Dear Mark,

Thank you for the opportunity to allow your listeners to write about their dogs. As any dog lover knows, our dogs are not mere animals or pets, but bona fide full members of the family. I wanted to tell you a little about our Chico, our Chocolate Labrador whom we sadly lost this last January 15. Chico was almost 13 when he suddenly became ill, and long story short, a relatively quick decision had to be made to let him go. This was undoubtedly one of the most difficult days I have experienced. I do not think non-dog people can fathom the bond between dogs and their human families.

Chico was the most gentle and easy going dog anyone could wish for. For almost 13 years, he was a constant fixture in the house, in the den, in the yard, wherever we were, so was he. While I couldn’t imagine him not being here, I kept hidden in the back of my mind the knowledge that the dreaded day would inevitably come. Thank God he was not sick long. It was no less painful, but at least I do not think he suffered needlessly or because of our selfishness in prolonging what had quickly deteriorated into no kind of life for him.

We miss him every day. And, to this very day, everyone in my family still wells up when we happen to make reference to him, or look to his favorite spot in the den, now much more empty because of his absence. We miss his handsome face, his constant happy and gentle ways, his snoring…. We used to joke that all our gentle boy Chico lived for was his next meal, but I think it was to be near us, lick our faces and hands, and tell us in his own way that we mattered to him too. The feeling is mutual, Chico-man…

Thanks again, Mark.

Ken from CA

A tale of three older dogs and how each life touches another and brought them a new lease on life
Waldo, a Soft –Coated Wheaten Terrier was our family dog we had since a puppy. He grew up with our daughters but when he turned 10 it was obvious his youth was gone and old age was hitting him hard. By now my daughters were both in college; Waldo seemed lonely as well as tired. I felt a new dog would perk him up and keep him company so I began a 4 month search for just the right dog, a quiet dog who would be content to sit with him and occasionally move around for a short romp.
Finally I found a little 5 year old Shih Tzu rescued from a puppy mill. She had spent her life in a cage, having one litter after another, and had just and a litter, when she was saved along with 18 other dogs. One of the saddest parts of her story was that she never even had a name…It was January still Christmas break and I took her home. My daughters were home also and decided to name her Maxine. Maxine seemed to learn her name immediately. She didn’t know how to walk on a leash… and didn’t even know what grass felt like. She walked on the ground and looked at the outside world as if she had just landed on MARS. I had to literally pick her up and move her from spot to spot on the lawn for several days before she made steps on her own
After a month Maxine and Waldo became best buddies. She did exactly what I had hoped for; she just loved to sit quietly on the same rug with Waldo, and when he got up to go to another part of the house more often than not, she followed him. It was now May and we began to notice that Waldo was having very bad days and more often. We also noticed that often Maxine would sleep closer to him than usual. Memorial Day weekend Waldo stopped eating and all I could get into him was some scrambled eggs. The vet was closed on Memorial day and I had a bad feeling that Waldo was near the end. Waldo dearly loved two things, car rides and people. So Memorial Day morning I took him and Maxine for a long drive to Panera Bread. (more…)

Hey Mark,
Cannot believe how long been
reading these stories..
Today, my son John he lives in Ms. took his beloved black lab Lucy Belle to the Vet and
she is now across the rainbow bridge ..She was greeted there by our little Yorkee “Crickett” that went ahead almost 4 yrsago. Lucy Belle was 17 1/2 yrs and she was a very good faithful friend
Thank you again for your
understanding about Pets.

Faye from OH

Hello to all dog lovers!

This is Nina, a 12 year old British Cocker Spaniel, after a peaceful little nap. She was a present for my now ex girlfriend and, quite literally, our only child. We are still quite close my ex and I and we know Nina is getting old. I listen to Mr. Levin regularly on the internet, from Spain and heard about Rescuing Sprite. Being a flight attendant, my ex now flies to NY monthly. I urged her to buy the book, I wanted it to be a present, not for now, but for when the moment inevitably comes. She bought the book yesterday, could not resist reading a few pages, cried and understood why she needed the book…for when the moment comes.
Thank you Mr. Levin. I know you have a big heart. Thank you so much, for the book and for all you have taught me. I will ask my ex to buy, this time for me, Liberty and Tiranny, so that I can keep on explaining my european friends why I love America so deeply.

Gerry from Spain