In March, I had to put down one of my Shar-pei dogs. He would have been 16 this year. Two weeks ago I had to put my second best friend to sleep. It was the hardest thing I have had to do in my whole life and I will never forget it. I bred my female Shar-pei and raised one of her male pups,Baggins. We had him just 2 weeks short of his 16th. birthday. He was very sick with a heart condition. We fought for months to give him a comfortable life by going to several vets until we found a specialist. He was so helpful at making my pet comfortable. I spent tons of money that I didn’t have but it was the best money spent to extend my time with him. I can understand your loss of your pet as I am sure you were as close to yours as I was to mine. It is like losing a member of your family and more. I plan to buy your book to find closure.

Thank you, Diana from Ohio

After hearing you today on Sean Hannity’s radio show (I just love your voice!) I had to write. We have had standard poodles since 1993; the first two were brothers from w different litters but the same parents. Snavely lived to be 12 and had to be put down in 2005 and Moxley lived to be 14 and we lost him in 2007. Each time my husband and I were absolute wrecks and litterly cried for two days and each time we said we didn’t think we could stand to go through the heartbreak again but tonight Jasper our two year old male standard poodle, Blossom, our 8 year old female standard, and our newest little cotton ball, Gunther, born September 7, are laying at my feet. No one but a fellow pet lover could understand how totally they are a part of my life. Sean Hannity mentioned that even after experiencing the terrible lose of both his parents, he so dreads the lose of Snowball. I think the reason why this is so very hard is that they are always so innocent and want only to be near us. I thank you for putting your story on paper and sometime in the future I’d like to read it even though I know it will just make me cry!

Gail from Ohio

When our 17 year old daughter was murdered 22 years ago, to keep us going my husband and I started rescuing abused and abandoned dogs and cats. These years since we lost Debbie have been more bearable because of our animals. Then almost 10 months ago, I lost my husband after being on life support for a month. Now I face losing our home, and the worse part, losing our animals who depend on me so completely. My heart is broken losing my daughter and my husband, and now the agony of parting with these wonderful dogs and cats. I am absolutely devastated. These animals are all I have left, and they need me, and I definitely need them. They are my life.

Sharon from CO

Dear Mark,
This is my best girl Sadie. She’s a lab/chessy mix who is sitting faithfully at my side as I type this.
When I captured this priceless moment when she was about 15 months old, I came up with the following caption for a Christmas card:
“May your Christmas Season bring you fond memories of this face when you see paw prints on the carpet”
God Bless You for what you do. I just ordered your book on Amazon.com and urge anyone who has ever had a pet to do the same.
Respectfully,
Ted from VA

I Lost a dear friend just a week ago

He was always there for me

Every night or day

All it took to make him happy was a belly rub you see

He guarded the outside from the evils all around

Never did he lose his bravery or ever back away

No he protected me with pride every waking hour

Even though it kind of strange he never liked to play

Mike from Georgia

You have done something wonderful by sharing your story on your show. As I write this I’m being cuddled by one of the 3 Katrina rescue dogs we opened our home to after the hurricane. Anyone who loves pets and considers them part of the family will understand your story and the hurt that goes with it. Wife and I take in the older dogs from shelters and provide them happy homes while they can be with us. They are the most loving dogs because they know they are being saved. Encourage your listeners to visit their local shelters and take a dog home with them. Dogs over 5 years old are very hard to place and are often euthanized within 48 hrs because no one wants the older pets. They are such loves.
I encourage you to google the poem “Rainbow Bridge” if you have not already done so. I think it might give you some comfort. It gives my wife and I lots of comfort as we give up our older dog friends as we alway must. We’ll see them again someday.
thanks for highlighting this subject. There is so much need.

Mike from MD