We have lost our Thunder , a 12 year old Doberman, Then Samson at 11 years old, also a Doberman. We are interested in getting a sighned copy of your book as Ben would like to have your autograph. We have heard you on all the shows and what a kind ,Great ONE YOU ARE.Our dogs brought us such joy and Love.

As a Hospice Caregiver for 40 years that is the way I explain my grief when I lose a patient . It is the same feeling I had even as a young girl losing my pet.,. A member of my family. I myself am a hospice patient now.Thank you for sharing your love and story. We need that in our world today more than ever. God Bless you & Yours,

Doris from AZ

Hi Mark,
Just like everyone else on here, I have to start by commending you on an unbelievable book.
My fiance and I now have a one-year old yellow lab. His name is Trooper and I must say, he brings so much excitement and laughter to our lives. Even during the times when he is extremely mischievous (and there are many of these) we somehow find ourselves laughing only minutes later.
In reading all of these stories, I really do feel for the people that have lost their animals. It makes me realize that its not going to be forever with little Trooper and hopefully I gain the comfort that most of you have found through the book and this site.
Anyways Mark, keep up the excellent work. I listen to you every night before bed via the computer and there is no one I enjoy listening to more.

Take care,
Ryan from NH

Gaylen had for years claimed not to be fond of dogs. After several years of threatening to bring home a puppy, he finally said I could if…. I looked half-heartedly for the next several years. On one of many trips to the Humane Society I walked by a red pup with a white blaze which ended at a small upside down heart on top of her nose. The label read “Staffordshire mix” and I refused to consider it. No Pitbull mixes for me! My five year old grandson pulled me by my shirt-talil to the window this pup was behind and demanded I look at this one. What a pretty little girl she was. We played for a few minutes and I knew this was the one. Gaylen said to bring her home if I was determined to do so.

Within days Sissy became extremely ill to the point of death. After trips to the vets office, a vet tech. at our church overheard that Gaylen was home sitting with our sick puppy. She followed me home and after a quick exam, recomended that we allow her to take her in to be put on IVs. Gaylen held that puppy, towels, and blankets for hours on end. Without going into detail I will say she is alive and very well. However, she does have seperation anxiety and to comfort her, we would borrow my daughter’s Boston Terrier to babysit.

On our 4oth anniverary Gaylen bought me my own in- house baby-sitter, Ruby is a whopping 11.5 pounder. Ruby tackles Sissy (30+ lbs) and Sis rolls onto her back and rocks Ruby back and forth forth. Sis goes absolutely everywhere with Gaylen. She’s a great girl and so very obedient and gentle with everyone. She’s afraid of everything from shadows on the wall at night (she sits and barks once, waits and barks again once until I get up and escort her to her bed) to Gaylen if he stands at the top of the stairs. (There might be stranger danger!, and she will not go up to see. Ruby, the Boston terror, is a delight as well. She’s a clown and a sneak but loves her family and we love her. Gaylen
cried as we read your book. His comment as we finished it was, “I don’t think you really know how to love until you’ve loved a dog.”

Gayla from KS

This is my ‘rescue’ dog from a shelter. She’s a labrador/terrier mix. Her name is Mia. Just finished reading “Rescuing Sprite” and cried through 3/4’s of the book. I can relate to all the wonderful and saddened times in Mark’s book. Him and his family are truly remarkable people. This world is a better place because of the all the wonderful dogs in it..more humans should have the kindness and loving ways about them that dogs possess. They are truly exceptional creatures. May God bless.

Joan from NJ

Mark – I I know you have recv’d so many stories to date about your precious Spritey and never did I think I would have a story to tell until now. My husband I love your show and so when I heard of your horrible tale and your book, I rushed out to purchase it. It was a present for my husband for Christmas. He read your book in 1 day – You see, I married not only a wonderful man, but I married a wonderful dog at the same time – a beautiful 5yrs old, 150# black lab named BEAR. He was identical to my husband, loyal, compassionate, powerful, stubborn and loved me unconditionally. Our story starts just this past week when overnight Bear had a huge tumor form in a lymph node on his neck. By morning, it was massive – larger than my hand. He was rushed to the vet and my husband called 2hrs later – overwrought with sadness as he had put his Beloved Bear down. The vet said there was nothing they could do and so that he would not suffer even for a day, my husband said goodbye to his very best friend.

I’m reading Sprite as I now understand your sorrow. This will take time for my husband to get over and as you mention in your book, he is questioning the very reason things happen the way they do. My faith tells me that they’re are just times when there is absolutely no reason for what has happened, that life is truly unfair so many times – and our outlook is based upon how we deal with these very sad moments. Mark, your book undoubtedly has helped many people through their grief in making these kinds of decisions. I hope that in your situation and in ours that time will heal these wounds – our pets are our family and they make everyday special beyond belief. In my eyes, they are GOD’s angels on earth. Thank you so very much for sharing your soul, your sadness, your grief, and your strength in making it through these trying times.

I know there was an evening you shared that because of your grief you almost gave up your career – I’m so very thankful that Hannity and Limbaugh were able to talk you out of it and to instead express yourself through your book – the world would have been a sadder place without having Levin on every evening. You keep up the great work in that basement of yours!!! Sincerely – Camille and Sam Austin (i wished I had an online pic to share but they’re on Sam’s phone instead)

Camille from TX

Dear Mark,
Thank you for writing this book. It made me cry but it also
helped heal my heart. I lost my beloved Mr. Bubby last October. I had him for 22 years. He was part Chi and part Mini Pin. Towards the end of his life he was blind and walked in circles but was so full of life. He passed in his sleep. It was the lowest point of my life. Your book taught me that it is ok to grieve and think about a beloved dog. It is good to know others share the same emotions over their pets.
Many thanks,
Kim from PA