Mark:
I had to put my Mac to sleep two weeks ago. He was a beautiful little Yorkie that I had for 12 years. When a dear friend of mine found out about my decision, he immediately went out and bought your book for me. I began by reading the jacket cover and began to cry so much I didn’t think I could pick your book up again to read it. But I did. It has probably been the best therapy for me to help with the grieving process. Mac had a rare lung disease. I did everything I could to try and save him. I had taken him to Virginia Tech Veterinary School, where a wonderful student, Will Mazure, worked with Mac. He was put in an oxygen tank, where he could only survive. Will didn’t think he would ever be able to live outside of the tank.

I went to see Mac on a Sunday. When he saw me, he began to shake, wag his tail and claw on the door. All I wanted to do was hold him in my arms one more time. After about 5 minutes I had to put him back in the tank. I made the decision to put him to sleep if he wasn’t better in two days. Low and behold, my prayers were answered. On Monday, Will called me and said that Mac had been able to stay out of the tank all day!! I picked him up on Tuesday and brought him home. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated drastically over the holdiays and I had to put him to sleep on 1-2-08. That was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I, like you, have had so many guilt feelings, but I know that he would never get better and I could not stand to see him suffer. I will always remember him as a little dog with a big heart. I had him cremated so that I could keep him with me always.

Thank you so much for writing this book. I don’t think I would have gotten through this without you. It is still very hard not seeing him. I reach for him in the night. Our other little Yorkie, Molly, just mopes around the house. She knows and I tried to talk to her, but she is still lonesome. She stays right at my feet.

God bless you Mark Levin. I wish there were more people out there like you.

Mary from Virginia

Currently we have four furry kids. Two are about 12 years old and the other two are about 10.

Our largest dog, 55 lbs. has developed back trouble and arthritis. He shouldn’t go up and down stairs, but that where his *home* is so up he goes every night, or when he’s stressed. He’s a lab-doby/cock-a-poo mix. Cute as the dickens, but has an attitude. Now we call him “old man.”

Our others are loved alot, too. The oldest, alpha-female and the one we have had the longest has seems to have Cushings disease.

If we have to put Butch down we’re going to be heart broken….don’t know how we’ll stand it. Same holds true for each of the others.

Lost our dog, Dusty, 12 years ago and we still mourn off and on. He’s become perfect in our memories LOL.

Will read the book someday…just not yet.

Pam from MI

WOW! What a book. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were writing our story. When our little Cocker Spaniel, Angel, was about 13, my wife decided that she needed a friend. Long story short, we too found the perfect friend at the DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue. Elvis, our 11 year old rescue, was an immediate family member. Your book is our story where only the names have been changed (right down to the child in college). I’m having some difficulty getting through the last couple of chapters. You see, we still have both of our babies, but I know that it won’t be long before we’ll be faced with the same trials that you’ve been going through. What a beautiful tribute to one of God’s blessings.

Mr. Levin, I have two words for you:
Thank You,

Tim from TX

I just finished reading Rescuing Sprite. It was difficult for me as I just lost my beloved German Shepard mix, Harley, on September 6, 2007. Harley had just turned 13 years old and we had him since he was a puppy. His story resembled Sprite’s in so many ways.

Out of the blue, Harley had two massive seizures. These seizures left him weak, but he was still able to walk at first. We took Harley to a neurologist and had an MRI. The doctor discovered that Harley had a brain tumor located very close to his central nervous system and spine. Due to the location of the tumor and Harley’s age, the doctor didn’t think that Harley would survive surgery to remove the tumor. At first, I tried to stay positive and was probably in denial thinking that we would get through this. Over a six- day period, Harley went down hill fast. When he got to the point that he could not walk and his poor little legs would buckle under as we tried to carry him outside to do his business, I knew in my heart it was time to say goodbye. We put our beloved Harley to sleep while we held him in our arms whispering how much we loved him and stayed with him until he took his last breath.

I too was faced with wondering over and over again if I made the right decision. I kept thinking that maybe we missed some medication or some type of therapy even though the vet told me there was nothing more we could do for Harley. I struggled with knowing that I made the decision that ended my Harley’s life. (more…)

Dear Mark:

The sweet part of this story is at the end, I hope you have time to read my e-mail. Thanks for all you do!!

My daughter has recently been dealing with many sad issues concerning her two dear dachshund friends of 15 years, Ruby and Crosby. For several months she and her husband have been struggling with the issue of whether to put Ruby down. I gave them a copy of your book as I felt it would help them get through this hard decision. Ruby has back issues that had rendered her unable to walk. She is still attentive and right at your heels when she hears you in the kitchen. Unable to take that ultimate move they have treated her with holistic medicines, acupuncture and even the wheels on her back legs. They have been assured that she is in no real pain. Amazingly, she is now able to walk without the wheels and has made some incredible improvement. She and her brother Crosby have been great friends to each other, to my husband and daughter and finally to my three grandchildren especially Matt 5 ½ and Abby 2 ½.

Sadly, over the holidays, Crosby, who was in very good physical health, was hit by a car. They were here at my home in Illinois, and on the morning they were returning to their home they received a call from their barn manager (she has a horse farm) that Crosby had been killed. He had never wandered away ever; he loved visiting the barn and had a little route that he followed when he was outside. (more…)

I am a dog lover deluxe. I have poodles that I show in conformation and obedience shows, but my first love and still are mutts. My precious Cotton was 15 when I lost him. He was a cocker/golden mix. I also had to make the decision to let him go and that is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. My old girl now is a 13 year old cocker mix and she is starting to age…. I’m am so dreading losing her.

Christie from NM