My wife Elena (she was my girlfriend at the time) and I went into a pet store three years ago to “just look”. We spent two hours playing with all the dogs but never made a real connection with any of them. The store owner saw that we were leaving and asked if we could wait a few minutes as he had something to show us. When he came back, he had an eight week old yellow lab in his arms. We instantly fell in love with Lucy. We had our dog! Our families told us we were crazy but thank God we didn’t listen. Lucy had kennel cough when we brought her home. It developed into pneumonia. She had to spend a few nights in the hospital but got the very best care in the world. She came out as good as new! A few months later, Elena and I got engaged. We got married later that year and had a beautiful daughter Maggie a year after that. I am so blessed to have all three girls in my life: Elena, Maggie, and of course Lucy. We love you Lucy!

Phil from New York

As a resident of “little Bethleham” & home of your bride, it is with great pleasure to register as a true dog lover & Mark Levin Show lover. I remarried 11 years ago, we both had dogs but my new bride had sinus problems. I became her “pet” & she mine….we have 9 grandchildren & 4 “granddogs” that we can love & give back.

thanks for all you do & holler if you get to GOD’S Country!

Jerry from Alabama

In memory of my Siberian Husky Sheba who awaits me at the rainbow bridge.

Doug from New York

Here is Maya. She is described as “a female teenage cat in dog’s clothing”. She is, of course, an absolutely wonderful dog but does not play too well with those she does not know. She also is leery of small children. We all have quirks, right?

 Mmike from MN

I work in a local animal shelter and want to thank you for your efforts in promoting adopting dogs from shelters and rescue groups.  I have ordered your book and cannot wait to read it.  I thought I would share this story with you. I keep this by my desk to remind me on days when I want to quit due to dogs being euthanized because there just are not enough homes for them all.  I could send you photos of my dogs but thought it would be more in line with my story to send you a photo of one that typifies the story that I submitted.  “Dodger”, a German Shepherd mix, was hit by a Dodge truck and left to die. We fixed his fractured jaw and leg and he is now waiting for his new forever home.  How can anyone resist that face?

– Debbie from TX

When I was 7 years old, my mother decided we had to give away our Doberman Pincher. Mom was pregnant and single. The Doberman was a great dog, but very hyper. We gave the dog to a friend of Mom’s who lived on a farm. The dog was very happy. I, on the other hand, was very sad. So, Mom told me that when I turned 12 I would be able to get another dog. Her reasoning was that my sister would be 5, I would be responsible, and perhaps I would even forget. I did not forget and Goldie, a Golden Retriever, was born on May 4, two days before my birthday. We got Goldie a few weeks later, and she and I immediately became best friends. She slept in my room; I walked her many times a day; I taught her tricks; and I trained her for dog shows. After our first dog show, I was told that Goldie did not have the physical attributes needed to be considered show-quality. I was devastated, and almost punched the judge who gave his (what I later learned was accurate) opinion on my wonderful dog.

However, a friend of mine encouraged me to keep working with Goldie and compete in Junior Showmanship events, where I would be judged on my ability to handle my dog. We were great together. We went all around the South (TX, LA, Mississippi) competing, and winning. The best was at a major event in Houston. Goldie and I had just finished our routine and were “set” for the judge to come by to look at how I had positioned my dog, look at her teeth, etc. Interestingly, after the judge came by, Goldie looked back at me – something she had never done and was not supposed to do. I snapped my fingers and pointed at Goldie, signaling my displeasure and telling her to turn around. She did not obey, and in fact looked at her left back leg (I was on her right side). I looked down the line, and the judge had moved each dog’s left hind leg, and no one had noticed – except Goldie. I corrected the problem, and Goldie (and I) won the show. A few years later, I went off to college and Goldie could not come with me as I was staying in a dorm. I went home often and each time Goldie looked older and older. Every time I left, I told her “if I don’t see you again, know I love you and that you have been a great dog.” A few years ago was the last time I saw her. Goldie got older, had a cancerous growth in her mouth and could not see. She had hip dysplasia as well (why the judge said she would never be show-quality). My Mom called one morning to let me know she had put Goldie down. I love that dog.

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