For 60 years I had dogs and since 1975, I raised, field trialed and showed Brittanys. This ended abruptly when a drunk driver hit me in 1990 and left me in a wheelchair having 24/7 care. I, now, have a Maine Coon cat that was rescued and he is great! The Brittanys are still the love of my life and through the computer, I am able to stay in touch with many of my friends who are dog people, too. I miss my Brittanys very much. I, also, had Tennessee Walking horses. It’s very hard; but, one knows when the time comes to say good bye to our friends who we will one day meet again.

Barbara from PA

I am 10 years old and I’ve read most of your dog book and its really good so far! I’ve never experienced losing a dog before, but I do have 4 dogs. One day my family and I were going to my mom’s coworker’s house to pick up work. But it turns out that we ended up driving to this old country home in Culpeppar, Va. See, I’ve wanted a chihuahua before this, and when we got there, I got a suprise chihuahua puppy! This was about 2 years ago. My dog’s name is Max and he is a so affectionate and loving, kind of like sprite I think. He howls emothoinaly we get home, and we howl along with him! It’s funny! He is a part of the family and we love him.

Ericka from VA

A case for euthanizing. We were gifted with sibling kittens in the early 90’s. With my husband’s help, we chose the names Cherubim & Seraphim. (yes I do know they are plural and the cats were singular.
Seraphim ate a rat that had been poisoned. He survived several years but then started to get Protein Toxicity due to his kidney’s shutting down. The Vet said he didn’t want to ruin my holiday by putting him down since I was a pile of tears. I took him home. He died on Easter but it took him 16 hours to die. He fought it all the way. I would have rather had the Vet put him to sleep with me there. Mark, I think you did the right thing by having the Vet come out.

Cheryl from CA

HI Mark,
I have always been an advocate for pet adoption as an alternative to breeders and pet shops. We adopted our beloved Reagan some years ago and he was the best friend anyone could ever have. I spent my college years working in an animal hospital and I have rescued and found loving homes for many unwanted dogs. I could always imagine what these poor dogs would say if they could talk so I decided to say it for them. So, being a professional musician I wrote a song which says what I think a dog would say. I have performed it in many venues and I am posting a link to it for any dog lover who would like to listen. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear Mr. Levin,
My family and I had every intention of attending your book signing on Saturday.
However at the last minute we were unable to attend. I was extremely dissapointed because I had completed your book the day before and I wanted to tell you in person how much I enjoyed it and how many tissues I expended. I too have recently lost my best friend “Buttons”. Time has passed but it is still difficult to forget how much he is missed. We now have a new dog “Champ” who we rescued from a shelter. He is great company and each day is a new adventure.

Having read your book, I can feel your pain about having made that final decision. Read the rest of this entry »

Below is a letter which I wrote on the first Sunday following the Wednesday six months ago when I had taken my dog, Pookie, to the Vet to be put to sleep. The letter is “from” Pookie. I sent it on to our close friends and relatives who had known Pookie in life. It was my way of coping with the Pain…..

Hello everyone,

Well, today is my first Sunday up here…Everything is beautiful and I’ve made lots of friends already. Lots of squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and other dogs to run and play with… I’ve not seen any cats, though. Makes me wonder where they go when the day is done. Heh, heh… Read the rest of this entry »