Dear Mark,

I just finished reading Rescuing Sprite and had to write. I too am a dog lover.

While on a business trip and channel surfing on the TV in my hotel room, I heard the word “dog” and stopped on the channel to hear the story. It was your interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News and the next day I bought your book. I honestly don’t watch Fox and had never heard your show but you had me at “dog.”

I read the first half of your book on the return flight home and had to take a break from reading. Not because I became engrossed with work and holiday preparation when I got home but I really needed a little time to prepare emotionally for where the story was headed.

My husband and I have a 9 year old, American Staffordshire Terrier named McGwire – Mac for short. My family always had dogs, so after college, getting married and buying a house, I yearned to have a dog of my own. I remember the day we brought our puppy home like it was yesterday. That was really the culmination of my own American Dream and I have never loved anything as much as my dog.

I am glad I read your book while my dog still has moments of puppyish behavior but he is starting to show his age and we are often at the vet for things that come with growing older. I try not to think about how short a dog’s life can be. I didn’t think it was possible to love my dog more than I do but reading your book made me realize that everyday I spend with my dog is a gift.

For now, I will tuck your book away knowing someday I will be rereading it for comfort. Thank you for using your gift of communication to share your story.

I also have a dog quote by my computer and I’m sure you have seen it. No doubt you lived up to it.

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Carrie from CA