This was taken from my hometown form:

A Dog’s Purpose, (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. (more…)

Dear Mark,

I wanted to thank you for writing your book as it has helped me deal with the loss of my dog in ways you couldn’t imagine. I had to put my dog Stormie down on November 13th of this year and it was absolutely the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do. I just finished your book and was astonished at just how similar my experience was with yours and I’m sure everyone else who’s had to go through the process of ending the life of their best friend. I bought Stormie as a puppy and had her for nearly 15 years. She was absolutely my best friend and it brings tears to my eyes just writing this short note about her. I take comfort in knowing that others such as you love their pets as much as I did, and the fact that my Storm is in a better place today.

Mark from FL

I have three dogs – DJ – a jack russell/corgi mix – he is now 14, deaf and has cushings disease -(a disease which causes the liver to overproduce hormones)
Bama (Alabama) a 14 year old female chocolate lab. She has just finished her 2nd round of chemo for lymph node cancer and Sunny, our 8 years old yorki/terrier mix who was found in a rainstorm in Fla.
My DJ is now deaf because of the cushings and has a large hump on his right side due to the over production of hormones. He has had three leg surgeries and lost a toe to cancer – but he is the sweetest and most wonderful animal.He loves women. (more…)

I adopted Bailey, a mixed Golden Retriever-Chow mix, when I got out of the Army. It was 1992, I’d done my part during Desert Storm, and was set to be a Civilian with a house and a dog.

She had a tough time adapting to me getting married and giving up her half of the bed, but I sent my bride and Bailey to obedience training and they learned to communicate.

Bailey got me through some tough times over the 15 years she was in my life, even alerted me to a crook trying to break in through my back porch screen door with her growling and bought me time to grab my firearm and scare the thug off.

She diligently guarded both of our two children from the day each was brought home from the hospital, sleeping in the crib room and later in the bedroom both share.

The years caught up with Bailey as Winter set in. Her muscles deteriorated to the point that she couldn’t stand up to eat or go potty, and finally she stopped eating completely.

I made her appointment at the vet last Friday, and we had one last great weekend of brushing and petting. I took her in today, and sat with her the entire time. She knew. As weak as she was from having not eaten in days, she still managed to hold her head up and look me in the eye right up to the end.

When the time is right, we’ll go to the local shelter and begin again. Bailey was my third dog, and I believe strongly they’ll all be waiting for me at the gates.

Dave from NJ

F. lee–i love you, my 13 year old son loves to laugh and gets your download and loves you too. I have 2 dogs, Zelda and Annie. Zelda is beautiful, but a vicious killer of coons and rodents–just what we need here in farm country. Annie is a calm lover. I’ve been in an ongoing battle with my husband about dogs in the house, we fought and fought. Just you wait and see who needs the love and honesty of those dogs. It’ll be him. You are dead on when you say dogs teach us about ourselves, he doesn’t know it yet, I will weep when he gets it. love ya.

Jen from MI

Ten years ago this Christmas, my husband gave me the best gift I’ve ever gotten… a beautiful German Shepard Dog, 6 weeks old, all soft fur and big feet. She quickly grew into the most gorgeous creature ever to walk the earth. Not only was she physically beautiful, but her intellegence, courage, and loyalty were unwavering. She was adored by all who met her, and I was lucky enough to be adored by her. I lost her to cancer three years ago and my heart still breaks this time of year, when I remember how that round, soft ball of black puppy fur felt in my arms. But in the midst of my grief, I am also deeply grateful for having had her in my life, for all she gave me and all she taught me. Merry Christmas, Miss Fritzi. I love you.

Hazel from WI