My precious Minature Schnauzer is 12 1/2 years old, so as I sobbed over your loss, Mark, of Sprite, I sobbed over the inevitable loss of my own Ashes so named because she is the color of ashes. She has three legs and four teeth and loves me beyond measure. I am retiring after teaching for 37 years, and at least I’ll be able to spend quality time with Ashes until she leaves this world. I bought your book at Kroger this afternoon and after I started it, I didn’t put it down til I finished it. I ponder what the history of the world or at least personal stories by people through history would be like without dogs. It would definitely be our loss.
I’d love to read the story of Sprite written by Sprite and Pepsi! I bet their perspective would be even more touching! Hugs to Pepsi!

June from MS

A friend of mine recently gave me your book, Rescuing Sprite. Although I know that these stories tend to end sadly, my friend was sure I would appreciate the book. And I did. I have had dogs all of my life, and usually in pairs. All of my dogs made it to their teenage years. 2 years ago I lost both of my dogs within 2 months of each other. They were both around 16 years old, and the first dog died of kidney failure. After that his big brother just didn’t want to go on anymore. Despite my best efforts to get him to eat, drink and live, he made it clear he wasn’t interested. And, yes, each time I felt that maybe there was something more I could have done. I felt that the time wasn’t right to let go. It look me many months to be convinced, by my family and vet, that I had done everything humanly possible. Then, despite my resolve that I would always have a dog, I could not bring myself to adopt another dog. I helped other dogs find homes, but was not ready to bring one into mine. That is, until a few months ago, when I read a story about an older dog left at a kill-shelter by his family because they were too busy to keep him in their lives – they were retiring and wanted to travel (much like the situation with your buddy Griffen). I decided right then and there that this dog would not be put down because of the selfishness of his former family. It took all of 5 minutes to decide that we would make him part of our family. It has been nearly 7 months, and he is the sweetest, most undemanding dog I’ve encountered in a long time. He is a welcome addition to our family. And while we know that as an older dog his time with us is limited, we are determined to give him the best we can. He has earned it.

Reena from NJ

I just read your book, it touched me deeply. I have three wonderful dogs. One is a Dobie named Luke who jumped out of a pickup and had a swelled spine and couldn’t walk. His owners couldn’t afford treatment and were going to put him to sleep. He was only a year old. He was the most gentle, sweet dog you have ever met. I asked the vet clinic I worked at if I could persuade the owners to sign over ownership to me and i would take over care for this dog. They gave me permission. The owners quickly signed over ownership.

Luke had to have a wheelchair, since his back leg did not work, and he had to be on an elevated bed. About 6 weeks after we got him on Thanksgiving Day 2006, Luke took his first wobbley steps on his own. My husband and I were overjoyed. To this day Luke still walks alittle funny, but otherwise can do everything a normal dog can do. I am so happy i had the chance to make a difference in this dog’s life. The joy he has brought to our family is indescribable.

Amanda from AR

Before the book came out, I heard you talk about it on Rush’s show. I lost my dog on sept. 10th. he was 17 years, 4 months and 5 days old.
As I do most of my work at home as well, he was my constant companion, best friend for 17 years.
As I listened to you, I thought, he only had Sprite for 2 years, he can’t know my pain!
I have been coping by not thinking of Snoop (when he comes into my mind, my heart literally sinks in my chest, and I immediately try to busy myself with other things.

While shopping lately, I seemed to see the book everywhere-I kept resisting buying it as I knew it would be too painful to read, but the smiling face of Sprite was pulling me. i finally bought the book-it sat on my kitchen table for 2 days, Sprite smiling up at me. I was afraid to open it.
Yesterday I read the book. I started crying on page 102 and didn’t stop until I finished it.
It was what I needed, a catharsis. And the realization came to me that I was luckier, much luckier than Mark-I had my baby for 17 years. 2 years is far too short a time with a beloved dog.
I have been meaning to plant a white hydrangea bush in memory of Snoop and will do that come spring, I know now that it will give me comfort.

Christine from CT

I happened to walk by your book today and knew I had to read it. I bought it and a few hours later am more than half way through and crying like crazy. I had to stop and come look up your website. My husband and I do not have any children but have loved many dogs. Right now we have 7.  While they are not necessarily all ours, we take care of and love them all. We moved on to a 90 acre farm to run it for other dog loving people who had through the years taken in many strays and abused dogs. At that time we only had one of our own. We loved them all immediately but one in particular became very close to us and we decided if we ever moved again, she would go with us. She is approximately 5 and a blue heeler. Her name is Matilda. A few months later someone , we believe, dumped a miniature beagle here and she almost overnight became part of me. She had heart worms at the time and we have had to have her treated twice at $1000.00 a pop. She is due to be checked again in about a month and I don’t know what I will do if she still has them.. Her name is Sadie. Then there is Gus, Augustus McCray is his full name as Lonesome Dove is my husband’s favorite movie. He is a border collie mix. To tell his story I must back up a little and tell you about the two who died. (more…)

Thanks in part to your book, and my supportive friends, I gained the courage to let go of my beloved Chloe of 11 years go yesterday.

She was a Giant Schnauzer, and my very best friend with “old girl syndrome” who could barely walk from severe arthritus. For weeks she had been rapidly declining and I had been up all night with her the past two nights watching (and helping) her struggle to get to her feet, only to see her pace, pant and then collapse in another corner. It broke my heart.

In Columbus, Ohio there is a vet by the name of Dr. Jennifer Taylor of “House Calls for Dogs and Cats”. Thanks to her gentle love and kindness, Chloe was able to peacefully pass with her head in my lap in her own home. And was then gently and respectfully taken away to the crematorium. It is without a doubt one of the hardest things I have ever done. For anyone strugglling with this decision, I would like to let your know that this impossible decision for me to call this vet (after 3 tries) became possible with the advice that I call call her and say that “this may just be a regular check up” type of house call. She understood and that was the only way I could finally make that call. That, and my cousin, through her tears, reminding me that after all the joy and love that Chloe had brought to my life, that I owed it to her to not let her suffer. And she was right.
I will never forget my Chloe’s gentle nature, sense of humor, loyalty, and love and joy she gratefully brought to my life. I hope this letter helps someone struggling with this same decision to love their dog enough to let them go if it is their time.
Blessings to you all.

Nancy from OH