Here\’s a picture of our little Missy. She was a great little girl, but life was very short for her. Missy had a rare condition which caused inflammation of her brain. This caused Miss to lose control of her legs and other body functions. We finally had to go with our Vet\’s advice and had her put to sleep on Dec. 13th 2008. She was only 8 months old.

Missy, we loved you so much and wish there would have been some other way … we just pray that you have big grassy fields with butterflies to chase and sprinklers to play in (she loved the sprinklers!). We miss you, Sweet Little Girl Missy.

Stephen from NV

My little friend Gus recently broke my heart when I found him unresponsive on the laundry room floor. He had surgery to remove an eye only 3 days earlier and now I was rushing him to the vet. The news wasn\’t good, but I told them to do what they could and we would be back in the morning to discuss his condition with a specialist.

No sooner did I get home and got the call that my loyal friend stopped breathing. Had I stayed a little longer I could have held onto him as he left us for a better place where he didn\’t suffer from his old age, failed eyesight and poor hearing. They brought him to me wrapped in a warm blanket just as my wife presented him to me as a birthday gift when he was only 6 weeks old. It was the best birthday gift I\’d received in my then 33 years.

I unwrapped him and held him one tast time and cried and told him how much I loved him and missed him.  He was the best friend I ever had. I\’d have given nearly anything to have him one more day just to take him to the park and run and play. I miss Gus so much! It hurts to see his empty bed.

Brian from TX

Dear Mark,
I’d like to thank you for writing your inspirational book about Sprite, for it has greatly improved the quality of my life! My wife and I had to euthanize our sweet little 14-year-old Chihuahua last spring, and it hurt so much to lose her, that I wasn’t sure if I could ever have another dog again. We really missed having a dog in our lives, and fortunately, a few months later we happened upon a lovely 4-month-old Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix rescue dog we named Lucy.

Soon thereafter, I read your book. What I really loved about your book was that it helped me truly appreciate every moment with Lucy, and to enjoy time with her. Of course, puppies can be trying, but rather than get frustrated or mad, I just smile and think of the joy that dogs bring us, like you so eloquently put forth in Sprite. Instead of looking at “dog-owner related chores” with dread, I think how lucky I am to have Lucy in our lives, and actually enjoy taking time with our walks and watching her explore the neighborhood.

Thank you again…and, by the way…I really liked it when I heard you once say “Good night, Spritey” at the close of your radio show. I’m sure that many of your listeners joined me in looking up towards heaven for a brief moment and shared their blessings, as well.

Larry from CA