Mark, wanted to thank you for writing the book. It was a x-mas present from my brother who is a big fan of your show. I’ve struggled with the events that led up to the end of my dear TJ’s life on New Year’s Eve 2006, wondering if we had done the right thing by our “big golden boy.” My bro thought it was something I might enjoy. He was right…if by “enjoy” he meant cry like a baby for hours. Well, anyways, here’s my story.

TJ came into our lives in June of 2006. We already had Alex, our 3-year-old golden, who needed a friend/brother/sister as both my wife and I worked long hours. Perusing petfinder.com one afternoon I came across a picture of a beautiful golden retriever at the Media, PA ASPCA. After showing my wife the picture and getting her permission, I inquired with the ASPCA about the status of “TJ”. They said there were some leads on his original owner and they had to follow-up before he could be placed. We called back the next 3 days until we were told on Friday that the following Monday he would be up for adoption. Monday rolled around and Alex and I drove to the ASPCA. We arrived at the ASPCA by 7:30, they didn’t open until 9. By the time 9 rolled around there were 10 people in line for “TJ”. I was the first and got first shot at him and he was ours (the staff were so impressed about how organized my files were for Alex they circumvented some of the usual procedures)…Don’t all dog owners have their dog files organized?

He was such a sweet dog. He was also very big, very unkempt, and very sick. He had picked up Kennel Cough at the ASPCA. TJ became acquainted with the vet early on in our relationship. From skin rashes to ear infections, TJ was a great sport while we went about getting him in tip top shape. The vet estimated him at about 4-6 years old. What a beautiful dog he was. He and Alex complimented each other amazingly. Did I mention TJ was a big dog? About 95 lbs of pure muscle. This dog was built to work. We had purchased a flexy leash for a 120lb dog. TJ pulled right through the lock on the leash and broke it when he decided that he had to have that squirrel. I’m a big guy, and walking him was more than a chore, but I loved every minute of it/him. People would stop my wife and I constantly to comment on our two golden boys. I actually started to call them “dos goldens”, then the “two retards” (such a funny pair of idiots they were), then naturally I shortened it to “dos retardos.” (more…)

Dear Mr.Levin,
I feel for you. In November, we had to put our dog to sleep. He was 14 years old and had congestive heart failure. He had been doing okay, but one day, he was coughing all the time and couldn’t breath or move. We put him down the next day. This was sad for all of us, especially for me and my younger brother. I’m 13, so Waldo had been with us my whole life. We have another dog now. We had adopted her from the shelter about 10 weeks before Waldo died. We still miss him. So does my Grandma’s dog. Waldo practically raised her(we got her as a puppy), and he was like a grandfather to her.

Justine from IN

My wife gave me a copy of “Rescuing Sprite” for Christmas. I just finished reading it. I have never, ever cried so much over a book in my life. I could SO relate to your love for your dogs, and the happiness they brought you. Your sadness and depression over Sprite’s illness and death touched me. I love my two doggies very much too, and the thought of losing one of them terrifies me. I gave them both a big hug just now. Thank you for an emotional read and the inspiration to appreciate the time I have with my dogs a little more, since that time is, as aways, limited.

Monroe from MD

Mark, I just finsihed your book – and could barely read through the tears. You captured the love and commitment we hold for our dogs. “Dogs” just doesn’t seem to be the right word. These keepers of our souls. Looking into Sprites eyes – I know what you feel. And I too – will someday – go through your pain. I can only hope I am as strong as you and your family when that time comes. Thank you for sharing your incredibly sad and yet beautiful story.

Patti from NM

Hi Mark,

I just finished reading Rescuing Sprite, and can honestly say it touched me more than any other book I’ve ever read (and I’ve read many many dog books!). I cried more than I have since my beloved beagle Beamer died almost 5 years ago. However, your book also reassured and comforted me by conveying that there ARE other people in this world who feel such an emotionally deep bond with their dogs. I can COMPLETELY identify with your feelings towards Sprite. My mom told me as she was reading the book, “Amy, this is YOU,” referring to your attitude towards your dogs. I commend you for sharing your thoughts and feelings so openly, for perhaps making it “okay” for many more people to give their love whole-heartedly to their pets, and for possibly promoting extinction of the phrase “he/she was ‘just a dog.'” Thank you.

I would also like to share with you the story of my dog, Beamer. (I know this entry is becoming quite long, and I understand if it is too long for your website, but I DO hope that you get to at least read it.) I adopted Beamer from the animal shelter when she was a 7-week-old puppy (the runt of a litter of 11 beagle mix pups). When she was 9, she went through therapy dog training so that she could visit nursing homes and hospitals, and became a certified therapy dog. I also brought her to my school where I worked as a school psychologist, so she could work with children with learning and emotional issues. Children who were otherwise reluctant to read, eagerly and enthusiastically read to Beamer. Their confidence and attitude toward reading seemed to improve. She also joined two behaviorally-emotionally disabled students in their group sessions. Their faces lit up when they saw her, and when they walked her down the hallways they exuded pride and excitement. One boy who was initially uncommunicative and somber displayed compassion and love for Beamer (this was especially evident the day he folded her blanket for her so her head could rest on it comfortably). (more…)

I also have two dogs, one we rescued (we found her in the back woods shot and desheveled) and the other given to us by my friend. The one given to us is older, about nine and she looks like your Sprite and the other is a Husky and she did look like a coyote at that time. I know some day I’m going to have to say good-bye, How do you do it? Mr. Levin I have something I wrote about having two dogs, let me know if you’d want to see it. Thanks,

Barbara and Hubby from NJ