Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.

I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Ken from TX

Just wanted to send a note to say that last night, Friday, January 9, I cried right along with Ben\’s dad, and said a prayer for both of them this morning, the day Ben is going to Rainbow Bridge.
Sincerely,

Gwen from IL

On 8/14/2006, the most wonderful little dog was born. Turbo was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi who had more personality than most people I have met in my 26 years. He would always pop his head up in the window when I’d come home from work, come bounding up to me, excited beyond measure to see me.
On 11/23, I took him to the vet because he had stopped eating, and couldn’t keep anything down. Later that day after doing x-rays it was discovered that he had eaten electrical cord, and it had caused strangulated intestines.
On Saturday, 12/13/08, two surgeries later, and after multiple weeks of hospital stays, the vet said that it looked like he would be able to come home on the next Monday, but it was never to be. At 2:15pm on December 14th, our little Turbo went into cardiac arrest and they were unable to revive him. We still feel his loss every single day, and will never, ever, forget the little guy that stole our hearts with simply one look.

Clint from FL

Hi Mark,
I just wanted to tell you that the 43 y/o gentleman who called up about having to put his dog to sleep tomorrow made me remember my own situation a few years ago.

I was in Germany and had a German Shepherd about 5 years ago. I had to put him to sleep. It was the most gut-wrenching thing I had ever gone through and I toiled with it for many weeks and months afterward. A friend; my boss came to me and told me, \’Frank, God tells us that everything we love will be in Heaven with us when we are there.\” He later became ordained as a Baptist Minister. I have to tell you Mark since I parted with my dog Charles, 5 years ago I found peace in what my friend told me. I look forward to getting to Heaven one day and finding my Grman Shepherd Charles there, along with my latest German Shepherd Sarka there as well, with all of my feline friends. Truly Mark, this thought and belief has brought a lot of peace to me. It\’s difficult at time while we are here, but we will be reunited with our 4 legged friends, this I truly believe.

Best regards to you,

Frank from NV

Ayyy Mark!!

The finest of Gods blessings to you and to Sprite. And to the rest of your dogs, and family to boot.
I had a little black poodle by the name of Sir Gabriels Trumpet. I called him Honkers for short, because when he was born he was always at the Nipple eating. He would kick the other pups off. Anyway, Honkers was only 10 pounds he was a little guy. I was blessed to have had him for 13 years. We traveled the states and went on many adventures together. He was my greatest friend and pal and always was there for me, to love me NO matter what we were going thru, Honkers was there.

One time, I was in Tahoe, sitting on the deck early Sunday morning. Sitting in my underwear with my coffee cup, little Honkers was sitting next to me. Down the street comes this woman on a horse, little Honkers took off to get the horse. This little dog was doing figure 8s round the hind legs of this horse. This caused the horse to rear up..on two legs and prance as my dog was doing figure eights. There was NO stopping Honkers. I was running thru the woods to get to him screaming “punky poodles, here boy”..dressed in my underwear and t-shirt. Needless to say, the horse owner lady was not happy with me at all, perhaps because I was standing there in my underwear and T-shirt…
I was so blessed with my buddy but towords the end, Honkers was getting older and was in pain. We were having many medical issues. It was time. So on that day, I met my vet at her office, outside by a tree in the back under a tree, to lay him down. As I held him in my arms, kissing him and giving him re-assurance, my vet administered the shot. I have never seen or felt anything so peaceful. Finally, no more medical issues or pain for my Honkers. His passing was soooo peaceful.
Honkers hung round my house for three days. I would come home and hear him jingeling at the door..and now, Honkers comes to me in my dreams. When I kick the bucket, I will have his ashes buried with me. I hold this dog dear and will all my life..many many fond memories for sure.

Mark – Keep going strong. Your the best and you give all inspiration to simply do whats right and to kick some ass if we need to!

My best to you sir!

David from CA