This is Vinnie, our first Rottweiller. It was pure chance that my husband and I even saw him; he was one of the dogs sponsored by a local adoption group (not Humane Society) at a local pet store. My husband rarely goes with me to this store. But on this one occasion, there was Vinnie; my husband Mike and he locked eyes and Mike was instantly in love. We debated about adopting him that evening – I had 2 cats and was worried about the effect on them. We decided the heck with the cats and went back the next day to adopt him. Unfortunately, we were too late. We went back home devastated.

Then a miracle happened! Two months later the adoption people called; are you still interested in Vinnie? Things didn’t work out with the person who beat us to adopting him. The answer was of course yes.
We only had a little over 3 years with our Vinnie. The vet told us that he was at least 3-4 years older than the adoption group thought he was. Three years later, in August 2006, Vinnie collapsed and was diagnosed with a huge stomach tumor, most likely cancerous. He went downhill quickly and he died in our arms after the vet put him to sleep.

My husband went through the same hell as Mark; did we do everything we should have, should we have put him through surgery and chemo? I have had no such doubts; he was easily 11 or 12 years old which is about a Rottie’s age span. I am convinced that surgery and chemo would have only made his life miserable and wouldn’t have given him any quality time on this earth.

Thank you for giving me a place where I can vent all of this. We now have another rescue Rottie by the name of Ace, who despite his behavoir issues, has completely taken over my heart.

Gwen from CA

I recieved this email from the young kennel club on valentines day then i read rescuing sprite and i thought that all those people out there including me who have lost there best friend aka their dog, need to remember thatthey still love us dearly and that they love us twice as much back and although i am only 12 years old i feel for you and i hope that this will truly make a happy valentines day.

Becky from England

Mark:

I am a huge fan of conservative talk radio. I listen every day to Limbaugh, Hannity, and others. I cannot get your show locally. I just finished reading Rescuing Sprite and I must say I cried several times during the reading because it hit so close to home for me. I recently had to put down our family’s Chihuahua mix that I named Tina Marie when she was a puppy. A friend of my wifes rescued the dog from an abusive home and gave the puppy to us 12 years ago. She soon became blind in one eye from the physical abuse. This puppy was an emotional wreck. For some reason she bonded with me chose me above all others.

She loved to go to work with me to construction sites or anywhere else I went. She wanted to be nowhere else but with me. When she became very ill recently and we knew we had to relieve her of her misery my wife and I decided on the day and I met her at the Vet’s office. I thought I had had long enough to get used to the idea that it would not bother me, but I was wrong. I held my beloved dog while the vet administered the shot and she slumped in my arms. I couldn’t help myself. I cried like a baby.

We had her cremated and I have her remains in a decorative wooden box. I will never understand why she wanted me, but I know what 100% unconditional love is because that is what I got from her. I did not consider myself worthy of that, but I am grateful just the same. As I read the book, I knew exactly what you went through. God Bless you and your efforts to help all of the helpless pets out there that need a loving hand. I wish I could take them all but of course I cannot. Success to you and your efforts and keep up the good fight.

Bill from NM

Dear Mark,
Just wanted to tell you about our wonderful yellow Lab/Huskey, Jonah. We got him back in June from Colorado Women’s Correctional here in Denver. (Great place to get a dog) The Lady that trained Jonah did a great job. He’s a joy to all of us. The moment I walk through the door at the end of day, he’s ready to play and wrestle. I have not read your book, but I will soon! Your great on the radio!
Take care,
Mel
P.S What do you recommend that we can give Jonah so that he doesn’t shed so much?

Mel from CO

I first met my Sassy when she was 6 weeks old. She is a German Shepherd who was the runt of the litter. The owners decided at 3 days old to break her neck. They tried, but someone stopped them & brought her to my uncle in laws house. Her eyes weren’t even open, but there was muscle damage to her neck, so her head was sideways. they bottle fed her, and began looking for the family that would give her a home. She is now about 5 years old and brings us joy every day! Her head did straighten out, and she only uses the “cute crooked head” dog look when she is begging! (or when you try to put a santa hat on for christmas card photo’s)

Sara from OH

Mark, I have recently rescued a pit bull type of dog from the animal shelter and have become aware of the crusade to ban this breed entirely from the face of the earth, thanks to the press. The dog I rescued, Daisy, is the sweetest dog and the most affectionate dog I have ever owned, please help bring to people’s attention the plight of this breed.

Right now I am being asked to move, and most apartment complexes have a ban on the breed so I am having a problem finding a place to rent, along with the fact I had to file bankruptcy after I lost my job. This is a wonderful dog and the negative press is completely wrong.

Carla from ID