I love these stories. I am such a big baby when it comes to my pets…I just can’t write about them. I will one day. I sent you a snippet on Fifi my beloved dog who is half poodle and half wheaten terrior. She is such a joy to me. Like the fellow from VA, my pup has seen me through some difficult times. She is 14 next month and I do all I can to make sure she is healthy. I am buying your book online but don’t know when I will be able to read it. I have so much going on right now that I can not afford to start crying.

When my daughter moved to NYC two weeks after 9/11 to work at Fox on the ave of Americas…I had to put my dalmation down. That dog drove me nuts. I got her when she was about 4 and her training was so slack that she suffered terrible anxiety. She chewed up my sheers that I custom made; the material cost me hundreds…such big windows…and sundry other items that I loved. But I loved this dog. And when I stood by as the Vet put her down I sobbed as I did when my brother died. I cried so hard the vet called to see if I was OK. It is a hard thing to do. And yet because you love them you do what you must. I know I will see Jazz again..and she will run to me so hard she will almost knock me over…and that brings me comfort. Animals draw out of me a nuturing compassion that my heart can’t ignore. I can’t go to shelters…I would be depressed for months, but I can support them.

Thank you for all you do for this nation. And thank you for highlighting the preciousness of life in all forms; even the furry kind. That is what makes us uniquely American. WE treat our animals better them some nations treat their own citizens. It is a matter of the goodness of heart that we are taught, in synagogue, church, home good books and movies.That speaks volumes about us as a people. We are good people that celebrate the gift of life and do all we can to protect it’s sanctity, at every level. I am proud of that and my country.
Love you Mark!
Ruth from NY