Today, my husband and I had to put our sweet Bella to sleep. I knew this day was fast approaching and that it would be agonizingly difficult. However, I could not, and did not, fully appreciate the enormity of the sorrow until the moment we gave the vet the nod to end our beloved dog’s suffering. The reality of her death is far more devastating than anything i could have imagined.

Bella, you were so dearly loved and will be so thoroughly missed. Thank you for kissing away my tears as we sent you to heaven.

Leslie from CT

Mark, I’ve just finished reading your book and although I don’t always agree with your politics, loving animals isn’t limited to any party. I lost a dog last Sept., her name was Foxy and she was the most gentle spirit ever put here. We have another dog, Ziggy and they were raised together. Zig is 16 and has the same symptoms as Sprite. When we lost Foxy it was especially hard on him but we’ve since adopted another dog who was rescued from a puppy mill. She has helped him alot but we know the time is drawing near for us to make a decision. I’m only hoping he’ll let us know when its the right time.

When we had to put Foxy down, we knew it was right since she had a very rare and incurable skin cancer. One of the things that helped me was going to Best Friends in Kanobe, Utah. It is the most amazing place and when you leave you just feel the animals have a wonderful home whether they’re adopted or not. You might want to go on their website Bestfriends.org and read about the wonderful animals and the people that care for them. If you visit, you’ll find such peace in the mountains. Hange in there, it gets a little better. I always say animals don’t live as long so that we may give love to another.

Chris from TX

Harley was one of my all-time best pals whom I confided in, found comfort with, and enjoyed most of my time with. He slept in the same bed with me and my wife for nearly five years and then the unthinkable happened…he was stolen from us by one of the lowest forms of scum found on the earth. I haven’t a solid clue who ended up taking Harley, but I do know that I miss him more than I ever realized was possible. Dogs truly are man’s best friend.

Michael from IN

Mark – thank you for your book about Sprite. I hope more people will realize the need to adopt shelter dogs and cats. They need us. Please encourage people, every chance you can, as you did in your book, to adopt from a shelter or rescue group, and not a pet store as we must stop the insane overbreeding and puppy mills in this country. I feel your pain. I too lost my best friend, Jasper, a few weeks ago.

Diane from PA

Sending a photo of our beloved Westies (Little Bit and Starr). We lost Starr 3 years ago, but We still think of her when we look at Little Bit.

Bo & Pat from TX

I am going through now what Mr. Levin experienced when Sprite was living his last days. I have been fiercely struggling over the last few weeks with the decision about putting down my 15-year-old lab. The thoughts that Mr. Levin shared today—well, it was as if he was reading my own mind and heart. I am feeling guilt and fear like I never thought possible, and hearing Mr. Levin’s story gave me some strength and courage. After a long cry alone in my car, I came back to the office and made that first dreaded phone call to the vet.

I rarely leave my office on my lunch hour, nor at the particular time I was out, and I don’t always listen to that radio station. It was as if the Universe put me in the car at that precise moment for a reason.

I have every intention of reading “Rescuing Sprite”, although I’m probably not strong enough at this moment. I’m sure it will be some comfort to me after my wonderful friend Cookie has left this world.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story, Mr. Levin. I admire your strength and compassion.

Beth from PA