I bought your book for two of my sons for Christmas, (but read it myself before wrapping). We had to put our Yellow Lab, Sabrina, down 2 years ago Feb. She was 9 yrs old and had arthritis of the spine. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life to make and carry out and I swore I would never have another dog. While reading your book, I remembered how much Sabrina had brought to our family and it made me realize that I missed having a dog. I think I may be able to take the plunge again. Thank you, for your book!

Patty from MO

My buddy Bear passed away on February 20th 2008. A blonde cocker spaniel, he was 14 years and 3 months old and we had gotten him when he was six weeks old. I am so upset that he is gone but I was given a gift. The night he died (of a heart attack) a strange thing happened. The morning of the 20th my mother received a call from her sister. Her sister had not seen Bear but maybe once or twice in his entire life and hadn’t seen him for at least seven or eight years. My aunt told my mother that she had a dream the night before and in the dream I (meaning me) was very upset. Then Bear “flew” away, although she described it as not exactly flying. Bear began talking to my aunt and saying that he was OK and was happy to be out of his failing body. After the dream, my aunt immediately called my mother and asked her if Bear was OK. My mother told her that Bear had died just a few hours before. My aunt lives in another state and I had not seen her in at least a year. She had no reason to have that dream. I choose to believe it was Bear telling me to not be so upset and to go on with my life. I believe it was God telling me that everything is OK after we die and that our loved ones are waiting for us. I was remarkably calm after hearing about the dream and feel at peace with what has happened. I miss Bear so very much but I know he is in a better place and that he is waiting for me. Thank you so much for caring about animals, and dogs in particular.

I read Rescuing Sprite and it was very similar to my situation except that I had Bear a long time and I didn’t have to put him down (although he had an appointment later that day). I feel sad that you didn’t have Sprite his entire life and that you had to put him down. I was really dreading that but Bear saved my having to do it. Hopefully, Sprite and Bear have met and are playing together in heaven.

David from TN

I’m old enough now to recognize the different stages and seasons of life. I’m going through a wonderful one with a two year old boy and another one on the way. When I got a phone call from Lauren Thursday afternoon asking me if I’d seen our Golden Retriever Charlie when I left for work, an unmistakable tinge in my gut mounted. He had been in good health, despite hearing loss. He was a champion. Not necessarily by blood line, but by heart. While we all have read essays on dogs and what they mean to us, I find myself compelled to grab “the pen” and share my thoughts about a beautiful golden retriever and what he meant to me. I didn’t bargain for crafting a eulogy on this Saturday morning, especially for Charlie, but here goes. I’m learning that putting thoughts together is therapeutic for me. Thanks in advance for allowing me to do that in un-edited, raw form.

I never knew him as a little puppy, although I saw him as a younger dog. I had no idea that he would become mine when he was five (5) years old, which is almost precisely nine (9) years ago. I was living in my family’s small cabin on the Hiwassee River. Charlie was the late P.B. Abel’s dog and after his death, his wife Pat moved into town. And although Charlie, “never met a stranger,” he was not a “town” kind of dog. He loved the river and everything about it. We shared the same passion for the place. It was a boy’s perfect theater for play–an outdoorsman’s consummate haven. The river region thrust all five of my senses into a constant state of fancy. It really was a magical place for both of us. I remember one day shortly before adopting him. I was fly fishing for brim in my grandfather’s old Crosby boat and Charlie decided to take a lengthy swim beside me just to hang out. He spoiled the fishing that day but I didn’t care, as I marveled at his swimming ability. He was 107 pounds of muscle, with a big square head. He had a beautiful, light-toned coat, with gigantic paws. When I adopted him, I took him to Taylor Animal Hospital to be clipped and bathed. He was looking pretty frazzled. From the moment I picked him up at their office, he clung to me. He was mine. Charlie had a way of teaching me life lessons and taking me interesting places. In many ways, I felt like a little boy who was just as enamored with his dog as his dog was with him. We played catch with tennis balls, took long rides in my truck, we fished, hiked, ran and sometimes even took naps together. (more…)

The bumper sticker on my car reads “Lord Help Me Be the person my dog thinks I am”

My dogs are my best friends. They always love you. They love you unconditionally.
Saw another bumper sticker “Republicans treat people like dogs. Democrats treat dogs like people” Gee I always thought I was a Republican, but by this defintion I guess I’m a Democrat.

Kelli from CA

Two years ago I lost my father to complications of Diabetes. three weeks after that my mother in law was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. My mother in law has livved with me for 20 years. Five months prior to this news we had to put down our 16 year old Border Collie Mack who was one of the most loyal and kindest dogs you could imagine. Due to all this misfortune we experienced in such a short time my wife and motheri in law were not very recptive to a new dog entering our lives. We have a city run dog shelter I pass by weakly and would sneak visit to get my weekly dog fix. Upon one of my visits there was a dog that really stuck out to me. When I walked pass his cage he sat cocked his head and put his paw out on the fence. He immediatly made a connection with me. I adopted him on the spot. Upon arriving home I really was not sure what kind of reception both of us would get. When I opened the door and brought him in My mother in law lit up like a Christmas tree and fell in love with him right on the spot. This was a little of a surprise for me beacuse she is not a very demonstrative person who always felt that an animals place was on the floor and out of her way. For a woman who has been dealing with radiation therapy for weeks now it was the best medicine that she could have been given. Since the arrival of Riley we have noticed that she has connected with him as she has never connected to any of her previous pets and his connection to her is equally strong. Since the adoption of Riley two years have passed and the bond between my mother in law and him are truly a thing to behold. My mother in law in the past two weeks has taken a turn for the worse. we as a family are trying to keep her hame and as comfortable as possible. Still through all the pain and discomfort she still lights up like that Christmas Tree when he enters the room. I know some think that animals can sense something may be wrong before we can. Riley is in bed with my mother in law laying at her feet constantly. When ever me move her or assist her he is right there making sure we are doing the right thing. God brought Riley into our life at a very needy time and was the best medicine that my mother in law Marge ever could of received. The only thing God forgot to give Riley was a pair of wings because He is and always will be Marges Guardian Angel with Paws.

Tom from IN

Dear Mark,

My wife and I were just remarking today about Saving Sprite. We are both fans. And, like you, we also rescued our black lab, Penny from a shelter over ten years ago. We are now working through the anguish of the end of Penny’s life.

Without imparting all of the details, Penny started declining suddenly about three weeks ago. After several subsequent trips to the vet, we learned that she had a very fast-acting and most lethal form of cancer. She died last night at home with us. I stroked and comforted her in her last moments as my wife and eight-year-old daughter looked on. It was the least I could do. And it was all I could do, as her breathing slowed and then stopped.

Penny lived to please. She was the most loyal and temperate creature. Even in the last day, when she was totally miserable, she still strained to show happiness by wagging her tail (feeble as it was) when I came near or said her name. Penny lived joyfully and stoutheartedly until the very end. And it was as if her life’s mission was to keep OUR spirits up.

Now, in the void of her absence, our spirits are low. We listen to you with joy though. And it has been cathartic to write this to you in the memory of our cherished dog, Penny.

Rick & Kate from TX