My son, Will, brought home a puppy last spring named Wiley. He was a tiny red colored pomoranian. At first I was upset that our other dog, a shi-tzu named Hercules, was going to be jealous and feel left out. It didn’t take long before we were totally in love with Wiley. He was always a happy puppy and you could always count on him to brighten your day, no matter how crummy it had been. As far as Hercules, it didn’t take him long either to be a “Big Brother” to Wiley. They became great pals. Well, yesterday, my son was taking Wiley for a walk, when he got loose from his collarand darted across the street. He was killed instantly when he was hit by a car. Will is feeling very guilty that it was his fault. Our whole family is devistated. We held a funeral last night and prayed for our little Wiley. I sincerely hope that he is happy and prancing around in heaven . We will miss him terribly.

Brenda from LA

Well, it seems alot of people have sad stories for here. I have a story and it’s not sad, yet. My dog’s name is Brisco, and he is a chow, basset hound mix who stand 18 inches tall and just as long.

I am about to turn 25, and I have had Brisco since I was 10, when he could get lost in your pocket. Now of course, he is 14 and his energy has slowed. He is going blind, and is already deaf. But he is the dog that has been there for me through it all.

Growing up in the military, I’ve never lived anywhere for more than 3 years. He has been the friend I always stay in contact with. I love him like a brother, and a friend. I don’t know how long I’ll have him for but I know I’ll enjoy every second of it.

Jason from TN

Mark,
I adopted my pooch, Walter, from a Westie rescue almost 11 years ago.  From a wild, crazy dog with numerous issues to an unbelievably different dog today…I know I did a good thing.  With him getting older, I\’m getting scared.  I must say after reading your book on Christmas day…I\’m even more scared.  He\’s perfectlly healthy now, and there is NO doubt I\’ve given him an exceptional life…a chance he wouldn\’t have otherwise had.  It doesn\’t make it any easier, but as soon as I think of \”the day will come\”..I put it out of my head.  I can\’t even imagine what it will be like…and it\’s crushing me already…  Thanks for making me appreciate Walter even more so now!

Rick from NJ

Dear Mr. Levin,

I just wanted to write you a letter to thank you for writing “Rescuing Sprite.” It was a beautifully written book and, although difficult at times, a pleasure to read.

I was given the book this past July after my family dog, Max, passed away. A friend of mine from work, who is a listener of your radio show, thought of your book after I told him my sad news. He left it in my desk drawer for me. When I saw the book, I wanted to return it to him. I thought it would be too painful to read. My friend told me to take my time and hang on to the book. It was only recently that I felt ready to read it. I cried most of the way through, as all I could do was think about Max. I could relate to some of Sprite’s conditions with Max. Even so, as I was reading…I could feel a real connection with a fellow dog lover. I felt like you were writing my own thoughts. I’m sure everyone who has read this book feels the same way.

My heart goes out to you and your family over the loss of Sprite. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Max. This past Christmas was hard without him. I’m sure the same goes for Sprite. I hope that Pepsi and Griffen are doing well.

For some reason I feel like giving you a little background about Max. I know you are a busy man, so I will try not to take up too much of your time.

Max originally was my grandma’s dog. She lived in Florida with her husband and one day they just decided that they wanted a pet. She actually wanted a cat, but when Nick, her husband, saw Max…that was it. He was coming home with them. Max was a Maltese and very cute, affectionate and playful. He was raised my loving retired people who adored him. He was a constant companion and brought great joy to their lives. I was very jealous that they got him. I wanted a dog too. I was about 14 and living in California (I am currently 27). I’d wanted a dog for as long as I could remember and used to put it at the top of every Birthday and Christmas List. My parents had a dog, Cassie that passed away when I was 4. I still remember her. She was a Border Collie and Aussie Shepard mix. My brother and I were her little lambs and she looked out for us and protected us. She was my mom’s dog before she met my dad. Well, after Cassie passed my dad was so grief stricken he did not want to ever have another dog again. So no matter how much begging, pleading, wining and trying to convince my parents I would be completely responsible I could not have a dog. So when my grandma got Max I could sort of vicariously have a dog. I enjoyed going out to Florida every few years. (more…)