My husband and I wanted a German Shepherd so the day we closed on our house (we bought the house mainly because it had a fenced in yard for our “future” German Shepherd) we decided to go German Shepherd shopping. Well needless to say we were young, married less than two years and did not have the money to adopt a pedigree. So we opted for our favorite mutt, “Baby Norman”. He was a Shepherd/Border Collie Mix. A great dog and as my two sons were born it was amazing how much he loved and protected them. We had him 14 and a half years. We found him at home one day laying on the floor, rushed him to the vet and they said he had a stroke and was virtually brain dead. My two sons were crushed.

About a year later we decided we get another dog. This time being in a better financial position we adopted from a breeder my Rudy. (Named after my favorite Mayor) Believe it or not it just so happened the breeder was a NYPD officer and worked with the Mayor every day.
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Thank you, Mark, for allowing me, through your story, to relive the pleasures and pain of the many wonderful dogs, pedigree & mutts alike, who have enriched my life and the lives of my family.
As I listened to your radio show, I thought about each one of my “little babies”, their little quirks, the funny things they did, each ones individual personality – but sadly I also had to mourn again their passing, with tears.
With the unconditional love they bring into our lives we must also know and accept that there will be unimaginable pain when they leave.

Through out my 50 years I cannot remember a time in my life I did not have a dog, and at times more than one. Have you ever evacuated a hurricane with 4 dogs??? 3 dachshunds and a Lasso Apso!
I did… 4 times in 3 months!!!!
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I really didn’t want a dog. My husband and I both worked, our older son was on his own, our younger son working and attending college, and I knew there was a lot involved with caring for a dog.

Our younger son, Steve, however, always wanted a dog. I pointed out that he was at work or at school, and when he was home, he was out. I did promise, however, that I would buy him whatever dog he wanted when he had his own house.

Sure enough, Steve found a starter house and was set to close on it in June. Since his birthday was in May, he found the perfect dog, a Yellow Lab, and brought him home to our house. He had me at the first glance. We couldn’t get enough of him. He got so used to having his picture taken, that as soon as he saw me with the camera, he would stop and pose.
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I heard your heartwarming story about your dog on the Sean Hannity show and it brought back memories of having to put down my beloved Mo Mo back in April. She was a 9 mo. old chiwuawua I had gotten from a friend and I knew from the beginning she was going to be a unique little dog. She was a very smart, loving, loyal little dog and was always a bright spot in my day. She lived until she was 17 yrs old at which time she had become atrophied as old age does to humans and animals alike. She also became blind and deaf; constantly bumping into walls and furniture. I was not wanting to make the decision to put her down, thinking God may take her. But he didn’t; and I decided I was being selfish by keeping her alive because I didn’t want to let her go. But her quality of life was no more. I took her to my vet that morning, went to work thinking I would pick her up after I got off. That didn’t work. I went back to the vet, picked up her little body and took her home to be buried. I was miserable all day and many days after that. Coming home and she wasn’t there to bark at me. My only comfort is knowing I will see her again someday just like I will my parents and she will be a beautiful little dog just like I remember her. She will forever have a place in my heart. Thank you for letting me share my story with you and others. I will be looking forward to reading your book.

Mildred from TX

I haven’t read the book yet, Rescuing, and it sounds like a great book to read. I’m an animal lover, specially dogs. I have two, that I have adopted, a Chihuahua, named Chica, and a little Yorkie, named Sapphire. They fill my heart with unconditional love. I love them to death. I know what it is to put a loving dog to sleep. I had Brandy, a Cockerspaniel for 13 years. The last year of her life her health started to deteriorate. It was very sad to see a loved one suffer, specially doggies, who can’t said how they feel. My husband and I made her as comfortable as possible before she passed. I had a private cremation for her. I have her ashes still. I’m contemplating buring her ashes when I plant an avocado tree in my back yard. I haven’t found the courage to do it yet. It’s been seven months since she passed, and I still miss her. On the very day that I picked up her ashes I was heart broken. The vet told me that my doggie Brandy would be happy, if I gave a home to a small Yorkie, named Sapphire. I told the vet that I wasn’t ready for that yet, but as it turns out, he told me to wait and see the doggie. She needs a good home and you’re a terrific mom to your doggies. As soon as I saw Sapphire, we both fell in love. I brought her home seven months ago, and I think that it was a good decision. It helped me mend my broken heart. I don’t know how to download the pictures at the moment. I’ll do so in the future.

Leonor from FL

I ordered and read your book shortly after watching your interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox earlier this week. As a hospice grief counselor who also works with bereaved animal lovers, I want to thank you so much for writing this book. You write so honestly and openly about the profound impact that the life and death of your beloved Sprite has had on your own life, and I think your message is very important for others – especially men – to hear. Many men feel embarrassed or uneasy about expressing their grief at the death of a cherished companion animal, as if they don’t have a legitimate right to mourn. When an animal companion dies, there are no formal and public rituals where sorrow and tears can be expressed and shared. There is little opportunity either to talk about the death or to receive sympathy and support from others – and there may be little if any spiritual support.

By sharing your own story of love and loss, both in your book and in your interviews on the airwaves, you’re giving other men permission to feel, to express and to work through their own sorrow, too. What is more, you’re reminding all of us that what really matters in life is our relationships with our family members, whether they have two feet or four, and whether their coats are made of cloth or feathers or fur. You’re also raising public awareness of all the animals languishing in shelters waiting to be adopted, and I thank you for that, too. Your book is wonderful, and I am happy to be able to recommend it to all my clients and colleagues.

Marty from AZ