My condolences on losing your best friend. Our family lost it’s 1st dog in March of 2006. He was a golden retriever named Riley. Today is his birthday and he would’ve been 14. He had several battles throughout his life with cancer and always seemed to amaze us by pulling through like a champ. On his last day with us, he somehow waited until we all got home and passed away on our living room floor. The last thing he did before he left was to pick his head up and look at my 11 year old daughter and give a yelp as he said goodbye.
I know how you and your family are feeling as I tearing up writing this almost 18 months past his death. The enclosed photo is of Riley at 10.
Take care my friend and patriot as we all grieve with you.

Todd from WA

Hi Mark, I want to share with you the story of my best friend Chico. Chico was a chihuahua about 5 lbs, hair as white as snow and you could always tell when he was most happy because he would seem to smaile at you. I got Chico as my first real pet, sure we had animals all my life but none of them were mine. I had some surgery done and was sleeping on the coutch when my mother came in and woke me and said,”Get son, we are going to get you your very own puppy”. Words cant discribe my emotions that night, I was happy, I felt a since of releif from the pain of surgery, I could’nt wait to go find my dog. I brought Chico home and he even though he was just a small pup he sat by my side while I got over my illness, everyday.

Chico and I grew together for the next two years and could not have been better friends. Then it happend, my two labs had attact poor little Chico one afternoon, breaking six of his ribs, fracturing his spine, and left him to die. My mother found him under some bushes crying for help, and then she called me. I came home as fast as I could to find Chico on the floor crying out of pain with every breath he took. when saw me come through the door it was like all pain had left his body, his tail wag a few times but i could see it in his eye that he was ready to go. I took him to the vet where they told me his chance of survival was low, and that they would try everything to save him. I sat in the waitng roon while they gave him some pain killers and they walked me back to see him. I held his little head in my hands and told him he was safe and that I would see him really soon. Later that day the phone rang, it was my mother, and she said painfully,”Son chico did not make it”. It was the hardest day of my life, I cried for houres and houres for my loss. I have come to terms with my labs and understand that its the nature of the beast and that i must go on with my life and keep chico close to my heart.
Thank you mark for all that you do,

Tyler from GA

One more little addition for this site, old and author unknown:

MAN’S BEST FRIEND

THE ONE ABSOLUTELY UNSELFISH FRIEND
that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his Dog. A man’s Dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the sores and wounds that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If misfortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful Dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble Dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true, even in death.

Matthew from MI

My son said that “Gizmo” won the billion dollar dog lottery. He came to live with us on our 20 acres – lived out his 14 years with us in peaceful surroundings. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be with nearly all the time. He kept us warm in bed and laughing at his attempts to catch the crows and chipmunks. Arthritis, weight loss and weakness from kidney failure finally rold us it was time to end his life. Still alert, He went with the same grace in which he lived. It’s been nearly three weeks now, and the pain is still intense. I’m walking the trails alone, but it isn’t the same…we miss this wonderful animal.

Byron from OR

We have had several rescue dogs. The first was a solid black German Shepherd. She grew up to be the most amazing dog ever. We loved her so much but at the age of 10 she had hip dysplasia so bad that she couldn’t walk so it was time to make that horrible decision. We got to pick the time and we wanted to be with her til the end. When she was injected she looked at me with those loving eyes with a look I will take to my grave. I have never had anything hurt so bad in my life. We had her cremated as well as another rescue dog named Jake. I could not bear to leave her to be thrown on a garbage heap or whatever they do with them. Even though some may think it’s morbid but having their ashes seems to keep them close to me. I will spread them at some point but not right now. If anyone is considering getting a pet please check the rescue leagues and you will have more love than you’ve ever had.
IN MEMORY OF BEAR AND JAKE.

Suzy from MS

i read your book last night and had a hard cry. i love my puddyboy so much, he is a 10 year old springer spaniel and has been kind of sick lately. he has a harmone imbalance and has hotflashes and drinks tons of water and licks all the time. he is a little better becasue we share the same medications, flax seed oil for the hot flashes. he is getting a little better but he isn’t a puppy any more and that makes me sad.. we love him so much. he is our son.

Sue from WA