My husband bought this book for me as a Christmas Gift. We lost our Chico, a part mini domberman and part pit bull, about two weeks ago. He only weighed about 17 lbs. He ran off one cold night but did not come back. We called and called for him. We found him down the road a bit. He had been hit by a car. He must have been killed instantly. My heart broke. He was my baby before I had a baby. He provided the unconditional love and support I needed during a hard time in my life.

Over the past 4 years I have had 3 miscarriages and tried many many months to become pregnant. Thankfully God blessed us with a beautiful son. However, after I lost each baby and my heart was hurting, I could hold my Chico and he would provide that comfort I needed. My husband was wonderfully supportative but couldn’t fully understand how my heart hurt for the baby I had lost. My Chico would curl up in my lap and comfort me when I needed to cry. I truely believe God provided me this wonderful creature to give me comfort in my time of need. Thank you for such a wonderful book. I have been blessed just from reading it. Thank You

Heather from NC

I had a beauitful malamute named Kyia which I got at the age of 18. She was 6 weeks old when I adopted her and I had her until she was 15 years old. She went every where with me, including college and several moves thru the midwest then on to Colorado, down to Oklahome and then to Texas. She was everyone’s friend and people loved seeing her. She looked like a 90 lbs wolf!

I too had to put her to sleep and the decision came after she slipped down a hill behind our home and fell into the frozen creek. She had back problems and we, like you, did not want to subject her to a surgery that she might not make it thru. After my husband scooped her out of the freezing water we knew it was time. It was the hardest decision I have ever been faced with making. She was the light of my life and it took me many many years to get over losing her.

I loved your book and I understand what you went thru. God bless you for having taken Spritey in and loving her even for the short time you had. I now have 3 rescues, 2 that are 10 years old (and 1 that is 3 ) and I know that someday, I will experience the pain that comes with love and loss but they are such a great source of happiness that I will put that worry aside for another time.

Thank you for writing your story.

Julia from TX

I just finished reading your book about Sprite. I just wanted to let you know that it touched my heart. I have been an animal lover my whole life and have had many animals touch my life in ways that can not be measured. So thank you for sharing your story.

Kristine from NY

I received Rescuing Sprite as a Christmas gift this year..the only thing I actually asked for from my family. I read it the first night. I have 2 dogs, both goldens, Nicki 7 yrs and Max 2.5 yrs. they are my world. I have no children of the human type, but Nicki and Max are my furry 4 legged children. Which only dog lovers can comprehend. Thank you Mark for telling your story so eloquently as I fear the day of either of my dogs passing.

I lost my Father this past year who died in my home from cancer. It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life. Knowing how that grief still feels I wonder how I will ever rebound from the loss of my dear Nicki and Max. They were also the light of my Fathers life as he lived with me for 3 years before his passing. The night he passed, the pups never left his side for one second..as he was having difficulty breathing the pups would change positions on his bed to help him feel better. At one point I told the dogs to get down because Granpop was strugging with them there. One of the few things my Father said that night was”No, leave them. my dogs are fine I want them with me” At 100 lbs a piece, the pups made room for themselves and Grandpop and laid with him till the final moment. I had stepped out of the room to walk some friends to the door and in that moment my dear Father decided it was his time. It was Nicki who came to me, nudged under my hand and pulled me back to the room where Max held vigile with my departed father. Once I realized, strangely both dogs would no longer look at my father, but enter the room backward as if saying..we know where Grandpop is, we don’t want to look at just his body but they sat by me sad as I cried and waited for the nurses and funeral home to arrive. They would not leave my side and provided more comfort than I could ever imagine. I can’t imagine losing either of them, but your book has helped me realize that I will survive it and I would not be alone in my grief. You just have to have the right friends that understand the bond between a dog and your heart. Thank you for writing rescuing Sprite. I bet he is up there keeping my Dad happy too with his sweet loving nature.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Sincerely,

Kelly from PA

Rescuing Sprite is a beautiful but heartbreaking memoir of a cherished family dog and the bond we share with them.  Having been adopted by many dogs myself – all who left my life much sooner than I was ready to see them depart, my heart ached as I truly felt  your pain.  Our 10 year old rescue dog, Maggie , a golden lab has an autoimmune disorder and has had many close calls but seems to rally at the last minute.  She is my shadow, a therapy/helping dog for children with disabilities and the very best companion dog I have ever had. Each day is celebrated as a bonus.  We adopted her from the Atlanta Humane Society to fill the void left behind by the loss of our 17 year old and 16 year old Tibetan Terriers.  Over my 65 years, I have lost several dogs before to old age or tragic accidents.  But each one of them live on through fond memories and photos.  I cannot imagine our lives without a dog in our house – it would not be a home without them.  Sprite looks so much like my Maggie even though they seem to be of different breeds.  It must be the sweetness they portray in through their shining eyes and smiling faces.  Enjoy the years you have with Pepsi and Griffen and always remember that Sprite lives on in your memories.

Fondly,

Susan & Maggie from GA

Dear Mark,
I feel like I know you well enough to call you Mark after reading Rescuing Sprite. I could hardly get it read for all the tears I shed. My eyes stayed so watery and I couldn’t stop. Everyone who reads this will need a full box of kleenex. I also had to say goodbye to my dogs Bino and Daniel and my cat Tinker and it broke my heart. I was right with them when until the end. I think about them often and tear up everytime. I have so many wonderful memories that will last my lifetime. So thank you for writing this book. It makes us all realize how valuable every minute, second,hour,day and year are. I wish you and your family a lifetime of happiness and good health and thank you for your kindness on behalf of all animals.

Kay from FL