Our dog, Blackie, was a mix-breed, but I suspect she was part sheep dog, by her actions and the way she ran around. We had to put her to sleep on Sept. 26’07 and she was later creamated. Her ashes are buried in our yard. We got her as a pup and she was then a little ball of black fur. We miss her very much. Cats are cute, but cannot return the love a dog can, esp when we need it, and a dog can sense that need. Thank you,

Donald from NJ

We lost our beloved English Springer Spaniel, Chewy, on the evening of December 31 (2 nights ago). Chewy was brought home as a puppy in May of 2005 along w/ Tucker, his brother who is mine (Chewy is really my Mom & Step-dad’s but we view them all as ours). I never dreamed that Chewy and Tucker would never grow old together, that one of them would be taken w/o so much as a good-bye. Chewy and two other dogs, Ladybug & Mia, were able to dig out of the backyard that evening. The neighbors were able to catch Ladybug & Mia, but our Chewy was just too scared. We all searched up and down the roads, knowing Chewy would never go too far, but the darkness from night kept us from seeing him.

When my step-brother, Levi, was making another trip back up the busy street my parents live off of, he saw Chewy lying in the middle of the road and a 20 ft. blood trail. None of us wanted to believe it and no matter how much we cried and begged for it not to be, then yelled and screamed at the Heavens for it not to be, it was and now we are left to deal with this tragedy which is not the first for our family. In August & September 2002 we also lost our beloved cat, Oreo, our beloved dog, Jake (who very much so looks like your Sprite) and my Grandfather (My Mom’s Dad). Time has helped us to heal through those times but we have never forgotten them.

And now, just days after finishing your book (both my Mom & I as we recieved your book for Christmas), we have lost our beloved Chewy and find it just as hard as the others but just a bit more due to Chewy’s young age. All of our hearts are broken and I feel some sense of guilt (yet I hold him closer and love him even more) that I still have my Tucker. I don’t know how to him around my Mom & Tim or say his name without him being a constant reminder of Chewy and their brotherly bond. Any and all prayers would be welcomed as I pray for you and all those in this world of animal lovers for your beloved companions.

With Love,

Christine from TX

Such a wonderful read and what a beautiful dog. I rescued a male Doberman and had to euthanize him almost 2 years ago. It was the hardest and saddest thing i have ever done. It is amazing how a dog can impact your life. He was my dobie boy and at my side all the time. Sometimes i knew he was in such pain, that if i got out of the chair or bed, he would to. I would wait until i had to get up. All life is precious. I buried him under an oak tree on our property. It will be 2 years in February, and i still weep.

Sherri from TX

I just finished your book, reading it in one sitting. I found no surprises in it, as my wife and I have been active in Sheltie Rescue for about 9 years. We have four Shelties (3 rescued, one an adoption) and one that left us (Brownie) for the Rainbow Bridge (See below) in 2004.

Losing a dog is one of life’s great pains – but the joy they give us during their all too brief lives more than balances it out.
We, too, planted a tree in Brownie’s memory. It shelters the rest of the “boys” and the occasional foster dog for the group we volunteer for: Northern VA Sheltie Rescue. (www.nvsr.org)

When another dog comes home, it’s not a “replacement.” There is no such thing. It is a new life to cherish until it too dies like a candle flame.

In rescue, one sees the best and the worst qualities of humans. We have seen Shelties come in so desperately ill, for example, that their first vet visit is their last. We have cried over them just as if they had lived with us since puppyhood and cursed those that allowed them to get into such terrible shape. Then we go out and help another, and another. “I can’t save them all, but I can save THIS one.” Read the rest of this entry »

Mark-
I am nearly finished with your book, Rescuing Sprite, and I wanted to say that I am so sorry for your loss. I have never watched any of my dogs be put down or grow old because unfortunately they were all escape artists. My beloved friend now, Harley, is about a year old. He is my angel baby! I can’t imagine losing him. My mom found him in the middle of a crossroad when driving home and convinced my step dad to keep him. I was absolutely thrilled! The last dog I had before Harley was Nugget almost 6 years ago. He’s a mix between Brittany, Pointer, French Spaniel, and Border Collie. He’s very shy when meeting new people, but adores me. He follows me all around the house where ever I go. I can even have outside in the front yard with me.

As I write this, I can hear him snoring away in his stupid little green dog shirt that reads, “Go Fetch Yourself!” He has brought us so much joy and has helped me with any stress. I am so glad you wrote this book. Without it, I would not know what to do. Thank you so much! Dogs are truly mans’ best friend.

Ani from TX

Hello Mark,

Just wanted to say thank you for making your essay into a book and sharing your story about Sprite. Not only did he touch the lives of everyone you mentioned in your book but everyone that gets the oppurtunity to read this wonderful book. Eventhough he is no longer with you he will continue to touch the lives of many people, he we also continue to touch the lives of many dogs thru the money you donate to the shelters to help make thier lives better so thank you for everything you do.

I had asked my wife to pick me up the book when it got released but she came home with a book about another dog named Merle, so I had to wait to christmas to read about how Sprite touched your lives even though she was with you for just a short time. My wife is a pediatric nurse and people always say that it must be such a tough job dealing with all the sick kids all the time but she always says that the kids that are sickest are the happiest kids she ever met and they have no worries and they enjoy every day and they put smiles on the faces everyone they meet just like sprite did to your and your family.

I have grown up with many dogs in my family from Misty my Shetland Sheepdog who protected me every day I delivered the papers, to Happy the Cocker Spaniel who always looked so sad. My grandmother found him on a beach after a hurricane one day and when she left to go home I ended up adopting him and shared my good years with him, too Brandy the Golden who died of Lymes disease at a very young age too my two crazy Puggles Emmitt and Romo that make me smile every day even when we have our toughest days, some how they know and they continue to love us no matter what mood were in.

Thank You for sharing your story, it was a joy to read about Sprite, it must have been amazing to actually know him. I hope Pepsi and Griffin are doing well and they continue to brighten you and families lives.

Gary from CT