I had been reading your book Rescuing Sprite and was just getting to the section where you were ready to lay him to rest when I got an upsetting phone call from my oldest daughter, Stacie, telling me that her dog of 10 years, and my 1st grandpuppy Smokes, had a heart attack while she and her boyfriend were out walking him in the park that afternoon. He died immediately and didn’t suffer at all but she was completely devestated as was I at that moment. This had been her best friend and companion for 10 years. She had gotten Smokes when he was 6 weeks old because his mother didn’t want to take care of him. They had moved over 8 times together, many times Smokes stayed with me during the transition. The last move was across the country to Portland, OR.

Stacie didn’t plan the move around herself so much but all around Smokes. Where could they stay with him at night, where would Smokes be happy living and have a good yard to play in and surrounding area to run. Her life evolved around Smokes and Smokes could not have asked for someone to love him more. Stacie is having a very tough time right now as we all are. We were lucky enough that our family traveled to Oregon this past Christmas and we have pictures of everyone with Smokes by the Christmas tree. Christmas was his favorite time. He thought all the presents were his. He gave up sleeping in bed with Stacie to sleep with Stacies brother next to the Christmas tree to guard the presents and make sure no one opened them without him around. He truly was a family member.

We all feel a great loss and are thankful that Smokes didn’t have to suffer. Stacie knew he was getting older but was not ready to let him go yet. If you could drop her a note with a few kind words letting her know she is not alone in her loss of a pet I would appreciate it. We are adults but that doesn’t lessen the pain. They are our children, a part of the family. Her email address is spowell@unity.edu. Thanks for the wonderful book you wrote and for listening.
Cathy from MA
stacie’s mom

I first want to say I love you and your show! It is so good to hear the voice of reason against the garbage coming from the hill. I wanted to share my story of Buddy, my shelty. He has been my friend and companion since he was a pup, for 14 years. The past year he had to live outside because he was not able to control his bodily functions well enough to stay inside the house as he had for 13 years. (more…)

I write for a home for a full blood 5year old Boxer named Fatty. Fatty is fat. I met him at the Ellis County SPCA on 02/07/09. This precious boxer has been at the SPCA for 180 days. He caught my heart with very sad face & eyes. I can’t take him because he does not tolerate any other animals.
I have a sensitive Bull Dog, and a 14 year old SPCA rescue cat. Is there anyone that could make a good home for Fatty? He is short and chubby, but his face & eyes tell you he really needs a good home without compitiion of other animals.

I can’t explain the strong need to send this sad situation to you Mr.Levin, in hopes of sharing with others that Fatty could find a happy home before it’s too late.
Sorry no photo. please take my word, he is precious.

Thank you,
Donna from TX

I cannot tell you how many heartbreaks I have suffered in this lifetime from the loss of a pet and yet every story I hear still brings tears to my eyes and sends me running for tissue box whether it is someone I am close to or not. What I have learned is, to make the best of the time you have with your wonderful pals and to always remember, there is another one out there who will need you as much as you need them. This photo is of my 2 dogs, Blueberry which is a border collie mix and Gelee, a schnauzer mix after a long day of trail walking and an hour of Sean Hannity on TV!

Lucinda from CA