This is my ‘rescue’ dog from a shelter. She’s a labrador/terrier mix. Her name is Mia. Just finished reading “Rescuing Sprite” and cried through 3/4’s of the book. I can relate to all the wonderful and saddened times in Mark’s book. Him and his family are truly remarkable people. This world is a better place because of the all the wonderful dogs in it..more humans should have the kindness and loving ways about them that dogs possess. They are truly exceptional creatures. May God bless.

Joan from NJ

Mark – I I know you have recv’d so many stories to date about your precious Spritey and never did I think I would have a story to tell until now. My husband I love your show and so when I heard of your horrible tale and your book, I rushed out to purchase it. It was a present for my husband for Christmas. He read your book in 1 day – You see, I married not only a wonderful man, but I married a wonderful dog at the same time – a beautiful 5yrs old, 150# black lab named BEAR. He was identical to my husband, loyal, compassionate, powerful, stubborn and loved me unconditionally. Our story starts just this past week when overnight Bear had a huge tumor form in a lymph node on his neck. By morning, it was massive – larger than my hand. He was rushed to the vet and my husband called 2hrs later – overwrought with sadness as he had put his Beloved Bear down. The vet said there was nothing they could do and so that he would not suffer even for a day, my husband said goodbye to his very best friend.

I’m reading Sprite as I now understand your sorrow. This will take time for my husband to get over and as you mention in your book, he is questioning the very reason things happen the way they do. My faith tells me that they’re are just times when there is absolutely no reason for what has happened, that life is truly unfair so many times – and our outlook is based upon how we deal with these very sad moments. Mark, your book undoubtedly has helped many people through their grief in making these kinds of decisions. I hope that in your situation and in ours that time will heal these wounds – our pets are our family and they make everyday special beyond belief. In my eyes, they are GOD’s angels on earth. Thank you so very much for sharing your soul, your sadness, your grief, and your strength in making it through these trying times.

I know there was an evening you shared that because of your grief you almost gave up your career – I’m so very thankful that Hannity and Limbaugh were able to talk you out of it and to instead express yourself through your book – the world would have been a sadder place without having Levin on every evening. You keep up the great work in that basement of yours!!! Sincerely – Camille and Sam Austin (i wished I had an online pic to share but they’re on Sam’s phone instead)

Camille from TX

Dear Mark,
Thank you for writing this book. It made me cry but it also
helped heal my heart. I lost my beloved Mr. Bubby last October. I had him for 22 years. He was part Chi and part Mini Pin. Towards the end of his life he was blind and walked in circles but was so full of life. He passed in his sleep. It was the lowest point of my life. Your book taught me that it is ok to grieve and think about a beloved dog. It is good to know others share the same emotions over their pets.
Many thanks,
Kim from PA

Mark,
I’m a regular listener, fellow conservative, and above all dog lover. I purchased and read your book. I remembered my own joys and sorrows with tears in my eyes as I read. Dogs are a true gift to us humans. My own “Spot” I am sure would have wound up in a shelter or worse had I not rescued her.

I am truly sorry for your loss and know how I felt when I have lost previous dogs, and how I feel about even the thought of when Spots time with me is through.

I have only one thing about your story that srikes me in a little bit the wrong way. Somewhere you mention that “a portion of your proceeds will go to animal shelters” which in my mind leaves open the possibility that you will also profit from the book. I would have rather seen that all of the proceeds went to shelters or other charities. Or, no mention at all of what you are doing with the proceeds, thereby keeping what you do with it personal and private.
I can understand the catharsis and wanting to share your story. For myself I don’t think that I would want to profit from the death of a loved one.

Thanks for the great book, and your great articulation of our conservative cause.

Charles from MI

We rescued a dog a year ago.Our shelter is a no kill shelter they have dogs that are 15 years old that came when they were puppies.Our dog Boo is a bichon she was part of a puppie mill they were taken from the owners because they were being mistreated.She had 9 puppies at the time. Of course the puppies went right away. Boo was there for about 4 months when we found her.

Of course she wasn’t housebroken yet as she had lived in a cage all her life.She had never had any human contact.It was a long job about 8 months to finally get her trained but we did it.She is the most loving dog that I have ever had.I know she really loves her life now.She has been on 2 trips with us.I ordered a book that tells the places that accept dogs.I don’t think I said she was 3 years old when we got her.I loved your book.Got it in the mail and read it the same day,couldn’t put it down.

Mary from IA

I just finished Rescuing Sprite
and was so glad that you decided to write this book. Dog lovers truly understand the emotions you and your family experienced. I did want to address something you mentioned about Sprite’s shying away from pats on the head. Our first boxer, Champ was the same way. Because we had raised him from puppyhood I knew he wasn’t abused but still I was puzzeled by the behavior. Then I read something, somewhere that explained that some dogs because of the positioning of their eyes see only a large object coming towards their face and immediately duck out of reflex.

Our current boxer, Charlotte is exactly the same way. In looking at Sprite’s beautiful, soulful eyes I can’t help but think that may be the reason he reacted that way. I know I would prefer to believe that as opposed to abuse and truly hope that is the reason. I would also like to add that when we lost Champ 2 years ago to cancer (onset sudden and fatal). We were totally unprepared. My husband like you wanted to do everything humanely possible to not only prolong his life but also asure a life without pain felt we should opt for chemo.

Unfortunately the first dose was enough to take him over the edge and we lost him the next day. I would never choose that route again. That year was very bad for us. My mother became very ill, my husband fell off the roof, was intensive care for 3 weeks, my father died and then 4 months later Champ died. I reacted the most severly to Champ’s death and went into a very dark depression.
Please know that you are not alone and your book really helped showing me that it is a good thing to be a crazy dog lover!
Thank you,
Nancy from OR