Mark,
I just picked up “Rescuing Sprite” today. I had heard about it from you, Rush, and Sean. From the moment I adopted Holly (a Christmas puppy) I have thought of the day I will have to let her go. She is a puppy from my sisters’ dogs’ litter and has always been loved. However she is a “diddicult” dog. I truly think that if she were with anyone else they would have abused her. God brought Holly and I together. She knows when I’m sad. She knows who I trust and don’t trust, and as with all devoted companions, she is there, unconditionally. I truly feel for your loss of Sprite. I also appreciate your conservative voice and apprecuate your will to continue. Right now Holly is stretched out beside me and loving life. I hope I have many more years with her.

Amber from TN

Mark I just want to thank you for sharing your memories of Sprite. My wife, eight-year old daughter and I had been looking to buy a puppy from a breeder. However listening to your wonderful stories of Sprite we decided to adopt a shelter dog instead.

I’m happy to say my on February 2nd we adopted our new dog (and family member) Bella from the Plano animal shelter here in Texas. She’s at best guess a 2-3 year old cocker spaniel whose original owners didn’t bother picking up.

I surely wish that shelters like this wouldn’t have to exist as it is truly devastating to see so many animals in need of a good home.

Thanks again my friend for your advise. And Bella thanks you too!

God Bless!

Jeff from TX

I just read your book and it really touched me. My husband and I lost our beloved Bobo Samantha on July 3, 2007. Bobo was the best dog ever, a stray who wandered in to a bus depot in Brooklyn in early 1993 and was lucky enough to be taken in by a dog lover who also happened to be the sister of a co-worker. My husband adopted Bobo and we were lucky to have over 14 years with her. Like Sprite she was older, but not so much, we think she was probably 1 1/2 or 2 years old. I also wondered about her life before us, she had a line around her muzzle which we thought indicated she had her muzzle wired. But mostly we just loved her and she us. She had her health problems as she got older and I will always remember picking up her liver medication at the pharmacy. I felt funny at first, but only the first time.

In early 2007 she had gotten very fragile and I stressed on where to board her while we were on vacation. We try to have someone dog sit, but in July it was not going to be possible. Bobo had always been stoic about the kennel, the same cannot be said for our younger dog Nani. But Bobo was so fragile. We had finally come to terms with the kennel, as we had no other alternative. I came home from work on July 3, 2007 and as I walked in the door Nani was running back and forth carrying on, more than usual. No sign of Bobo. I called her and no response. Read the rest of this entry »

Mark, I wanted to share an email from a dear friend of mine who lost her dog after 16 years. It broke my heart to read that the love of her husband and her life had passed over this past weekend. I am sharing a picture that I asked for her to send me to share with you. If there is anyway I can buy an autographed book to Portia and Mike please let me know. They have no children and this dog was their life.

TO ALL: For those of you who didn’t get the message, our sweet dog “Tootsie” died this past weekend. She was 16 but still very active and the best companion anyone could ever imagine! We’ll remember her as the “love of our life” and “life of our parties.” Thank you also for sharing your friendship with her. I know Tootsie’s in heaven, in good health, running and playing and happy.
Love,
Porshe and Mike

I’m crying as I read your note. I loved her very much!
I hope to see you soon! Love, Porshe

Lloyd from VA

Dear Mark,
I heard Rush talking about “Rescuing Sprite” one day just before Christmas and had to purchase it. Last Sunday I sat down and read the entire book without moving. I bawled the entire way through. Bless you for sharing your personal story with so many of us who love our dogs and assorted pets.

Having a dog has made me a better person. My faith in God is much stronger now because I know dogs were put here to teach us humanity and love and joy and trust.

My father passed away from Alzheimer’s this year. Towards the end, the only happiness we could find in his lost soul was when he would pet our dog. Somehow, she could connect and reach into his heart and pull out what we thought was long gone. Others in the nursing home benefited from our dog’s visits as well. Perhaps it is the purity of their hearts than can reach into those that can no longer connect with humans.

My hope is that your book will touch those that take their pets for granted and teach them that animals deserve to be family members, not accessories. God bless you all. God bless Sprite.

Heather from MA

I recently finished reading rescuing sprite and I bawled my eyes out all the way through the end. Both Sprite and Pepsi remind me of my dog Sophie who is a 10 month old Springer spaniel. She is my first dog (im 14) and I have never been more attached to anyone or thing in my life. I had to laugh when you described Pepsi’s “devil mode” because Sophie does they exact same thing, running around the kitchen and living room as fast as she can, grunting and occasionally flinging a toy or empty water bottle around. She is also going through that chewing/nipping stage where she eats everything and anything she can find, like what you said Pepsi had done in his first year with you. And of course Sophie has to be the center of attention all the time. Although Sophie is completely nuts, after a nice big walk, when she’s tired out that cuddly, calm “sprite side” of her shows. All she wants then is a nice belly, cheek or chin rub and to lie on your lap.

I also thought it was funny how you said you slip them some of your dinner, because my meal is Sophie’s meal, she eats everything I eat plus her dog food, but she is so active she burns it all off after we go “off-leashing” in a near by field. Anyways, I just wanted to say how much I LOVED your book, it made me feel like I almost knew Pepsi and Sprite and you! Thank you for a wonderful book, and im sure if Sprite could have talked he would have thanked you everyday for giving him such a good home.
Alyssa from Winnipeg