Mark,

Let me start by saying that we own a mobile grooming business and this story is about one of our customer’s pup. Bella was about nine years old and has made a complete turn around as far as her grooming goes. Cindy, my wife, is the groomer and I bathe the dogs and take care of most of the mechanical problems with the van and I’m responsible for getting the servicing completed that is required.

When Cindy first started grooming Bella, she would always try to bite when it came to getting nails clipped and ears cleaned. We would have to muzzle her to get that done. Apparently, something bad happened to her before we started grooming her and she thought we were going to do the same thing to her. Bella’s parents said she just hated going to a groom shop and was afraid we were going to have trouble with her too.

I think it took about a year to get her turned around to the point that she didn’t need a muzzle for her nails and ears. As a matter of fact, it got to the point where she was really excited to see us coming to groom her. I think a lot of it was Cindy’s doing and the treats she would get when we would finish her nails. On the way from the front door to the van, she would pull Cindy down the driveway because she was so anxious to get to the van. Cindy’s practice of heaping praise on her when we could get one foot done (along with a bit of a treat) seemed to do the trick.

Last Thursday, we had an appointment to groom Bella and when we called we were told that Bella had been sick and didn’t know if she was up to getting groomed. Cindy said we would drop by and if Bella showed her usual happiness to see us that it shouldn’t be a problem but she would make the decision on how Bella acted when we got there. She had a habit of going ‘nutso’ when she knew Cindy was at the door.

When we got to the house, Cindy rang the doorbell and was let into the house. Bella was at the door and I could see from the van that she didn’t act normally. She jumped up on Cindy’s leg greeting her as usual but it just wasn’t the same. Cindy sat in the floor because Bella was crying so she crawled onto Cindy’s lap for some kissing and cuddling. Cindy was told Bella was diagnosed with a bacterial infection in her pancreas. She was on an IV for 24 hours at the vet’s office and released with antibiotics. Cindy told me Bella had lost a lot of weight because she didn’t eat and I’m not sure how long that had been going on. Bella’s mom told Cindy they found their little boy on his hands and knees halfway into Bella’s crate crying and begging Bella not to die. Cindy was really upset about the news and called our vet to get more information and a second opinion, as such. We called again Friday to see how Bella was doing and was told she seemed to be getting better since our visit but was really disappointed that we didn’t take her to the van. She wanted a treat, you see. (more…)

Hi there, through Andy of Tennesse on your program 11/09/07 I saw your signed book that you sent him. He and his lovely wife Denise have one of my rescue dogs. I run a small rescue/safe house out of my home in East Tennessee. We have a horrendous animal situation in East Tennessee. That is why rescue and safe house exist. Please look at our babies on our website Voice for pets.org or on petfinder.com. We could sure use your help. I rescue mostly animals that have a disability (I am a retired special education teacher)..
Thanks for your show and your book about Sprite. I am giving it as Christmas Presents to everyone I love.
sweetpaws215@yahoo.com

Pat from TN

I bought 4 books. One for me and one for each of my children who all have dogs. I read Rescuing Sprite in two sittings. I could not put it down.  Much of what was written was if I had written it. Except my dog DOOS, a German Short Hair was healthy until the last year of his life. I had him put down the same time of day as Mark did. I drove DOOS to the vet during my lunch hour on purpose because I had to put a time limit on me to do this. ( I am crying right now as I tell you this even though it was 15 years ago)

Doos always knew when I was coming home I would turn the corner a block away and he would start to bark and run around the window. All of you know how a dog reacts when you greet them. I was never alone when home or any where I could take DOOS. He was content to have a paw over my foot, chin on my shoulder in the car. He had to touch me somewhere if we were sitting together. Unconditional love at the highest level. To Mark- the book deeply touched me. I have only had the opportunity to listen to the show since I got serius radio. When we seek to develop pure love, & filled with charity we can & will then serve others. Mark this is you. You love us as your listeners as your family I thank you for your stand against the godless people who claim to be so concerned about us & our rights. Thanks Mark We all love you

Bill from ID

The shock and grief continue today from the sudden death yesterday of our golden retriever, Sandy. She was only 7 years old, and hadn’t even started getting gray around her nose yet. Still a puppy to us – and judging from her always joyful spirit – in her heart as well.

She’d been a little off for the last couple of weeks – not eating much but still going through her normal routine on most days. Still greeting us at the door or coming out into the yard as we unloaded the car from our day. Still wagging her tail and smiling, still begging for people food and sleeping in our bed. Still occasionally grabbing a sock out of the dirty clothes and waiting, hoping to be chased. So we didn’t think about those abdominal tumors that goldens often get and that two of our goldens before Sandy ultimately died from. We didn’t consider it, because they were 11 or 12 when it happened. Sandy was only 7. Still a pup. And, her check up just 3 months ago turned up no problems or issues except needing her teeth cleaned.

But yesterday when she didn’t want to move from one spot on the floor and she seemed to have no strength to stand, we knew something was terribly wrong. We rushed her to the vet and xrays confirmed the worst. At least one tumor in the spleen, others maybe but surgery would be needed. Since it was Saturday we had to move her from the vet to an emergency animal clinic, where hopefully they could give her fluids and stabilize her until she could have surgery. (more…)

Dear Mark: Just a note to tell you how your amazing book helped us get through putting our belived dog, Brutus, down. My husband is still inconsolable and even has put Brutus’ Christmas stocking up. It is hard to look at. Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season. Thank you for writing your fabulous book about Sprite. It’s nice to know there are others who love their pets as we do.

Patty from CA

I grew up as a dog person. As a kid I usually had a dog in my life. Cats have passed through my life as well.

In September of 1980 I met the man I was meant to spend my life with. With him came his entire family. Again, there were cats and dogs. There were birds as well.

My husband’s family had worked in Nigeria for a number of years in the late 1970’s. While they were there several African Gray parrots were given to them. Six parrots ultimately came home with them. Two of them have touched me the most.

African Gray parrots have the intelligence and reasoning power of between a 2 and 5 year old human child. Having one in a household is like having a child that never grows up. They can be quite a handful but every day with them is so special. (more…)