Dear Mark:

Hello, Your book about Sprite was very inspiring, i just loved it! you had mentioned that you didn’t think anyone would care about your story, I think you are finding out that their alot of people in this world that are caring and place their dogs as a very important part of thier life! I had resuced a small Benji looking dog, I called her Lady, she was with me where ever I went, I had her for 13 years, she started having medical problems, and my husband and I took her to purdue university, she had early cell carcinoma, a type of bladder cancer, even with the medication it just made her sicker, when the inevitable came, it was the worst day of my life! I was distraught for months, These feelings are hard to explain to other people who have never known what it is like to have that certain bond with a dog. In 2002, I had went to Animlal Aid pet adoption day, at a local Pet Supply Plus, I then had noticed a small dog, a beautiful one year old miniature chow, they had called Misty, Misty was a special needs dog, they told me that all of her legs had gotten broken and that she was dumped off like trash at the humane society,when she was about 6 monhts old. (more…)

Sometimes we still catch a glimpse at the back door & go to let Coco in. She’s been gone 18 months. Truth be known, I could write a dozen rescuing stories… thank you for sharing yours. A dozen of my closest loved ones will be getting a copy for Christmas. I am selfishly keeping the autographed one for myself.

Suzie Q, Puddin’, Lefty, Peanut, Piglet, Shadoweaver, Momma Cat (and litter), Johnnie, Coco-Pop, Lindy, Kermit, Skittie. Each one is a near and dear heart story. (Momma Cat and her litter were ferals; only showed up and stayed while they needed human help.) Eight are gone, though none of them left willingly or easily. Dogs, cats, even (my) bird know when you hurt and don’t ever want to be separated from you.

The bottom line is, critters are excellent judges of character. If you have any, (character, that is) a critter will bring out the best of it. Their ability for and lessons in unconditional love are no less than an earthly extension of the miracle of God. The teach you to deal with and comfort you through unbelievable human tragedy. No matter how much the parting hurts, a kindred spirit will continue to bond with God’s critters. God bless you and yours.

Janet from TX

Mark,
Your book was wonderful! I felt that you were “talking to me” as I turned the pages. Amid the tears and smiles, loving memories of our 13 year old, cinnamon colored, cocker spaniel swirled through my mind. Muffin went to Doggie Heaven a year and a half ago – we think of him every day and think that we were so fortunate to have his love and friendship.

I really enjoy hearing you talk about your “friends” as I drive home from work; and of course, the world info too.

Oh, also, thanks for recommending “My Grandfather’s Son”. I haven’t finished it yet, but Clarence Thomas is a remarkable man.

Judy from TX

Mr. Levin,
Thank you for the opportunity to share our story and for writing such a beautiful book.

At the age of 9, Argus our beloved, retired greyhound was diagnosed in May with multiple myeloma and received a new drug therapy as part of a clinical trial at Colorado State University Veterinary Cancer Center. Argus was enjoying life, his cancer was in remission and we were looking forward to many more months of good health. He was even back to romping in the yard with our other greyhound, Meerkat.

Mid-October Argus’ cancer came back and we decided to try traditional chemotherapy since the promising experimental drug had apparently failed after three months of remission. The cancer seemed to come back stronger than ever, the drugs were not working and so early on morning of November 9th we let Argus cross the Bridge to be at peace and pain free.

You always second guess yourself and wonder if you’ve made the right decision when you ease your beloved pets to whatever lies ahead. My vet at CSU offered this insight as she comforted me and Argus; she said “I’ve never had an owner tell me they made the decision too soon, but have had many tell me they waited too long.” (more…)

I just bought 3 copies of your book. I just need you to know I relate. This is a pic of Ezekiel as a kitten. He gave me 11 years of joy. I had to put him down because of major tumors. After all the tests, I think I should have just put him down. It would have been a lot less stressful for him and us. Thank you for the book. I bought 3. Spread the word.

God Bless,

George from NJ

Mark,

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading “Rescuing Sprite”. It brought out so many emotions in me. I laughed and I cried.

I wanted to tell you the story of the Dexter dogs. My husband and I are long time dog rescuers who, over the years, have been responsible for placing many dogs into wonderful homes. My dogs were my life and my children. As the type of pet owner we all hope to be, we took considerable care in making sure our pets never were a bother to anyone or to our neighbors.

On September 12, 2006, while my husband, Jim, was on a business trip, I woke up to find one of our 7 dogs dead in bed and one in a coma. I rushed the two dogs, Fred and Ginger (Yorkshire Terriers) to Red Bank veterinarian at 6:00am. Ginger was already dead and Fred was very ill. A few of our dogs had been vomiting on and off for several days but our vet had no idea what was causing it. Until now.

Fred died at the clinic and Jim took an early flight home from his business trip in time to be with our other dogs at the clinic. Blue, a Dachshund/Jack Russell mix also died that day. Just a few weeks earlier we lost our senior border collie mix, Smudgy, but Smudgy had cancer and it was assumed he died as a result of his disease. This would turn out not to be the case. The cause of death for Fred, Ginger and Blue was antifreeze poisoning that someone had mixed with hamburger meat and placed in our yard, while Smudgy died from rat poison that someone intentionally placed in our yard.
Our remaining three dogs were taken in to the clinic where they were all tested and our two Dachshunds, Schatzel and Norman, both tested positive for ethylene glycol in their systems as did Sassafras, our Newfoundland mix. Although they appeared to be “ok” Norman was showing signs of kidney failure and Schatzel’s blood work was guarded. Sassy, a Newfoundland mix suffereds some kidney and neurological damage. All three dogs were given the antidote they use to try to counteract the effect of the ethylene glycol and remained at the clinic until they were well enough to come home.
We faced going home to an empty house and it was extremely emotional and painful. Not see the happy faces of our beloved dogs and knowing we’d never see four of them again was heart wrenching and a blow to our heart that was all consuming.

The police and media arrived and information was taken and interviews with the media were given by my husband. I could not get out of bed for 3 days; I was so devastated. Our story appeared in many papers and on the news and it was hoped that the person who did this would be found.
The devastation I feel from losing my precious babies has been inconsolable. These innocent dogs died because of a cruel, sick person who had no soul. (more…)