I put my dog down today. I have been reading Mr. Levin’s book about Sprite and for the first time in a month I woke up happy. I have been living with the knowledge for the past month that today was the day that I would lose my best friend. I have lost a dog before. I was 16 at the time. I feel much more lucid this time. Much more aware of my loss.

My dog Jake has been with me for the absolute worst times in my life. For the first time in my life I feel truly alone. As I type this I feel utter despair. Jake was a very special dog. I can never forget the joy he has brought me and the fact that he was my island when everything in my world was at its worst. As I sit here I can’t stop the tears from falling down my face. The reason I woke happy today is that I knew that it was time to let him go. I know everyone has most likely said it, but I feel the need to say it again. THANK YOU Mr. Levin for writing this book. I was halfway though it last night when I finally felt better about what was going to happen. Jake you will always be in my heart. You are and always will be my best friend and I will never forget you.

David from MI

Hi Mark
I’ve just finished reading Rescuing Sprite. Absolutely wonderful and written from the heart. I lost my beautiful boy Kane aged 9 on December 20th 2007. He was a rescue dog who I took in when he was 8 months old. He had been bred on a puppy farm, taken to a pet shop at age of 6 weeks, sold at 8 weeks, then resold again at 12 weeks. Had been kept outside as owner said he kept running off with kids toys. Well that’s what labradors do.

When he came to me he was manic, the dog from hell, but with lots of love and kindness he matured into a wonderful companion whwo gave unconditonal love. He was such a character, always up to some mischief. In summer he loved to pick apples from the tree and would stand underneath looking up to decide which apple looked the best, then he wouold leap up grab the apple and hang on until it gave way and he then ran round the garden in delight before settling down to eat it.

Kane became unwell very suddenly at the end of December, vet did tests but nothing showed up. On December 17th I had to rush Kane to the emergency vet at midnight as he collapsed. (more…)

I lost a pit bull many years ago who was my best friend because a neighbor was intimidated by his looks even though he was just a big baby no more dangerouse than a poodle. he was poisoned just because he was a big dog. i will never stop missing him and i still carry his dogtag on my keychain and have for 12 years thanks for caring so much for animals and the people who love them. sorry i have not got a copy of your book yet but im not sure what reading it might bring back.

Kevin from KY

Just finished Rescuing Sprite. We had to put Brandy, our tan Sheltie down too. She had a tumor under her tongue and surgery to remove would have left her with a food tube and much discomfort. My vet told us to love her for a week or more and we would know what to do. She stopped eating and spent time under our deck by herself – she also let us cuddle her and love and kiss her but she was not feeling well.

It is hard to make that decision but it’s much easier on pet. The ones left are burdened with
guilt. Did we do the right thing. And there is guilt that you feel so depressed and sad over
the death of a dog. But it isn’t just a dog – the love they give is so fulfilling. We couldn’t eat at our table because we missed Brandy not being there. You are so consumed with grief – maybe more than even when parents
died. Our parents were elderly and not well and we were sad – but we were devastated when
Brandy died.We have her ashes in a wooden box – I’m going to plant a tree
like you did and use her remains to fertilize. Thank you for the good idea.

PS Our vet wanted us to contact a man who wanted to get rid of his Sheltie. He wanted to travel and not be burdened with dog. Our vet called every day to see if we had called the man. I told him I wasn’t ready for a dog and asked him if his wife died would he look for a new one right away. We did finally call the man and drove over to see dog. He wasn’t very kind to the dog and we felt sorry for the dog and ended up taking her home. We’ve had her for 2 years and she is loved and cherished. Becky has her own personality and has filled a void we had in our hearts.

I’m thankful that my vet kept telling me to call Becky’s owner. And I like Rush and Sean even more since I know
they share our love of animals. I enjoyed your book and had a good cry over story and memories it brought back.

Thank you-
Fondly,

Elizabeth from OH

DEAR MARK:
A FRIEND OF MIND JUST GAVE ME YOUR BOOK YESTERDAY. I NEVER HEARD OF YOU BUT WHEN I STARTED READING YOUR BOOK I COMPLETED IT IN A MATTER OF HOURS. I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY NUT THAT STILL MISSES THEIR DOG. MY DOG LACEY WAS A FEMALE FAWN BOXER BACK IN OCTOBER WHEN I TOOK HER FOR HER YEARLY BLESSING AT CHURCH FOR ST FRANCIS AS WE WERE RETURNING TO THE CAR I NOTICED HER WALKING STRANGE. PRIOR TO THIS SHE HAD BEEN TAKING ANTI INFLAMATORY FOR HIP PAIN WHICH WAS WORKING WELL.

I WAITED UNTIL SATURDAY AND TOOK HER TO THE VET WHEN SHE TOOK BLOOD WORK AND FOUND THAT HER BLOOD COUNT WAS VERY LOW. FOLLOWING MONDAY TOOK HER BACK FOR X RAY OF HER REAR LEG AND SONOGRAM THE RESULTS MONDAY EVENING WAS LACEY WAS FULL OF CANCER.

BY WEDNESDAY, OCT 10, 2007 WE HAD HER PUT TO SLEEP. I THINK ABOUT HER EVERYDAY AND CAN CERTAINLY RELATE TO YOUR LOSS.

MAY GOD BLESS THE DOG LOVERS,

Richard from NJ

Mark,
As a former Marine and an ex-Police Officer of 23 years, I always considered myself to be pretty tough emotionally. After losing my dad in 1979 I shed tears, and again in 2004 when I lost my Shelties Peetie and Pattie within a week of each other. The 3rd time was after reading your book Rescuing Sprite.

Mark, when we humans get to the Rainbow Bridge to again meet up with Sprite, Peetie, and Pattie, and all the other great pets we have had, we as dog lovers will take their leashes, hold them tightly, and go together into the Realm of Joy and once again experience their love and companionship.

Tim from CA