About 2 years ago, we lost our first dog in a hit and run. Her name was Happy and she was instantly loyal to our family. It was odd and warming to us. She had quite a personality and instantly bonded with our cats. We had her for 2 yrs. She was 3 when she was hit by a van and drug down the street. She limped back to our oldest son in the front yard and died in his arms. I thought I would never recover and as I write this I am tearing up. I made the mistake of instantly trying to replace her and failed with 2 dogs that were in constant mischief and had to be taken back to the shelter. After several months I snuck back to the shelter and dared to take several dogs to the visitation room. Being a christian, I prayed for God’s will and visited with alot of dogs. One of them was a terrier mix that was a female and had a beard and hairy everywhere! I knew that she could not possibly be the one so I went home. Later my husband and I went back and he prayed as he walked amidst the cages. He said” this is the one” before he even got to this particular cage and I was afraid to look because I knew that it was the dog with the beard!! Well, she has been a Godsend to us. She is happy and loyal and just pure joy to behold. She loves all people, animals and toys. She likes cereal, grapes and popcorn. She is the perfect fit. Her name is Sundae and we thank God for her. She is our family.

Julie from IL

This is the story of my dog Mac, who died saving the life of my mother in July 2004.
Growing up on a small family farm, in rual central texas, dogs were always a big part of my life. We had several, and I was taught as a child to always love dogs. As my father said, ” A dog that is loved, will love you in return, and be willing to die to protect you.” But at the same time, I was taught that like all other animals, dogs had a job to do, and their job was to protect us.

We worked out doors a lot, in an area infested with bobcats, racoons, cyottes, and snakes. All of these animals can be dangerous, especially when they carry rabbies. Anytime we were outdoors, we always had the dogs around for their ability to detect danger before us. (more…)

I’m a big fan Great One. Congrats on the success with your book. I am listening to your show (downloaded) right now with your newest fan, Violet the puppy. Take care.

Brian from NH

I just read your great book. What a great story. First I lost my Fred and then Got Maggie Mae to keep Barney busy. Fred and Barney I got together as puppies we got them at the shelter .My husband said you can have one , but we have to think it over night,well by the time I nagged so much he said if you shut the hell up you can have them both.Next day I went home with my (boy`s) Well guess what Fred turned out to be a girl.But the name stayed.It was alway`s a funny story to tell .Bless there heart`s there fishing with Grandpa Don in heaven.We miss them Maggie Mae miss`s Barney .But Maggie has us and the grandkid`s oh yes Mark she is a girl.I read your book and could feel your pain.Love and hug`s to you your wife and kid`s.

Sharon from TX

Our pound puppy, which had been left tied to the cyclone fence around the facility, turned out to be an Australian Shepherd. I could go on & on about what an excellent dog he is.

However, the most amazing thing he does, is quietly move out of our way when we’re walking around the dark house at night. He knows we can’t see him without light. During the day, or when the lights are on, he stays put. (more…)

Mark, it has taken me awhile to muster the courage to write one of my stories.
In 1993, my first wife informed me that she wanted a divorce. At the time, my two boys were ages 4 and 2. Aside from the pain of the divorce, the awful truth was that I would soon have my boys wrenched from me. I was finishing up school at the time, and after graduation my career choice required me to move to San Jose for my internship.

The thought of being alone in a strange, new place was not very comforting. Since I couldn’t have my boys with me, I decided to take our cat, Cocoa-Puff. She was a beautiful, long-haired Calico with chocolate, white and caramel colored fur. She was very affectionate.

I moved into a studio apartment in San Jose and began my internship and the rigors of a bustling city. I was very alone and missed my boys terribly. But at least I had Cocoa. She was the one remaining link to my boys that I had and she made me smile every night when I came home. Holding her brought me wonderful thoughts of my two boys and how they adored her. (more…)