This is JoJo.  I found him homeless and wandering the streets in a neighboring town about 4 months ago.  He had to have a couple of benign masses removed early on, had arthritis in his spine, and had loss considerable muscle mass, but seemed reasonable healthy, given all things considered.  When it turned really cold he had difficulty walking soI had to carry him up and down the steps twice a day so he could use the bathroom.  I thought if I just got him through the winter, he could have a good summer.  However, he developed tumors in his belly and throat.  Last night he stopped eating, this morning he could barely walk.  So, after consulting with our  vet and considering his age and the pain he was suffering, I let him go.  Its amazing how much he touched my life in just four months.  I’m going to miss him greatly.

— Dianne from Eva, AL

Gizmo, or Gizzie as we have come to call him, was a gift from my sister and I to my Mom when whe was Dxd with cancer.  He is a purebred shih-tzu we got from a family who had bred their two shihtzus for the first time.  What a joy he brought to her! Unfortunately, her surgery left her unable to play and train with him, so my hubby and I who live next door, took that job over. He trained very well, but his favorite part of the day was to get up in Moms lap at the end of the day, curl up in the smallest ball he could and sleep with her.  If she was in too much pain, he sat at her feet fully ready to investigate anyone coming near her:) He was a 9lb guard dog of sorts!  Sadly, my Mom passed suddenly in Sept, after a sleepover with my son, Jack, myself and, of course, Gizzie.  I take comfort knowing her last night on Earth was spent in a family “sleepover” of sorts, with Gizzie curled up right next to Mom.  He lives full time with us now, but with my Dad still next door, he loves to go and visit everyday and I wonder if he is still looking for her…This dog has brought SUCH JOY to us not ONLY when Mom was here, but AFTER – by always giving us a laugh or two when we most needed it.  I just LOVE him!!

— Laura from Quincy, MA

I bought Nana, a beautiful Sheltie pup, for my beloved Susan almost 15 years ago. Nana quickly became a source of unconditional love for each member of our family and, over the years, all of the many guest we’ve had in our home joined us in our equal love foe her. To us, Nana was not an animal but a member of our immediate family. Nana suffered from severe hip dysplasia for the last few years, but we were able to keep her reasonably comfortable and active for a dog her age via pain meds until this past week, at which time her legs could no longer support her weight. Mark, during our last few hours with Nana I believe I finally came to understand the pain you endured as you lost your dear friends, one by one. I remember crying during one of your broadcasts as you shared your story with us over the air, thinking at the time that I knew how you must feel. Last night, as Nana was put to sleep while her head was cradle in my wife’s hands, I felt as if the very will to live was sucked right out of me. Though Nana fell gently to sleep after being sedated and the vet assured us that she was not going to suffer any pain, the pain in our hearts wrought from having to make such a horrible decision only seems to have grown over the past 22 hours. Today, I returned home from work to find only three babies, rather than the four who usually greet me at the front door. I made my way to the kitchen cupboard and, by habit, proceeded to draw four Beggin’ Strips from the bag, only realizing what I’d done when I turned to see only three jumping for their snacks. I’d always given Nana her treat first….. my heart is broken. So, I have a few questions, my friend. How can a 54 year old man be strong for his family when he’s lost one of the best friends he’s ever had? Does the pain ever end? Do you think Nana will forgive us for putting her to sleep?

— Danny from Houston, TX

Today is Thursday, February 16, 2012. My little man Max passed away exactly 4 weeks ago tonight at about 7:45 pm. Sadly I had left about an hour earlier to go to a meeting. Initially I was upset that he passed all alone but the reality is that he wasn’t alone. I had the radio on so the last words that my Max heard before his heart gave out were that of Mark Levin. I say this as being a good thing.

Max was a short-haired smooth Dachshund who was born on June 19, 1998. He had a good life who went virtually everywhere with me. He loved the car…and more importantly, he loved being with his daddy.The last 18 months of Max’s life were altered dramatically. Max had an accident and fell off of my deck and 11 feet down to the ground. He had surgery, physical therapy and then we tried acupuncture at a Holistic veterinarian which we went to every Saturday. After doing that for many, many months we came to the conclusion that he would never walk again. His hind legs were paralyzed. That was a sad reality. I did end up getting a cart through a great company that makes only these products. He was resistant when I first put him in the cart but then he realized that he could get around on his own. Sadly, he only got a couple of months use from the wheels. His cart was purchased by a person who had a dog in need so the cart will continue to help a needy dog in Bowling Green Kentucky. I just checked and UPS just delivered it about 2 hours ago.That puts a smile on my face.

I have great memories and miss him every minute. My life was enriched and has now been drastically changed. Max required a lot of my time in the end and I wish he was still requiring my time but it will never again be. I am just glad that he was listening to you, Mark Levin, as he was passing into doggy heaven. Thank you for affording me the opportunity to write this.
John-East Islip, Long Island, NY

I lost my dear Willi last night.  He was my Valentine’s Day present in 2003.  He was so smart, sweet and loving.  The best dog I’ve ever known.  I named him after my great-grandfather, who trained shepherds for the German army in WWI.  I trained Willi in German.  I wish you could have known him, Mark.  He suddenly took ill yesterday, and died in my arms.  I know that God is feeding him hot dogs now…

— Rich from Mesa, AZ

I lost my precious tiny toy poodle Merlin just a few weeks ago.  He was 14 years old..  Even though I have 3 other dogs the house seemed so empty without him.  I stopped at the local animal shelter on other business.  I couldn’t resist checking out the dogs for adoption and this little girl looked up at me and wagged her stubby little tail.  Her name was Daisy.  I’d adopted another shelter dog 20 years ago—a Jack Russell named Daisy.  It seemed like a sign.  I didn’t want to adopt her on the rebound so to speak because I missed Merlin so much so I wend home and thought about it for a couple days.  I couldn’t stop thinking about her there. Her owners turned her in because they were moving. After 8 years, goodbye little dog!  She was in no danger as our local shelter doesn’t euthanize healthy adoptable dogs—even older ones.

She looked like she wanted to come home with me.  My other dogs are about the same age and they seemed to accept her.  Daisy didn’t take Merlin’s place.  I still miss him so much, but helping Daisy makes it hurt a little less.

— Christine from Silver Lake, NY