Earlier today, it was tough to know where to turn when we had to face the reality of our injured Odie.

Odie was a rescue we received four years ago from our veterinarian friends. Odie was timid yet filled with vigor. He appeared to have been abused, and was easily frightened, yet would “dance” around the yard when we’d arrive home each day. Odie was very loving and gentle towards our kids, especially if they had a treat for him. He would sit at attention each morning at 7am, waiting for breakfast. Odie loved to pull fresh pears off the tree, and take walks with us in the woods. Often times our two cats would curl up and sleep next to Odie or rub against him. He was so grateful for any gentle human touch, never demanding, but looking up with those dark brown eyes said it all.

Odie was the lone dog on the street for a couple years until Zoe the rottie, moved in next door. He loved to hang out with her.

Last spring, Odie survived a double pit bull attack, as they intruded our yard. We nursed him back, and he took on new character for us, he was a “champ”. To endure that attack and carry on, he fulfilled that character. But Odie was just not the same. He was sluggish, not as alert as before. He seemed to miss that vibe he once had.

When Zoe’s owners called after lunch today, to say Odie was curled up and bleeding in Zoe’s house, we feared it could be bad. Odie apparently was struck by a vehicle, and sustained severe injuries to both hind legs, and other deep wounds on his belly. He could barely support his own weight on his hind legs. Soon we were faced with a painful decision regarding his life. And Odie clearly seemed to sense the inevitable. Read the rest of this entry »

Nothing brings me more joy than when I walk into the local spca, wearing my blue shirt, brown apron and my name tag. I examine the board to see which of my four legged pals need to be walked, groomed, socialized or just loved.
My focus is on level 2 dogs. They may be labeled that for a couple of reasons. But never for agressiveness. Mostly because of the overall size, but often it is for very shy, submissive, fearful dogs.I walk in firmly yet gently, never making a sound. I let the dog have a chance to approach me with what he/she knows best. Scent.
If the dog shys away I will simply sit in the cage and thats all. I give the dog a chance to simply allow me in his area. There are times when no physical contact is made. Just a plan to come back again a little later and do the same. Each dogs life is important to me so I will spend as much time as possible with him or her.
Sometimes they will come right to me and want to go for a walk. And that is beautiful also.

I have come to the conclusion that I benefit more than any of the dogs do. I get such joy and peace from it. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to really get in touch with their inner most feelings as well as inner peace.

Jeff from MD

I adore my dog Cora. My husband and I had cats over the years but did not have a dog………yet. So we both agreed to look. I spent many hours at the Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City, MI but could not find the fit for my husband. So I went to Petfinder and found a Whippet mix named Cora. I asked many questions about her and on a Saturday afternoon we travelled 2.5 hours to Bellwether Harbor in Fremont, MI (beautiful facility) and took home our Cora to the cats (3). She has been my running companion and work buddy for the last 4 years. We both love her dearly and enjoy the walking and running in the woods. She is so sensitive but quite the athlete. I believe she has enhanced our lives.
Thank you Mark for sharing your book with all of us. I tried to hold back the tears but absolutely could not. I lost a cat (to FIP) that I adored a year ago June and still miss him and think of him often. Pets are very good for us. Great companions and so comforting. They love us no matter what! Too bad more humans don’t take a bit of that attitude toward other people.

Barb from MI

Dear Mark,

Thank you for writing the book “RESCUING SPRITE”.  My sincere, heartfelt condolences.  I have there, done this. You put into words the raw feeling of losing your “best pal, friend, companion and confidant”.  How can one snuff out the life of such a precious treasure?  That is still bothering me and my conscience will not let me be.  Oh yes, my scientific mind says ”Yes, you did the right thing”  The suffering had to stop, but my HEART says “How could you?  ”Something you loved so dearly, something you treasured snuffed out.  Who are YOU to play GOD?  I cry again and again over my action.  Dear GOD, forgive me, to play your role and most of all forgive me my beloved “friend”.  I truly LOVE you and believe, I will NEVER forget you.  My heart aches so, as this was not an easy thing to do.  May one day we see each other again and may I have the opportunity to touch, hug, stroke, pet and tell you so, how much you enriched my life, my dearest dog.

As your book pointed out these feelings are not strange or wrong, nor am I alone in this.  Thank you, dear “FRIEND MARK”, a dog lover just like me, and I am sure, many numerous others.  Your book gave me the courage to grieve openly, what I kept inside for a long time and suffered in silence.  In this case silence is NOT golden, you proved that so beautifully to ALL us readers.

Marianne from NY