
Al Carr
Columbia, SC
October 26th, 2007 at 5:52 am
Mark,
Thank you for sharing your story of love for your handsome boy Sprite with us.
After I retired in 1996 volunteered (worked with cats) at the same Human Society I believe you adopted your treasured little friend from .I adopted three cats while there and still have two with me..One of them (Huggy Bear) became diabetic in December of 1997 and passed from old age last Easter morning.During those 9.5 years,being his caregiver,giving him insulin shots twice a day and checking his glucose,he was my best little buddy depending on me and that I’ll always remember with great love and affection..I miss him so much along with two of my other cats who passed this year and with each day I remember them and the tears still come so easily..I know you too would never trade all the anguish for the joy and unconditional love these innocent little creations from God give so freely.
Soon,I’ll post Huggy Bear’s story,but for now thank you so much Mark and God bless you..I know little Sprite is being heard by the Angels,as he waits for his dad
In love and understanding,
Ed (Montgomery Village,Md.)
~
We Remember Them
In the rising of the sun and its going down,
We Remember Them.
In the bowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
We Remember Them.
In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring.
We Remember Them.
In the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer,
We Remember Them.
In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn.
We Remember Them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We Remember Them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We Remember Them.
When we are lost and sick of heart,
We Remember Them.
When we have joys and special celebrations we yearn to share,
We Remember Them.
Sp long as we live, they too shall live, for they are part of us.
We Remember Them.
~From the Jewish Book Of Prayer~
October 26th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Here’s a poem about your Sprite. I know you will enjoy it. I read it often for my beloved “Scampy”
To My Master
I explained to St. Peter,
I’d rather stay here,
Outside the Pearly Gate.
I won’t be a nuisance,
I won’t even bark,
I’ll be very patient and wait.
I’ll be here chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I’d miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn’t be Heaven for me…
Author Unknown
God Bless you,
Mary Lou
October 27th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
ARE WE THERE YET??? ARE WE THERE YET??? ARE WE THERE YET??? LOL!!
November 1st, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Mark:
You pets are beautiful and I have been very touched by your gracious heart to the love of these beautiful animals. I have been blessed with a four year old Jack-Russell terrier named “Skidder.” She is a real joy and gets so excited when she hears another member of the family’s voice coming into the room. Skidder’s previous family had given her away to a good family who would and do love her. We have opened our home and especially our hearts to her and look forward to a long and loving relationship.
People who have never had a pet cannot understand the unconditional love that you receive from a family pet that will be by your side even when the world dumps on you. Thank you Mark for sharing your love and the story of Sprite.
May God Bless you Mark,
Your fan and pet owner friend
Brian Geyer
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Mark,
I am in the middle of reading your book about Sprite and Pepsi…and all of your other dogs.
Sprite reminds me so much of our “golden girl” Maggie who died about six years ago. She was the “perfect” dog in every way (isn’t everyone’s dog perfect? LOL)
We saw her come into the world and were with her the day she left. Maggie’s mom, was my son’s best friend’s dog. Losing a family pet is one of the most painful things to happen in life…it rips your heart out.
My son Michael and Maggie grew up together (until Mike left for college) and that was sad too..I think leaving Maggie was harder for Mike than leaving his parents..They were my “M & M’s)
I do believe that our pets come into our lives for a reason and a season. They serve a purpose in our lives. Yes, they are angels.
I had one dog for six months only – this dog came into my life when I was going through a very difficult time. Barney was so loving, stood up and placed his paws on my shoulders every day and just kept on licking my face. How could one not smile at that?
When I was feeling better and ready to move on with my life, Barney passed away – just like that. His mission was complete. Was he an angel? Yes, I think he was.
They teach us so much about life, about ourselves but mostly they teach us how to love – how to give love and how to receive love.
They teach us about unconditional love and that is a two-way street.
They teach us about forgiveness, such an important lesson.
They teach us about judging and how we shoud not judge.
They teach us to wear blinders when it comes to people; it shouldn’t matter what color, religion, race, a person is. It should’t matter whether a person is educated, non-educated, rich, poor, skinny, fat..none of these things should matter.
What should matter? According to my dogs, the “heart” matters because underdeath it all, the heart is the same for everyone – the color is the same, the size is the same unless it is enlarged), the heart knows nothing about money, degrees, race, religion – just like our dogs. Our dogs couldn’t care less about any of these things, but we do, don’t we.
Still learning, but love my new teacher, Abbey.
Mark, thank you for sharing your story, for sharing a side of yourself that we don’t hear on the radio…and thank you for being our voice on the radio, BTW.
I especially am grateful for what you are doing with part of the proceeds…Sprite would be so pleased.
God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Kay Colarusso
November 5th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
What a wonderful looking dog. So cute!
November 5th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Haha what a smile.And happy to get a ride.
November 5th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Mark,
I heard you on Sean Hannity tonight and thought of my little Susie that I had to put down last month. She was the love of my life, and the hardest thing I ever had to do was put her down. The worst part is that I only had her for 2 years, as she was quite old when I adopted her. Everyone told me to get a young dog next time, but Ruby, an 8 year old Rottweiler, found me shortly after Susie died, and she is helping me a lot. She will never replace Susie, but she is loved just as much, only in a different way. I will be looking for your book this week.
Linda Converse
November 6th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Mark:
Only a few months after 9/11, I was diagnosed with MS. It was a very difficult time for my husband and kids, as I did not immediately tell extended family because I was hoping for a remission that many people experience, and then I would not have to tell my ailing Dad.
Time passed and during that time, I spend most of it sleeping, too weak for much else.
My doggy, Truman a gorgeous huge, yellow lab who is almost white, was the most understanding of all. He would spend about 15 minutes at a time laying next to me, placing his two ton head on my lap.
He would then leave and take up a strategic spot on the landing that allows him a view of every room and both doors.
He was on duty.
He changed his gate to match mine when we walked, which was my only outing in those days. He always new when I had enough and would head home without my signal.
I soon did have to tell my family and friends, but when some few friends left the scene, poochie never disappointed.
As time passed and my meds were adjusted and I began to have more energy, he knew that, too. He began to insist on more walks, but always coming back short of what we used to do.
When I feel its safe to let him off the leash for some exercise, he always stays within a perimeter, looking back for me over and over again. When I get slow and have to rest, he comes over and sits down and waits until I’m ready to move again.
He comes over and presses his head against my lower leg as if to hug me. He doesn’t care if I can’t talk or whatever, all is forgiven.
He saved my sanity, the sweet thing. I am humbled by his greater being.
I will always be grateful to a loving God who saved my life by allowing me to be owned by my darlin’ dog.
Pat
(HonestConservative of FR and MLF)
November 6th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Nothing makes me happier than a smiling dog!
November 8th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Thanks for showing us this side of you, Mark. Great Book! We (your listeners) need you to continue fighting the good fight on the political side too. Keep up the great work.
November 16th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Dear Mark:
I am so moved by how you have let your life and family be touched by the likes of such pups! I LOVE animals ever so deeply; besides a Lab, my husband and I have five kitties- one is now 15 years old! As “Dyed-in-Wool” dog lovers, these were our first ventures into the ‘Cat Kingdom’: they respond so lovingly when we arrive home from work, the purring is so comforting- especially since I have been going through health issues recently. I don’t care for the fur of either pet, but I would NEVER trade these beautiful creatures for a pristine house.
Many Thanks for sharing these tender thoughts with those of us unseen fans of yours.
Keep loving your family.
Keep loving your pets…who ARE family.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
God Bless you mark. You are just the best thing on the airwaves. This picture of Pepsi is great. My dog loves the car too.
Love Kathleen
Valley stream, LI N.Y.
December 18th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Big fan of you, your radio show,your views and dogs!
Congratulations on another bestseller!
You deserve it.
Happy Holidays.
January 7th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Oh my gosh! Pepsi is adorable! You are lucky to have him and he is lucky to have such a loving family as yours.
If I can figure out how to send pictures on the computer, I will send you a couple pictures of my two dogs. I love to just sit and stare at them. They are such amazing creatures from God. We are all lucky to be blessed with them.
God Bless you all!
Melody Schultz,
Cold Spring, KY
January 7th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Mark – I felt compelled to write you a brief note and thank you for sharing the special relationship you and Sprite had with me. My daughter brought me “Rescuing Sprite” as a 56th birthday present and it is one I will remember for a long time. I think she knew this book would help me better deal with the eventual loss we will face of our 15 year old Minpin, Toby, who I know is in his declining days.
Toby has been a great dog and our family has treated him like a prince, but after reading your book, I now make an extra effort to talk to him or pet him and let him know that we love him whenever I get the chance. I know I will miss him terribly when he is gone, and I dread the fact that that day is steadily approaching. I hope you know that you and Sprite have done a great service to dog lovers with your story to help us realize that we need to enjoy every day we have together with our beloved pets. God bless. – Phillip
January 15th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
We recently lost our wonderful Blue Heeler/Shepherd mix. She had been our constant companion since she was 4 weeks old and, though she was up in years, it was hard to accept that she would not always be a part of our lives. A dear friend of my daughter’s sent the following poem when she heard that our dog was terminally ill. It helped–as did your book Rescuing Sprite.
If It Should Be ~Author Unknown ~
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep.
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle can’t be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
But don’t let grief stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer so?
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they’ll tend,
But stay beside me to the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail it’s last has waved
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.
Do not grieve, it must be you
Who decides this final thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years
Remember joy amongst your tears.
My husband held our wonderful dog as her breathing eased and then stopped altogether. We cried — as did the veterinarian. Nothing will ever be the same, but having known this wonderful dog was worth the pain at her passing. She will be missed every day of our lives.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I love this picture of Pepsi! Your book made me cry the whole time and I am so moved. This picture is what I needed to see after finishing your book in 3 hrs. You are blessed as well am I for having such great animals to share our lives with.
March 10th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Mark,
When I listen to you talk about your Sprite it brings tears to my eyes. I think about my dog Laddie. He was our family dog, a mutt who was the runt of the litter who grew up to be a mighty dog. We were evicted from our apartment. We were scattered to different families. No one would take our dog. Laddie loved my dad. My dad was beside himself on what to do. In his desperation he thought if he left him where kids would see him one would take him home. So there he left the dog, about 10 hours later someone said they would take Laddie in. My father raced back to see if he could find him. Well our Laddie never left that spot. He waited for my dad. I cry just thinking of it. I’m glad we didn’t know that he left him. My dad knew how upset his 7 kids would be. We had him until he passed. Dogs are so loyal. They truly are angels.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Mark, isn’t it nice to be able to take our furry friend for a ride in the car, without them fearing they are taking a trip to the vet? Many people I know tell me that their pets begin to shake with fear as soon as they know they are getting into the car.
My little Shih-Tzu, Petunia (I call her Tunie, or Tunes) loves to “go bye-byes in the car.” She loves to visit the vet, or the groomer, and is an all-around good sport. She is not allowed to sit on my lap while I am driving, but is permitted when visiting any drive-through such as McDonald’s (yes, I go there sometimes, too–$1.00 double cheeseburger completely justifies it).
At first I thought she just wanted to smell the food, but she wants to say, “Hello!” to the people working at the window. She is just as excited (well, maybe not quite so excited…) when we go through the pharmacy drive-through or the bank. She just longs to go with me, and when I get her leash and harness out, she knows!
She has an official NFL Philadelphia Eagles harness and leash, to match my license plate frame.
Thank you for sharing your personal photos, especially of your devoted wife, Kendall. Have fun at Walt Disney World, and I hope I may be the lucky winner!
March 21st, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Ya know, I love my husband, but the best shotgun rider is our Golden Cameron. I can always find our other, Ferris, in the rear view window. Vet rides are always more fun!
April 27th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Mark–I have lost two terrific cats–Fluffy was 18
years old when she died; Smokey was 16 when she died. Both deaths devestated me!! Since their
deaths I got, first Gizmo, who is now about 14 years old; and I also got George a little over a
year ago. They are the lights of my life, espec-
ially since retiring in December. They sure do keep me entertained, and I must say, thet keep me
company!! If anything happens to eitherof them
I’d be very lonely,indeed!
I’ve bn trying to read about Sprite, but my eyes
are vert bad, so I can only read a little at a
time. But I feel very much your love for your
beloved dog!
i
April 29th, 2008 at 10:51 am
He looks just like my Shadow Dog! How sweet they are. These are not “just dogs” they are our best friends and companions. No matter what, they love us. Nothing else is that special.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Just finished reading your book. Many times I had to stop reading as I was sobbing so hard and my vision became to blurry to read. The book so touched my heart and soul. My husband and I have 2 labs whom we love with all our hearts. I dread the day that I have to be in your position and make that dreaded decision. However, I will always have this book to help me through. Our oldest lab Ely has seizures sometimes severe. The seizures are not close enough together to put him on medication, as the vet says “he wouldn’t put him on the medication until the seizures are 30 days apart, as these medications injure their livers over time. Regardless, the seizures are going to effect him over time and shorten his life somewhat. So, we love him with all our hearts and watch over him on a daily basis, because Ely is a good soul and he loves life, “his life”. Nuggett our 2nd lab is 2 years younger than Ely and he is a joy and a lover of all people and dogs. He plays when Ely likes to play and rests when Ely tells him, its time to rest. The 2 dogs are complete opposites in personalities, but they love each other. To end my rambling about my precious 2 chocolate boys who are my life, I just want to say, that your book touched my heart, for sometimes people don’t understand how much I love my dogs, and why I can’t wait to get home every night to my 2 heroes, Ely and Nugget. I wish there was not a need for dog shelters and rescue groups, and that dogs did not have to live in our throw away society, because dogs are blessings and should be treated as such. Bless your family and your beaufitul hearts for the love of dogs.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Loved the book. I just finished reading it today. Last night I was reading on the couch and crying big crocodile tears. It so reminded of when I had to put my golden B.J. down two years ago. Such a hard and sad thing to have to make that decision. Two years later, I have three dogs (yorkie, border collie, and goldendoodle) to love and cherish.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Dear Mark & Family,
I wanted to thank you for your story about Sprite, Pepsi, and your family.
In 2001, while I was home from college (recovering from a case of Mono), I was looking to adopt a dog. My family has always had Golden Retrievers.
Although it is always nice to have a puppy around, giving a “older” dog a home was much more important. Then in October of 2001, we received a phone call from a local veterinarian who knew we were looking to adopt. She had a dog come in who had a bit of a history, shall we say. When I heard his name it was love at first site. Sherman! He was an 11-year-old Golden Retriever.
We knew that Sherman came up North from North Carolina. He had been with a family who had a one-year old boy. In addition to having arthritis and a fear of hardwood floors, he also had several fatty and cancerous tumors. One evening the little boy was left alone in the room with Shermie. The boy hit Sherman with a truck. Sherman turned around and snapped at the boy. The couple immediately drove him to the vet and asked to have him euthanized.
My father was not at all interested in having another dog. He thought it was going to take too much time, money, etc.
When we walked into the vets office to see him, he was beyond the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and he was huge. His face was all white, but the rest of his body was a deep, dark red.
Boy was he on that day. He pranced out of that cage like he was at a dog show.
By the time we left the vet, my father was talking about getting a ramp for him to get into the car, a raised water bowl, and carpet runners to go through our hardwood floor kitchen. We were all smitten and very much in love with this beautiful, old dog.
Sherman was the love of my life. When I wasn’t feeling very good he cheered me up. We often went for short walks together, which was perfect for me and even better for him.
He brought so much laughter and joy to me everyday.
Sixteen months later, while sitting out on our back deck with my family, Sherman lost control of his footing and bowels. We rushed him to the emergency room and there he died not from one of the large tumors, but from the small one on his heart.
I couldn’t help but relate your experience with Sprite to my own. We don’t know where Sherman came from but we were lucky to have him for as long as we did.
I feel fortunate to have found your book and although it has been 5 years since we lost Sherm, I still think of him every day. His soul was good and pure, and his love for us overwhelmed me.
I am not sure why I felt compelled to write so much, but thank you for letting me remember my Sherman.
Thank you again for your book. Your family is very lucky to have you and to have had the experience of adopting not one but two dogs. Thank you.