We too welcomed a rescue dog into our lives in 2004, a little chihuahua, Molly, who was used for puppy mill purposes only for the first 5 yrs of her life. she did not know how to bark or walk on a leash but she was the most beautiful multi color dog we had ever seen and she too did not have a mean bone in her body, what a joy, loved to be held and loved and gave us so much love in return.

Mol-Mol was dx with liver cancer inOct 07 which was a shock and it was inoperable. We sought a specialist opinion but the sad facts remained. We spent as much time with her as we could, loving every minute but knowing what the outcome would be. She fought so hard to stay with us but stopped eating on Jan 5 and proceeded to have a terrible seizure and we neededto put her down on Jan7. We have a wonderful vet who came to our house for that final act which was peaceful and the only humane thing to do at that time.

So as we continue our travel through grief I found your book about Sprite. Your chapter A Hard Fall perfectly described our feelings about how God could let this happen to such a wonderful girl and why so soon she had to be taken away from us, those 3 years were so very short but we too were so blessed by the gifts she gave us. Thank you for writing your book, I get comfort from hearing that other people love their dogs as we do and that that void will remain for a while until we have completed our grieving process so we too are healed and remember only the very best memories that our Mol-Mol so willing gave to us. Thanks so very much and may you and your family always be blessed with special animals in your lives…

Pat and Steve from CT

I was on my way to Pa.with my wife Elaine, to buy my third Norwich terrier puppy in one year,when I heard your conversation with Rush concerning “RESCUING SPRITE”.My kids, all daughters, Jean 48, Dinah 44 and Alison 42 gave me a copy for Christmas. I give you their ages to give you an idea of my vintage. After reading it I felt compelled to write you about my “EBE”. I have a 16 year old Norwich female named “A.J.” that these same daughters gave to us as a 4mo old puppy. I’m a practicing veterinarian in Blythewood S.C.and golf whenever I have the opportunity and A.J. is my constant sidekick. About a year ago it became obvious that I was going to lose my sidekick to the ravages of age and I couldn’t bear the thought of being without her at my side. My wife began a search and found a litter in Md. The breeder was an 86 year old practicing physician and her kennel was on Old Jerusalem rd. and the litters grandfather was “Jerusalem’s Ebenezer” and thus I named my little female “EBE” and we proudly drove home with her approximately 3 weeks before your “SPRITE” left you. A.J.and my wife’s sidekick “KELSEY” accepted EBE without even curling a lip and A.J. soon taught her golf ettiquette and I rode to work with two dogs in the passenger seat instead of one and two dogs on the golf cart instead of one.

She soon became my constant companion as A.J. had been, A.J. would sleep under my desk and EBE would accompany me into each examining room as if she was a quality control supervisor, when I went into the bathroom she would be in there before I was, when I was in the swimming pool she was at the edge as close to me as she could get. When I did my morning exercises she knew when I was on my last set and would grab the sleeve of my tee shirt in her teeth and tug until I got up and took her and the rest of the dogs out to get the morning newspaper. She woke us in the morning with her kisses and licked us good night before she snuggled between us at night. (more…)

This is a photo of my beautiful daughter Molly and beloved English Mastiff Jack. He is the biggest baby and only wants to please. We love our companion, protector, and family member dearly!

Brian from VA

Just wanted you to know I gave your book as Christmas gifts and the one that especially blessed my heart was for my soon to be mother in law who is on dialysis. She had a boxer named Mike that had been her love and joy that had died unexpectedly…she still has his portrait in the living room and talks of him frequently.

I knew she would love reading about Sprite during her treatments. She said she cried and just loved it! I dont know how long we will have her with us, but I am so tickled that I found the perfect gift of love for her this Christmas! Thanks Mark…. we love you and love your special story!!!!

Teri from OH

Mark

I have a bit of bad news to share with you. My friend just lost his best buddy Sunday, his black lab “Seawolf”. He was only 4 years old. My late doberman “Satellite” was Seawolf’s best dog friend. So many days I would bring Satellite over to play with Seawolf. They would play for hours. They think Seawolf died from cancer cause he was acting the same way Satellite did in his last days. Sad that both dogs die from cancer at very young ages Satellite 12/24/06 and Seawolf 1/27/08. Now my dog Lucky has no dog buddy to play with anymore unless there happens to be a dog at the dog park. I told my friend that now Satellite has his old buddy to play with once again.

RIP Satellite and Seawolf.

Joseph from FL

I had my doubts about adopting a six-year-old Shih-Tzu who was on her way to the pound because her owner could no longer care for her. I was reluctant, but I gave it a try. That was seven years ago. Seven years that went by too quickly, for both of us. Seven years together, many of which we had only each other…me and my shadow. Seven of the best years of my life up until three days before Christmas when that little 14-pound wonder took her last breath as I held her in my arms.

Her name was Maddie. She was a blond/caramel tri-color Shih-Tzu, who thought she was much bigger in stature, so I nicknamed her Matterhorn. I wasn’t even sure what Maddie was as far as breed; until I took her to the vet for her first check-up I thought I had a Maltese!?! The vet cleared that up for me quickly.

Maddie was quite spry. She would accompany me on 5K walks quite frequently, although I’d end up carrying her the last 1 1/2 miles. Maddie was also attitudinal; she had a way of talking to you in disapproval. She didn’t so much as bark, but had a sound she made more like that of Charlie Brown’s teacher (wah, wah, …wah, wah, …wah, wah.) She could be a bit of a mule when she chose to exercise selective hearing when playing out in the yard not wanting to come in. (more…)