This is Julia again. Today I just found out that my neighbors had to put down their four-legged friend, Harley. She was one of the sweetest golden retrievers you will ever meet. I really loved her, and one of my dogs, Amber, had a really special bond with her. I would often see her owner, Marcia, walking Harley before or after school. I will really miss that. I used to take care of her when Marcia went on vacation, and we would always have a great time.

Harely, I will always remember you and your funny antics. Best wishes.

Julia from VT

On my 10th birthday I got the best present ever, a beagle puppy that needed a home. I named him Sandy. He went everywhere I did and was my best friend. Ten years later I was a young GI serving a tour in Vietnam. Getting letters from mom back home and hearing news about Sandy was something to live for. One day her letter informed me she and dad had to put Sandy to sleep. I cried my eyes out. Afterward I felt it was a little inappropriate to cry for a dog in the midst of being surrounded by immense suffering, pain and horrible loss all around me. But I will never forget the pain in my gut reading that letter and realizing I would never see Sandy again. I can still feel it to this day.

A loyal and loving pet is truly a gift from God. The message I took away from Mark’s book is that our pets are a gift on loan from God for a very short time and we need to enjoy and appreciate them as well as the people we have been blessed with in our lives while we still have time on this earth.

Matt from MO

Mark: Our family took our little dog of 16 years “Dewey” to the vet on Saturday and had him put down. It was sooo much harder than any of us thought it would be. My husband, sons 19 & 21 and myself bawled our eyes out over the finality of losing a member of our family. I have been listening the last several weeks to all your listeners/readers comments on your book and told my oldest boy that I want “Rescuing Sprite” for Christmas and that we will all read it.

I am hoping that sharing your experience will help us deal with the grief that is so raw right now.
Thanks for your show, thanks for writing the book.

Sincerely,

Glenda from FL

I just finished reading Rescuing Sprite, and my heart was touched beyond words. Being an animal lover myself I have had many pets I rescued from shelters. Sadly I have lost a few over the years. The pain of losing a beloved pet is very painful, some wonder why we put ourselves through this time after time, I myself sometimes wonder too. But in the end it all comes down to love. Even with all the pain I would not trade one day I have enjoyed with each of my babies. At this time I have 3 cats and one great big lovable dog named Max. My heart felt thanks to you for sharing your Pepsi and Sprite with us.

Sheila from GA

Dear Mark…

Thank you for writing and sharing your story with the public about Sprite. Your book has helped more that you would ever know.

My story is a heartbreaking story about a dog who i loved and who entered my life when i needed her the most.

As I write these words my eyes are already blurred with tears but you have taught me that my dog’s story needs to be shared because she is an inspiration, an angel in disguise.

June 2006, two days before my Lupus flared up in my spine causing me to become paraplegic my family welcomed a puppy, a toy poodle in our life. I named her Ginny, pronounced “Genie” as in my mom’s favorite television show, “I Dream of Genie” and after a character in Harry Potter, Ginny, Ron’s little sister who had red hair because my Ginny had a hint of red in her color.

I was rushed into the hospital after spending only two days with my Ginny because one night i woke up and realize my legs were no longer moving in my command.

I was delusional for a few days. not comprehending anything. I has to stay in the confines of the hospital, I had no choice. All I wanted those days was to see my Ginny. I wouldn’t because of strict rules that the hospital had but my family always kept me up to date on her well-being, brought me pictures and showed me a clip of her that they videotaped.

Ginny was my strength to get me well enough so I may go home. It took me a little over 2 months of medication and physical therapy to be well enough to go home to my Ginny. Read the rest of this entry »

Mark… I just finished your book and am moved to believe another macho conservative like myself could care for one they love. I lost my wife in July of this year and it has been the Girls and myself sense. Sugar is a older Lab ,and Princess is the Beagle, Both are rescue dogs, Both Spoiled only as a loving parent could do. Sugar is now nearing 14 yr. and authritis is taking her ravages upon her.

I read your book and the tears well up. I to must face the task …. but not today…. Thank you for the opportunity to share. and if you can try to view this link , I somehow feel you will understand we are not alone they are waiting for us… http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

Respectfully ,

Thom, & The Girls from MO