My grandfather was named Moe, too. You might remember him. He used to beat up his buddies, Curly and Larry.

Moe’s last dog was a hairy little mutt named Pogo. Whenever he walked Pogo, Moe would take his 9 iron along. One day, when I was taking a walk with them, Pogo stopped to make a poop. When a big dog approached I asked my grandfather if the 9 iron was for warding off threatening dogs like this one. “No,” he said. “This is what I use it for…” Then he took a one-handed grip, settled the club head into the grass, and “chipped” Pogo’s poop into the gutter. Fortunately he was a pretty good golfer.
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I have just finished your book and I now know how blessed you were to have had Sprite in your life. What a most special dog he was. And I say that as I look down at my goofball Wheaten Terrier Louie, whom I love with all my heart and am grateful for the chance to be his protector.

But Sprite, oh my, Mark, you have given us a glimpse of a truly special dog. Now, I know we all think the world of all dogs, we appreciate what wonderful creatures they are and treasure them so.

But I also know some dogs really do have hearts of gold; their character shines, their joy is infectious and their trust in us humbles.
They share their gold.

And that’s who I saw as I read about your Spritey.

You have created his legacy for him. You have let us all meet him and now we know that a beautiful spirit graced your life and I thank you for sharing him with us. My heart aches for your loss and for Pepsi’s, too. But I am so happy that you found each other.

Oh, to have known Sprite.

Beth from IL

Freeway The Dog (in photo) grew up with my kids. When they got old enough, one of them asked “Dad, why do you call him ‘Freeway The Dog.'” And I told them it was because he had the same middle name as “Smokey The Bear” and they told all their friends the story from then on.

Anyway, when Freeway was about 10 years old, a burglar came into our house — WHILE WE WERE ASLEEP IN BED. I guess Freeway was sleeping too because the burglar made it all the way to our bedroom before Freeway heard him and started raising heck. The guy took off with Freeway in pursuit but he got away — because Freeway had to stop at the end of the driveway where his underground fence was. I shudder to think what might have happened if not for Freeway The Dog.
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On November 2nd, I had to make the agonizing decision to let my Nikko go. He was a beautiful white fluff ball. He was an American Eskimo. I got him in June of 2005 and he was my world. He was a happy dog. I believe he even used to smile. Then on March 23, 2005 he was diagnosed with a tumor in his nasal cavity. I was devastated. I asked what could be done, but I was advised against surgery, because it is a very traumatic procedure for a dog. One option was to do 5 weeks of radiation in with the knowledge that the tumor would most likely return. The other option was to put him on a medication called Piroxicam. I opted for the medication. I just wanted to have as much time with him as I could. The doctor told me that most dogs might live a year after being diagnosed.
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I left the house after a little marital spat (not the first or last in 38 yrs of wonderful marriage), needing a change of scenery and found myself at B&N, perusing the latest offerings, remembered Rush talking about your book, so I asked for it, they had 1 left. I went over to a all night pancake house and ordered a pot of coffee and I can’t begin to tell you how much your book touched me. I keep thinking of the day I’ll have to eventually make these decisions about my 2yr old black lab, Sambo. I know it’ll be tough but having read about Sprite will help immensely, as I’m sure it will help millions of others. I came home and hugged my dog with tears in my eyes. It’s incredible how they pick up on your hurt. Rescuing Sprite has helped me put life’s priorities right and for that, I can’t express my thanks adequately. God bless you for writing this book.

John from NE

I sit hereon the floor w/ Laptop as I type this. My best buddy “Rush” an ex Greyhound racer is dieing of Cancer. I have put off taking him into the vet put him down for I find it to hard to do that. But after seeing this magnificent strong a loving animal tun into a helpless invalid …I knew it was time. My wife do not have a lot of money…god knows there are bills we can’t pay. But to spend it on him is right thing to do.

i said my good bye this morning and as I was heading out the door…he sighed..in a clear & unmissable way..do not leave me. So I called in sick to work and stayed with him until my wife got home so we could take him in. I can not help the feeling of love I have for Rush. He was always there for me..and now here I sit with him. He closed his eyes now…he is gone. Bye my friend…The pain in my heart is equal to the joy he bought this house. I know that he was not alone…for I am still here with him…his head in my lap. Looks if my wife is home. I can hear the car.

Eric from IL