I post this with a heavy heart. Gracie, my golden retriever turned five years old in January. On February 6th I said good bye to her. It was peaceful and she didn’t struggle but it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Although I know she was suffering; signing the paper to authorize the euthanasia was a heart wrenching experience; it was so very hard knowing that I was choosing the day to say good bye to my best friend.

At age three Gracie was diagnosed with a fibro sarcoma (cancerous tumor) on her upper jaw. We had the tumor removed, her prognosis was guarded. The tumor reappeared within one month; her vet said she would live two weeks to three months. Gracie lived almost one year longer than predicted. Although struggling to breathe through her nose this last month; she was eating well and came to me every night to play; squeaking one of her puppies in her mouth.

A contractor who did work for us late last year suggested I take Gracie for a second opinion, which I did; to a recommended Philadelphia veterinary hospital. Unfortunately it was too late for her. Imagine how I felt when the Dr. said she wished she had seen her when the tumor; which had grown to the size of an orange; was the size of a quarter. I was told they could have taken half of her snout if necessary to get clean margins, but as I said it was too late, her tumor had already spread. If your dog is diagnosed with this type of cancer; get a second opinion with the best surgical specialist you can find.

Thank you Mark for including your listening audience in your life during the happy and hard times with Sprite, I remember listening to you on the radio during that time. My heart broke for you and your family.

Everyone who has lost a pet tells me it gets easier…

My friend gave me a frame with this inscription; which says it all for me.

A beloved dog can never be replaced, only remembered with love…

I have attached a photo taken of her two weeks after she had her surgery in her favorite spot on our property.

Lynn from PA

Mark-I\’m an avid Rush listener and an artist who paints to talk radio so Im thrilled that I can now stream u. here\’s my doggie story. This is Beau a ten year old Border Collie who lives next door> The neighbors have a electric fence that goes around our yard as well. Beau is never walked and it breaks my heart to see him lay around all day. I had to stop walking him about 6 months ago because of a knee injury. I\’ve tried to guilt the neighbors into walking him but it\’s not working. Any persuasive ideas! I\’ve suggested they watch dog whisperer. There just not into exercising him. This dog really needs a farm with sheep! Love your show. Screw it! I\’ll just stop whining and keep walking him. Signed a Capitalist, Conservative, Right wing Conspirator Dog Lover.

Susan from SC

I have always loved the beauty and grace of Dobermans. My Doberman Buck was from a home where he was abused. He was very shy and timid, thats unusual for a Doberman. Im a single Dad with 3 sons who were just little guys when Buck came to live with us. He was truly a member of our family and he loved us all as we did him. One of my boys is in the Marine Corps now, another in college. Just my youngest son who is a senior in high school and Buck were left.

Three months ago we found out Buck had cancer and would have to be put down. Ive had many tragedies in my life and Ive developed a very thick skin, but losing a loved one is so much worse when you have to make the call. My sons pleaded with me not to put Buck down, but he was in pain and suffering so I felt I had no choice, I can tell you it was the hardest thing I ever did. I thank God for the ten years we shared with our faithful friend. Ive attached a picture of Buck on his last day. I hope to find another Doberman, they are such a wonderful breed.Im not a person that thinks animals on the same level as people but I sure loved that dog and miss him dearly.

Greg from OK

We received Petey from Save-A-Pet. He was picked up as a stray and had been hit by a car. Petey eventually had to have his leg amputated from being hit by the car. While going through this, he also encountered 3 bouts of meningitis and some infections. The first two bouts of meningitis he stayed at the Dr. for 2-3 days. The last bout he was there for 11 days. Petey was VERY close to not pulling through it. He lost full control of his body and his eyesight. Since his recovery, he has gained full control over his body and has regained most of his eyesight.
He appreciates us everyday and we are the luckiest family to have found him.

Aubry and Ryan from IL

Mark, I found your show via Sean Hannity (which is a whole different story).  I myself am a dog lover, and I own 2:  Abby, whom my (now ex) wife and I got from a shelter and Charlie, a German Shepherd that I\’ve raised since he was 9 weeks old.  I\’ve had dogs all my life and I can\’t imagine life without them.   I\’ve never had to put one down, but I have had to put down a pet I had once.  He was a ferret named Bubba.   It hurt like hell and I cried for weeks.  Abby is 15 now and I know the day is coming that I might have to make that decision to do what is best for her and not me.   I haven\’t read your book yet, but I get paid tomorrow and I\’m going to get a copy.  I\’ve seen the interview you did with Rush and just that much struck a chord with me that someone else in this world appreciates what dogs give to us.  I\’ll never forget when my mother called me in 1995, saying that she thought our dog Mickey was dead.  It was a cold, snowy day and when I got there I looked out the back door window and he was just laying in the snow.   He had indeed died. Read the rest of this entry »

This is a picture of Gunther and me. Gunther is a 14 year old Golden Retriever . Gunther was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure thanksgiving 2007. We have been fighting this disease and winning everyday at a time!  I could go on for 14 years worth of stories but there would not be enough space. Gunther is a great dog and a great friend!

Jeremy from GA