While waiting to board a plane last week at the Oakland, CA airport, I wandered over to a bookstall and picked up your book. I flipped through the pages, reading a bit here and there. When my tears started falling on the pages, I put the book back on the shelf. I told my son what I’d just read, and we reminisced about the dogs that had been part of our family. In a few minutes, he got up and bought your book for me. We have had 5 dogs, all living to old age. The first two were mostly for the kids. Then when they started growing up and going off to college, the next dogs were for me. A mother always wants a little creature around to love and care for. The dogs filled that need.

My two ‘little angels’ were smooth fox terriers, Jack and Pete. Jack was a rescue dog and as you know, we don’t always know their exact age. He was with us for 11 years and then developed cardiomyopathy. (more…)

I rang in the New Year 2008 reading Rescuing Sprite. It took me about 4 hours to read the book. Our dog, Samson, was in the bed with me with his head in my lap. I would stop every few minutes to look him and pet him, my heart growing with more and more love as I read the book. We have had Samson only 3 years, but we cannot imagine life with out him. We have tried time and time again to discuss how life would be without Samson. We can never finish the discussion without tears flowing like a river. God has surely blessed us with a great friend and loved one. Your book surely made me stop, realize, and enjoy Samson’s love, friendship, and loyalty. I’m sure I’ll be reading the book again. Thanks for your great book.

Jessica from MS

Hi, just finished reading your book Rescuing Sprite. My mother in law bought this book for my husband and myself for a Christmas present. To be honest, it was the best present because we needed it to help cope with our losses.We are still grieving the loss of our 2 16 y/o poodles that we had to put down on Feb. 19th, 2007.

Tiffany our white minature poodle was suffering from a brain tumor, seizures and tainted dog food from China. Samantha our black silver toy poodle suffered and deteriorated quickly because of the tainted dog food from China. Amber our 15 year old apricot miniature poodle still is living but slowing down. After Tiffany and Samantha died almost 2 months later we brought home a toy white poodle named Izzy, who is now 8 months old. Amber and Izzy are learning to get along.

Thank you for articulating your life with the dogs and your feelings you shared., Only dog lovers/owners knows how hard it is to love and grieve the loss of your beloved pets. With much sympathy and understanding… may we all find solice, peace and comfort in our shared dog loving journeys.

Sue from IL

Would like Mark to see this pic.
Taken New Years eve of brother and sister.
They are only 5, but i have had them 5 years.
Your book has helped me to deal with the inevitable, something I think about often.
You look into their eyes and you see the definition of love.
They own ME !

Thank you,

Chris from GA

Mr. Levin – I read your book and cried the whole time. I have been a dog owner for 14 years and could connect with everything you said about we are the lucky ones to have known our pets. When my Chow Chow died a couple of years ago, someone sent me this poem about the Rainbow Bridge and I found comfort in it. I wanted to send it to you in the hopes that you would also find comfort. Have a Happy New Year and forge new memories with Griffin.

Emily from CO

Hi Mark:

I just lost my dog,Maggi,in July,much the same way as your Sprite. Maggi was 16 1/2 years old,a Shih Tzu,who I had raised from 6 weeks old.

I am still mourning my little girl,and she was such a joy to me.She finally succumbed to kidney disease,and some cancer.I also wondered if I was doing the right thing the day we had the vet put her to sleep,but I knew that she was suffering,although she never wimpered.You just know….

I took care of my mother for 4 years,and she was always afraid of dogs,but she grew to love Maggi.She would feed her with a fork,so she wouldn’t touch her mouth.

My husband gave me your book for Chanukah,and wrote inside ” in loving memory of Maggi”,and I bawled all over again.I read the book in one sitting,and bawled again.It is nice to know that I am not the only one to have such compassion for a pet.I am currently looking for another dog,and have thought about a rescue dog….

I also had Maggi cremated,and she currently sits right behind me in the dining room,with her picture in front of her little urn.

Thanks for sharing a very touching story with me.

Happy New Year to you and your family.

Marion from OH