Our dog’s name was Apache. We adopted him in August 1st, 2004. We were at PetSmart and we were looking at an abused Rottweiler from another county Humane society and they would not adopt to us because we did not have a fenced in yard but lucky for us there was another humane society there tucked away in the back. There we met a nice lady who introduced us to Apache, a nine month old Siberian Husky. He was a bit underweight but full of life. We fell in love with him instantly. That first night we had him he was so exhausted from the days events that he fell asleep as soon as we got back to our apartment so we decided to go take a dip in the pool quick.

Well when we got back we came to an apartment tore up and in shambles with that Husky sitting in the middle of the room just staring and wagging his tale. We knew from that day we had our hands full, but loved every minute of it. When we had our son Sebastian, Apache was instantly attached to him. He became his second “Dad” always protecting him and if he did not know a person well enough he would not let them too near to Sebastian without them knowing his disapproval. They became two of the same usually not too far from each other always playing together. He pasted away this last February from a nasty fungal disease called Blastomycosis after fighting it for three months. I was giving Sebastian a bath when I heard our other dogs wimper and run to the bedroom. I got up knowing that Apache was towards the end and met him coming around the corner, collasping with each step. He finally was giving up the fight but wanted to say goodbye to his best friend. I got my son out of the tub and had him in his towel as my wife and I said our goodbyes. Sebastian was just over a year at this time and knew something was wrong but not really knowing what. It was his turn to say goodbye as Apache was on his last breaths.

I set him down next to Apache’s head and Sebastian just patted Apache’s head. As he set his head on Apache’s and closed his eyes, smiled, and said “Patchy”, Apache smiled and took his last breathe. Read the rest of this entry »

This is our Pug Keesha. She passed away at age 16 1/2 on February 10th. We adopted her from a local rescue group, and she gave us 4 very happy years. She is greatly missed. The picture was the last we took of her. She was under the Christmas tree this past Christmas.

John & Billie from AZ

I\’m convinced that dogs share the same spirit. I refer to it in my own mind simply as, \’the spirit of dog\’. It\’s exemplified by unconditional love, loyalty and a cheerful, trusting demeanor. That\’s why, in my opinion, we so abhor those who mistreat dogs and why we hate to see them suffer.
When our beloved friends die, as we know they must, they leave a dog-shaped hole in our heart. We mourn for a time and we resist those who tell us to \’just get another dog\’.
But after a while we do get another dog and we find that they possess the same \’spirit of dog\’ as our old friend. Sure, their personality will differ slightly, but we are just as delighted by their antics and just as buoyed by the love and affection they bestow upon us.

They heal us.

Their presence fills in that \’dog-shaped hole\’ in our hearts in the only way it can be filled.

After my mother passed away my father was quite despondent. I found a dog in an animal shelter. Half Border Collie, half Chow-Spitz. Her name was Maggie. She helped my father cope with his loss and became his dear companion. She succumbed to cancer a few months ago.

RIP Maggie-The-Dog. You were the greatest.

Brother Kevin from NJ

Hello Mark,

I appreciate that you have provided an forum to talk about our dogs.

Our dog, Rusty, whom we had for 14 years passsed this past week.

He was a 110 lb Bernese Mt. Dog / Golden Retriever mix. The best dog I’ve ever had.

While it has been a great loss to our family, the way he died was in reality a great blessing.

Due to his advanced age, we knew that it wouldn’t be long before we would have to have him put down. But, since he wasn’t ill, in pain, or suffering in any way, we were really dreading the thought of having to do that.

Rusty died naturally, a stroke or heart attack, I suppose. It happened so quickly, but it happened while he was here at home with us holding and loving him to the end.

I don’t know if my wife and I will get another dog, because it hurts too much to lose them. They (dogs) have a way of endearing themselves to us and truly become family members.

Thanks

Steve from CA

I never would have thought of myself as a dog lover until now.  I read Rescuing Sprite and was very touched by Mark\’s story.  I never understood the bond between dogs and their owners because I never had a dog.  A few months after I read Rescuing Sprite, my husband and I were blessed with a dog of our own.  He followed us home one day when we were on a walk.  I played with him for a few minutes outside of my house.  At the time, we thought he belonged to someone.  He had a collar on, but no tag and no microchip.

The next morning when I went outside to go jogging, he ran into my garage.  Then, he followed me while I ran.  I could tell that he was lost (or let go) because he went up to the front door of every house to see if it was his.  I felt so sad for him because he was all alone.  I fell in love with this dog right away.  He is the sweetest, friendliest dog I\’ve ever known!  A neighbor called the shelter and they came and picked him up.  We checked with the shelter everyday, but no one claimed him.  There were no signs posted for him in our neighborhood.  We ended up adopting him from the shelter.  I never thought I would be a dog owner, but there is something so special about this dog.  We named him \”Lucky\”.  The vet estimated his age as 1 1/2 – 2 years old.  He is a cavalier spaniel mix.  He has brought so much joy and love into our home.  He is truly a gift from God.

Lindsey from CA

Mark,I just finished reading Rescuing Sprite and many times I had to stop due to tears. I fear that this will be the last year for my beloved 11 year old beagle, Munroe. He is our third shelter dog. When we met him I held his little face in my hands(he was 6 months old at the time) and looked into his beautiful eyes and knew he was the one. He looks a bit like Sprite with the same coloring and curly spaniel-like hair around his neck. I dread the day we have to say goodbye, I don\’t know how to prepare myself. I know in my heart nothing can prepare me.  You wondered why anyone would care to read your story. It is because as dog lovers, we can relate to the pain you went through. Whether it be in the past or in the future, we all have to come to grips with saying goodbye to our own Sprite. Bless you all and bless Spritey.

Joanne from IL