My wife, Karen, first met Moe at the Parma Animal Shelter. He was an older cat, estimated his age to be eight. He was a big 12-pound, furry, white cat with black spots that reminded me of a cow. He was the only cat with those markings that she ever saw who had a black spot going up his nose. She felt sorry for him being in that tiny cage and he looked sad. She would go visit him on a weekly basis, just to see if he was adopted yet, but week after week, he was still there. He had been neutered and his front paws were declawed. He seemed like the perfect cat for us, but never having had one, she was hesitant.

Karen would also visit the cats at PetSmart. They were always so cute. At that time, we didn’t have any pets and neither of us ever owned a cat. The day Karen saw Moe at PetSmart with the Parma Animal Shelter people, she came home and asked me if we could get him. I said sure, if you want. So Karen hurried back and bought $70 worth of cat things and brought Moe home with me in June of 2000.

We weren’t crazy about his name, but did not want to confuse him so we just kept his name the same. We loved him so much. The first thing we did was set him up in our den upstairs because it was one of our smaller rooms so he could adjust gradually. He was pretty curious and after walking around the room a bit, he checked out the long walk-in closet. We were so excited about getting him that Karen called our friend, Debbie, to come over to meet him and she did. Read the rest of this entry »

Best Friends magazine reviewed Rescuing Sprite so I had to read it. Even though I cried through most of it, it was very enjoyable. My dog, Rosie, is almost 10 and her hind legs are starting to weaken. I know I’ll be going through what Mark Levin and his family endured some day too soon.

Polly from OH

On Jan 14th, 2008 I had to put my dogs to sleep. Their names were Bo and Nurmi. I miss them terribly and there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think of them and wish they were with me. They were my best friends for almost thirteen years. I’m grateful to God for puting them in my life and for the happiness and joy they gave me.

Bo and Nurmi, I miss you both and will love you always. You were my babies and will always be. I hope to see you again someday and until then, know that I love you both more than I can describe.

Your Buddy,
Spence from CA

A picture of Bo and I on the day she was put to sleep.

Here’s another photo of Bo and I. I loved both of my dogs equally but Bo and I had a special bond. She never left my side. Nurmi, he was pretty independent and didn’t want to be bothered much. When he wanted attention, he’d come and get it. I miss them both so much, Mr. Levin. Thank you for your dog site.

Bo and Nurmi. Even though I photoshopped the dogs and my face into the photo, it’s one of my favorite of them. They were both puppies. I had always intended on making that picture a photo Christmas card but never did.

Mr. Levin, I just finished reading Rescuing Sprite. I could barely get through the pages with out tears. Very painful memories resurfaced fro me . Gut wrenching guilt once again, because like you I had to make that final call. Our bingo who i considered to be my 3rd child, different species of course, but as equally loved, pampered and cared for as my human children. had colin cancer. he was now 11 years old going thru surgery, with out high expectations of survival. they removed one tumor and could not remove others deeper inside his body. Bingo was determined to come home ,the vet told us we should nt expect much more from him, if he lived another month that would be a blessing. Well, with much love, bingo survived another year and 1/2 to the surprise of everyone. he suffered with severe anemia and very painful arthritis. too old and weak to go thru a blood transfusion. In October of 2005 was his turning point. he became so ill, he could no longer walk he laid on my lap rapped in my sweatshirt, near the oven as i sobbed in sorrow knowing what i had to do. my oldest son, like your son begged me for one more day. This would be my children’s first loss. he was suffering too much, i knew that, but i didnt want to let him go.

On October 17, 2005 I had no choice. It had to be. I couldnt watch him like this anymore. We went to the vet, in tears, holding him so tight telling him we were sorry and how much he truly meant to us and how much we love him.until the last shot took affect ! Our boy was gone ! The emptiness in our house was beyond comprehension. we were lonely even though the three of us were together. after his cremation, and finding the perfect urn for him, my depression seemed to be getting out of control. i needed to have another dog in our house. My kids weren’t happy with this, they did understand that i was’nt trying to replace Bingo, I just needed to fill a void, for all of us. I found a sheltie collie mix from a breeder in Iowa. Same breed just a different look. His name from the breeder was… Sprite. ! A beautiful 7 week old puppy. He was flown to L.G.A airport in November of 2005. Once again our hearts welcomed a new baby into our family. Joey is his name now, our 2 year old, son/brother. who is so spoiled, and loved. by all of us. he has become attached to my younger son, as if they have known each other forever. he even follows him to the bathroom.
Your Sprite will live on in your hearts forever… Just like our Bingo will live on in ours. They will forever be loved ………..
Kathy from NY

Mark: I lost my husband of 57 years a month ago and the pain is so great that I don’t know how to live each day. My husband was ill for two years and I was his caregiver. He had a good humor and wit just like you until the end We have a Sheltie and her name is Mufy. She would sit at my husbands feet almost all the time. She would get in between him and the home care nurses and refuse to move. She is now as depressed as I am. I take her with me everywhere as we did with my husband. She brings all of her toys to me in the morning for me to play with her. I listen to your program everyday and my heart goes out to the parents of our dear boys who will never have the chance of a long life. I can’t imagine the grief that they feel losing a child. Thanks for being there. I read your book when it first came out and intend to pass it on to other dog lovers. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Sue from MO

When I met my wife, it was because we both had a common need – “must love dogs!” I had no idea that our common compassion for the most faithful companions God gave us would also give us each other – and a common avocation – taking care of those who at first pass, were left behind. We are currently being cared for by 8 wonderful dogs from ed (7 pounds of fluff) to Lucy (120 pounds of couch potato). It is with honor to my wife with her untiring devotion to and care for our family – and to those of our our animals who passed in peace from old age that othrewise might not have that I post these pictures of the current pack.

Bill from NY