Thank you very much for writing your book Rescuing Sprite. I could not stop reading it once I started. I admit that after hearing you…….. Sorry about that my dog just interrupted me to get her a treat – she has me well trained……. on the Radio and on TV I had to buy the book and write you this letter.

In 2000 I was working for a company in which the owner of company was convicted of bribing a US Congressman – you might know the name of the congressman – Jim Trafficant! The company went bankrupt, and to say it nicely they did not pay their employees or contractors….I lost everything, my house, my car and almost my life… It is amazing how so called friends evaporate when you stumble and they leave even faster when you fall and are in need of just someone to listen to you. To put it lightly it was bad time in my life…..but there was one, ok three, friends who never left my side, my dogs, Moocher, Muttley and Raven…..Every night I would come home they were always glad to see me, no matter what type of mood I was in, or how bad the day had been. They gave me a comfort and solace that is hard to describe –much like unconditional love towards someone. The joy and comfort that they brought me was immeasurable. They did get me through some very tough years and I feel blessed to have them and know that I could never repay them for all they did for me or what they meant to me.
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My name is Tony. I’ll be 32 years old at the end of this month. The only thing in life I want is a family. I have dreamed of being a loving husband and father since before I can remember. In 1998, after a devastating break up, I bought Kenny. Kenny was a 6 months old Miniature Pinscher, solid red. I know my reason for initially getting Kenny was selfish. I wanted comfort at the time. I knew at that time how much a family meant to me, but I also knew that I wanted to do it right…and it was going to take some time. Kenny was to be my companion until I got myself together and prepared properly for marriage.

Never would I have dreamed he would mean more to me than I had ever imagined. Over the years Kenny became the most meaningful thing in my life. Sad I know, but for me he’s just what I needed. Since I got Kenny I have been engaged, had relationships- all which have failed. He was the only one there for me for so many years. It’s cliche, but isn’t it amazing how your dog will never let you down. Even if you are at fault, even if you dissappoint. Your dog is always there for you when you need him. Kenny never let me down. In many ways he was like the child I always wanted. For a Miniature Pinsher he was amazing. He listened. He obeyed. I never had to worry about him when he was off his leash. “Don’t move,” that’s all it would take. Three years ago I was forced to move because of my work. I had a beautiful new townhome in a great part of town. Then all of the sudden, I had to pack up move to the only place available at the time. I was worried at first. The place is right beside a major road in Jacksonville, FL. After the first couple months Kenny proved himself to me yet again.

He knew to listen and the road was off limits. Then, about 2 years later I noticed some puppies playing in the field just across the street. Immediately I told myself, “Make sure Kenny doesn’t see them…..keep him away from the road.” We all know what happens next. Days later I went outside one morning and for the first time I took my eyes off him for just a split second. I’ll never forget turning my head at the last second, making sure I wouldn’t have to watch it happen. I couldn’t even turn around. I ran inside my house and fell to the floor. My neigbor immediatley came and grabbed me up, telling me there was still a chance. It took everything I had to go get Kenny and hold him on the way to the Veterinarian Hospital. All I could say was I’m sorry. I let my best friend down, at least I felt that way. All it would have taken was a “don’t move.” Signing the paperwork to have him put down was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. I could have never asked for a better companion. I miss him everday. Even a year later I cry thinking about how much he meant to me. So please. Love your pets. Some may find it silly, some may find it laughable. But anyone who has truly depended on their dog as a companion will understand. To some of us, they are all we have.

Tony from FL

I haven’t taken the opportunity to read your book yet but I’ve listened to your show enough to feel a connection to your trials and tribulations.

15yrs ago my wife and I lost an infant boy, Nathaniel, to infection shortly after birth. It was a gut-wrenching experience. At the time we had a 2yr old girl. The despair we suffered through was awful. My wife’s strength came forth during that time as she recognized that our other child would need her more than ever during that time. Through her tears and sorrow she persevered.

We had amassed few memories of Nathaniel because we only had one day with him. And frankly, those memories consisted primarily of life-saving procedures. The boy fought hard. I was proud. How did I handle it during and after?…I never really expressed much to anyone, including my wife. Years went by and life progressed. 3 more precious kids and a wonderful marriage thus far.

Fast forward to 2004. Over a series of weeks listening to your show, which included much discussion about Sprite, an awareness was raised in me. The ability to appreciate…I mean really appreciate this little four legged friend in our house, Skittles, our Pug. Your stories brought forth much thought and emotion stemming from our infant son lost so many years ago. Even though he was with us for a day. And even though our time with him was anything but joyful because of his battles. What came forth was the appreciation I had to have been with him when he passed. The pride I felt as he fought for life. The despair I felt when it was time to let him go. I appreciate that now.

Skittles came to us by way of a flea market. While I was on travel to Asia, my wife and kids visited a local flea market and zeroed in on this little Pug puppy…the runt of the litter huddled in the corner of a cage with seven siblings. My then dog-resistant wife caved and brought the dog home. When I arrived back home two days later, I was met at the door with 4 kids and my wife holding this little bundle of joy. They were a little concerned I’d be angry. But I was actually proud my wife had stepped out of her comfort zone and allowed the kids to have a family dog…I had several growing up.

Mark, your words and stories have made me look at Skittles as more than just a dog. I look at her now knowing that it is likely I’ll have to ultimately make the same decision you did with Sprite. What’s changed is I don’t just expect to receive the love and total loyalty she provides. I now conciously give back to her that same affection and appreciation for her gracing us with her presence. I dread the day when she leaves this world – probably at a time I have to choose. But at the same time, I now know ahead of time that I will thank her for the joy she brought to our family. Perhaps recognizing that now might minimize the sting and hasten the path of grief to recovery.

Thank you for sharing your story. Skittles is reaping the benefits right along with me and my family.

Listener from TX

Our beloved dog Midnight was put to sleep after being with our family for 15 years. She was like a sibling and remains a cherished member of our family. I just wanted to thank you for writing that incredible book – it brought tears to my eyes and I plan to keep it so that my children can read it. God bless you and I wish you continued success with the book and with your show.

Christina from CA

For 60 years, I had dogs and since 1975, I raised, field trialed and showed Brittanys. This ended abruptly when a drunk driver hit me in 1990 and left me in a wheelchair having 24/7 care. I, now, have a Maine Coon cat that was rescued and he is great! The Brittanys are still the love of my life and through the computer, I am able to stay in touch with many of my friends who are dog people, too. I miss my Brittanys very much. I, also, had Tennessee Walking horses. It’s very hard; but, one knows when the time comes to say good bye to our friends who we will one day meet again.

Barbara from PA

A case for euthanizing. We were gifted with sibling kittens in the early 90’s. With my husband’s help, we chose the
names Cherubim & Seraphim. (yes I do know they are plural and the cats were singular. Seraphim ate a rat that had been poisoned. He survived several years but then started to get Protein Toxicity due to his kidney’s shutting down.
The Vet said he didn’t want to ruin my holiday by putting him down since I was a pile of tears. I took him home. He died on Easter but it took him 16 hours to die. He fought it all the way. I would have rather had the Vet put him to sleep
with me there. Mark, I think you did the right thing by having the Vet come out.

Cheryl from CA