Mark I would like to share my story with you. I was never a cat person. One day My wife Nancy, & I were at a block long garage sale, when some of the children on the block were playing with a small cat. The children explained to us although they fed her & played with her she needed a home. Well, my wife fell in love with her & we rescued cinnamon from the streets of delaware to a home in n.j. Cinnamon must have known she would have to win me over & it didn’t take long at all. She would greet me whenever I came home from work, day or night. She would sit & wait till I was finished eating & then jump up on my lap.Cinnamon would lay on my stomach & rest her head on my chest & before you know it she would be purring & I would be snoring her paw in my hand This was 13years ago. My beloved little girl got sick& the vet said there wasn’t much she could do for her. I had to make the hardest decision in my life. To put my little girl to sleep. my wife & I were both there & I held her paw for the last time. My sorrow & grief led be to cry like a baby. She will be loved & remembered forever for the love & comfort she brought us.

Joe from NJ

Mark,

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. (more…)

Friends, This morning I said goodbye to my best friend of 11 years. His name is Bingo, and since I also live with his mother, I watched Bingo take his first breath, and today, his last. Even though Bingo was a neutered male, they are still subject to prostate cancer. Bingo was diagnosed and had prostate surgery on October 2. He was placed on a drug called Piroxicam to help fight off this disease, but to no avail. Last Sunday, he began to show signs of a resurgence of his cancer. His appetite declined but he drank a lot of water. In the next couple of days, he went from chasing tennis balls to lethargy and this morning immobility, as I had to carry him to the car. The vet said his prostate had swollen beyond his pelvic area and was prohibiting a movement. My story is: Get your male dog neutered as early as possible and love him every day. I thought I had had many more years with my buddy. (more…)

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

Just finished Rescuing Sprite. Mark, God finds us in any number of ways, and generally we are humbled by the experience. I have heard you describing Sprite so many times, and when I read your book, I realized that God did come to you through Sprite. Sprite was not just any dog, he was you. You both are loving without reservations, and both of you had physical ailments. God meets us where we are, and he made you so vulnerable and helpless you prayed. I think what God was telling you was “Mark – you know how much you loved Sprite? I love you more”. Sprite was not in your lives for no reason. Take Rush’s suggestion and read The Case for Christ. Love your show, loved the book and love that God is tapping you on the shoulder. I pray for you, your health and your family.

My beloved dalmation, Shelley, was put to sleep when I was 16, and my father could not speak of her until the day he died without tearing up. She died 42 years ago, and we still talk about her with fond remembrance. They truly are members of our families and are forever sorely missed. Thanks for giving all of us the opportunity to meet and get to know Sprite and Pepsi – and more importantly you and your marvelous family.

Deborah from WA

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