Sprite was your angel dog Mark. He came for a purpose and his mission was fulfilled, and it was done beyond anyone’s comprehension. I know, because, in 1996, my wife was diagnosed with a really bad type of breast cancer. In December around the 18th, doctor’s performed a double mastectomy on her after numerous rounds of chemotherapy. That was only the beginning of her treatment. I decided she needed something to love to take her mind off what had transpired for many months. A close friend of ours had a husky and we used to go over to listen to him talk. I knew nothing about rescue dogs at the time, so I looked in the newspaper for one and saw that a lady was selling what she called rare white huskies. Another breeder told me she was very good, so on December 23rd, only a day or two after my wife came home from Baylor Hospital in Dallas, we went to obtain a white husky for my wife.
(more…)

I have just finished your book about your precious dog Sprite. I was drawn into it with almost each and every incident. We too have had and continue to have rescue dogs. Our dog Beauregard was a Great Dane (with something else in there too) He lived approx. 13 years which is unheard of for such a breed and for his size (135lbs.). He indeed was a gentle giant who stole our hearts from the first day. Although we have had dogs since childhood and since the first day of our marriage (when we received a Basset Hound for a wedding gift) this loving gentleman (Beau for short) gave us more than I could ever expect or explain.

We did all the things one does in order not to lose someone you love. Vet bills piled up with special pills, accupuncture and proper loving care but the inevitable was fast approaching.We may have even kept him a bit too long but it was a selfish daily wish that he would not leave our lives. He never saw the inside of a kennell as we took him with us in our motorhome (we made a ramp for him so he could walk in easily) where ever we went or we had someone stay in our house full time while we were away. His last days were tough but we babied him and made sure he was not in pain. On his last evening I lay next to him and he proceeded to give me his final act of love. He licked my face for a long time as he and I lay on the floor . I guess he was saying his final goodby and trying to tell me it was OK he was ready to go. The following day he was completely unable to get up, eat or drink and we took him to the vet on a stretcher. My wife and I lay on the floor at the vet’s, cried and said our final goodby and thank you to this most beautiful friend.
We will never forget him as you too will never forget Sprite. God has truly blessed us with the companionship and love of our wonderful friends and we are always thankful.

We understand your sadness and your joy with Sprite more than you could imagine. Those are wonderful memories and should be cherished. Your Muskogee crape myrtle is a wonderful testimony to Sprite and your love for him.

God Bless You.
Robert from NJ

Mark, Your book is at my nightstand, I finished it last night. What a wonderful person you are. We love dogs, but especially Labradors. Have had to put 3  Labs to sleep. Have an 8 year old noe with health problems but he is our baby. Have 5 grandchildren and there is nothing Beau love better than to be with them. My husband and I cannot even talk about losing our guy. We LOVE him so. But after reading Rescuing Sprite, I feel what life would he have had if you had not taken him into your hearts. Your Book is a loving tribute between man and dog. It will be by our bedstand forever. Thanks for the memories!!!

Patricia from MD

I  love your show ..you are one of the most passionate personalities I have listened to–thank you for all you do!
I relate totally with you and your wonderful dogs. I have been doing Dog rescue for years..I cannot even count the many dogs I have taken in and found homes for. Now I am involved in Dachshund rescue…please let people know that there are private breed rescues all over the US as well as the shelters.

We take unwanted pets from all kinds of situations…elderly who can no longer care for their pets and the family is unwilling to take them in…sorta like throwing away your Grandma but I find homes for them…the oldest one was 17 and he got a great home for his remaining years. I also help dogs that are deaf and blind…they are the most WONDERFUL pets! They are almost easier to train than seeing and hearing dogs cos they follow your every move! The deaf ones go to homes where they “speak” American Sign Language!
I would like to talk a minute about committment.
(more…)

This is Missy our angel sent to us over 8 years ago. Missy suddenly passed away Monday Nov 6. Missy was the most amazing German Shepherd. She loved the ocean and her friends Lucky and Tim, and of course her constant companion Max, her older brother. She loved people, and would never hurt anyone. She had the kindest personality that you could ask for in a dog. We will miss her deeply and will always be in our memories.

I discovered your radio show the day after her death and it was very inspiring, so keep up the good work, and thank you.

PS: We just ordered your book Rescuing Sprite can not wait to read it.

Pan from CA

I Was Given This Cute Little Pup
Who Was Born With Only Three Legs
I Just Couldn’t Believe My Luck
And He Is So Cute When He Begs
His Destiny Didn’t Look Good
And He Couldn’t Be Left Alone
So I Did The Only Thing I Could
I Picked Him Up And Brought Him Home
This Angel Was Sent To Me
From My Heavenly Father Above
So I Know This Was Meant To Be
Cause He’s Just So Full Of Love
Our Time Spent Together In Training
Could Sometimes Be A Little Tough
But Even If It Was Raining
We Couldn’t Seem To Get Enough
Well This Pup Is Three Years Old Now
He Could Run a Lenghty Mile
And The Things He Does I Wonder How
But The Best Of All He Makes Me Smile

Jan from Fl