It is only fitting that I write a short story about the untimely death of our family pet that occurred 5 years ago. “Raffy”, our miniature schnauzer had been so aptly named due to my opportunity as a banker to have dealt with professional athletes. “Raffy’s” full AKC registered name was “Raffy Ivan Kreuter “(Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, and Chad Kreuter).

After returning our son to College in August 2002 we returned home to “Raffy”, our intelligent member of the family. As usual we played that Sunday evening, got up the next morning, said our goodbyes as my wife and I returned to work. Monday evening after work he greeted me at the door ready to play again. That evening we went to bed and as usual, “Raffy” lay in between us. On Tuesday morning I got up to prepare for work, but noticed “Raffy” still laying at the foot of the bed, breathing but not moving, he was very lethargic. We immediately went next door (our veterinarian was our neighbor at the time) and told Dr. Spikes what was going on with “Raffy”. She agreed to take him to the clinic and run some tests on Tuesday morning.

On Thursday morning I received the news that every pet owner dreads to hear. “Raffy” had died on the operating table during exploratory surgery to see why he wasn’t responding to treatment. Dr. Spikes was devastated and asked if she could send tissue samples off to Texas A & M to determine what had killed “Raffy”. I immediately agreed, because neither she nor her partner could come up with a reason why a healthy dog had suddenly gotten ill and in 2 days was dead. (more…)

I Just finished reading your book, rescuing Sprite. It was so touching and hit home for us. Our Jack russell terrier named Elvis just passed away in our loving arms on Dec 20th 2007. Everyday I miss him more and alittle bit of me dies inside. My friend gave me this book and I read it in 3 days. It has help me and saddened me. I love to hear how many feel their dog is like one of their children, that is how we feel. What I can’t understand is how people don’t treat their animals as part of the family!!!! Elvis was the best little dog ever and not a day goes by that he won’t be fogotten and cherished forever!!!! Thank you for being such a great animal loving person, God Bless,

Julie from NV

DEC 24 2007– I RECEIVED RESCUING SPRITE AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT AND IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS HAVE FINISHED READING THIS BOOK. AS I LOOK AT MY 5 DOGS I AM AT PEACE KNOWING I DO MY BEST FOR THEM AND THANKFUL FOR THE EXTENT OF JOY THEY BRING TO MY LIFE. GOD BLESS TO THE LEVIN FAMILY DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS BOOK.

Linda from NY

REMEMBERING GOLDIE~CHRISTMAS ALWAYS BRINGS MEMORIES OF MY “FIRST CHILD” PERSIAN MIX CAT,GOLDIE. MY HUSBAND, THEN BOYFRIEND, GAVE HER TO ME IN 1976 AS A GIFT WHEN I WAS 1ST ON MY OWN & STARTING COLLEGE. A TINY LITTLE CAT WITH BIG EYES & SOFT MEOW, SHE FIT IN THE PALM OF MY HAND. 17 YRS. LATER, AT ABOUT 20 LBS. & LAP SIZED, GOLDIE WAS “RETIRED” IN SARASOTA,FL IN 1989 WHERE WE DECIDED TO RELOCATE FROM THE CHERRY HILL,NJ AREA.

MY ONLY CHILD WAS BORN PREMATURE IN ’92 & GOLDIE WAS THE PERFECT NANNIE AND OLDER “SIBLING” … MARK, IT WAS THE PASSING OF THE BATON…. WE HAD OUR NEW BABY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS AND GOLDIE STARTED TO FAIL . HER ENERGY & WEIGHT DECLINED & SHE STOPPED EATING. (more…)

I adopted Stimpy – a Chihuahua from a kill shelter in New York City. Like your dog, he was much older then I was told, but it didn’t matter to me. His health was poor and his body very weak from sitting in the cage for almost a month. I had his teeth fixed which was the cause of all his internal infections. A few months after the operation, Stimpy was running in the park chasng the female dogs the best a 6 lb dog could. We enjoyed a little over 6 years together until his heart failed. The few dollars the shelter required for adoption was the best money I ever spent – the best freind I ever had.

Matt from PA

Hello Mr. Levin,

I ‘m writing you as an animal lover as well. I recently lost my Beagle Tuffy to cancer. My daughter who work with a rescue where I found Tuffy Had him cremated for me from a pet mortuary. I know the pain you felt with the loss of Sprite and in time it will heal. Remember this though if not for people as ourselves what chances or hope would these little friends have? This is the thought I have and it helps. I know Tuffy is in a better place though I miss him greatly. At least he dont have to hear the wacko libs. Thank You Sir for reading my letter
Cordially,

John from FL