Mark,
I purchased the autographed first edition of your book for my wife for Christmas. She read it faster than any other book she’s ever read and then it was my turn. I, too, enjoyed it and hated to see it end. I listen to your program every night on my way home from work and wouldn’t miss it for the world.

My wife and I have only been married three years and when we got married she had two dogs. Jodi, a toy poodle, and Rudi, a mix-breed, that would melt your heart in a second.

Two years ago, after only one year of marriage, we had to have Rudi put to sleep after discovering that he had severe liver disease and would probably only survive another few days and be in agony the entire time. It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done and it still haunts me to know that the last thing he saw was my face.

Your book has helped greatly with our ability to cope with the loss, which we still feel sharply.

God bless you and your wonderful family, Mark. You’ll never fully appreciate how much you and Sprite mean to my family.

Steve from IN

I am not as much of a recreational reader as I would like to be but your book has touched my heart. I, like yourself, was persuaded (as only a child can do) in June of this year into adopting/rescuing a dog by my 9 year old daughter, Jordan. I am and have always been a dog person. But having two cats and in my early fifties I did not want to have the responsibility of another “child”. I liked my freedom. But along came Baxter who changed my life in ways I had forgotten.

Baxter was a one year old black and tan coonhound. His gentle yet aloof demeanor, human – like facial expressions, and need for love melted my fears and anxieties away, The consistent prodding from my daughter did not help, We adopted him and I thank G-d we did. He was truly a G-d-send.

It was a lot of work in the beginning especially because I have Epstein-Barr / Chronic Fatigue. Baxter forced me to walk, lose weight and to get back into shape. He was an active dog. I, like yourself, work out of my home so Baxter and I spent a lot of time together. We bonded. He became my best bud. Coonhounds are not the most common dogs in the East so Baxter was a hit. Everyone knew Baxter and very quickly touched everyones hearts and souls. At the dog park, which I took him to every day and on weekends usually twice, he was known has Houdini because of his ability to find imperfections in the fencing and escape or Sarge because of his ability to break up a fight with his loud hound bark.

Unfortunately, Baxter had a quirk. He hated trucks. Any type of truck. He would go nuts. No matter how hard I tried he just want to devour them. I was, however, working on calming his desires. (more…)

My husband and I have been blessed with two shelter dogs, and three rescue dogs… Our MotleyCrew.. all shapes, colors and sizes. We accumulated the five of them over the past 4 years.

After raising our 3 sons, we decided it was time for our first dog. The rest is history. We have never experienced the loss of a “perfect friend” yet, but we know that sooner or later we will be faced with the same decision that your family had to make.

Mark, your book has become our “how to” book. Thank you from our hearts…. We laughed, cried and appreciated every word. It may seem that we rescue our four legged pals, but when it comes down to it? They rescue us.

Carolyn from TN

Hey Mark Levin
I have been reading all the dog/animals stories that folks have sent and love each one. I sent your pg to my grand-daughter for her to read also… I ‘m the one that sent you a note on our little baby yorkie “Crickett” about her love of Ky chicken every day for lunch.. LOL she was an excellent hunter of moles she could smell them and catch them..She hated cats or she thought she did she would growl and bark if you just said cat…

There are so many stories about her…

For 2 yrs we tried to get her to sleep by herself on a soft palette pillow on the floor no way she would mk noises all-night finally after 2 yrs. we gave up and put her on our bed. Then she was quiet.. we never went anywhere without her.
anyway thanks for showing your care and love for your pets. And the stories from all your fans,

Faye from OH

Mark, in 1996 our son brought home a little puppy, probably 2 months old, he had found wondering the streets. Travis, our son, had just graduated high school and would be leaving for college that fall and he wanted us keep the puppy. We pondered and my husband said he had to be an outside dog.

Well, we named him Lucky, because he was so lucky to have me for his mama. We had two other dogs at the time, Concho and Rosa, they were Norweigan Elkhounds. They accepted Lucky into the pack and he was always so grateful it seemed, to have a home. He loved me so much, he would have laid his life down for me at any time. He was so protective of me and it was not long until he was not only an inside baby, but sleeping on our bed. I knew I was the LUCKY one, to have him to share my life with. (more…)

We are in the last hours of Lady’s life. She had her cancerous spleen removed in November, underwent chemo and now has it spreading in her abdomin. She’s slower but still aware. Her picture will not transmit, or I’d send it to you. This has been our family dog since my husband gave her to our now 16 year old ten years ago; my husband died on Father’s Day 2006.

This is a double blow for our daughter but the gradual adjustment has been helpful to my daughter’s acceptance of Lady’s imminent death. Even now with little energy, if one of us cries for any reason, Lady pulls up her strength and licks the tears away.

Katie from MD