I heard the radio show one evening on WLS in Chicago, and I began to cry. I put my two dogs to sleep within less than one year. My Rudy, a yellow lab, was about to celebrate his 13th birthday when I had to put him to sleep on September 11th 2006. Riley, my yellow lab mix, was only two years younger. She did not do very well after Rudy died. She had spent her entire life with him. I just put her to sleep on August 24th 2007. I had them both privately cremated. They sit together next to each other on my dresser. Rudy is in a white canister with black and gray dog paws and Riley is in one with beautiful flowers. I lost twenty pounds beginning when Rudy was sick. I would stay up with him at night. I would carry him when he needed it and feed him the best that I could. We would celebrate our birthdays by going through the drive thru at McDonalds and get hamburgers.

I would put a candle in one and I would sing “Happy Birthday”. When Riley was diagnosed with kidney failure in June she only lasted 3 months. I would take her for a ride every night and listed to Sean Hannity on the radio. Somehow it would always put her to sleep. I still cry. I had my dogs before I got married and had children. I want to get another dog soon. I am having such a hard time with this because I lost two of my best friends so quickly. Talk about being depressed. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I just wanted to be alone. I loved Rudy and Riley with all my heart. I know my husband was jealous, but I couldn’t help it. They were my babies. It had been the three of us for so long. I have some of Rudy’s puppy teeth which I would find around the house. Sometimes I call for Riley but I know she is not here. The one thing that gets me through this is knowing that one day I will see them again in Heaven. I have multiple photo albums and pictures around the house of Rudy and Riley. I miss them everyday.

Mary from IL

Just a quick note to say that all the way home from work last night, I cried along with you hearing of Sprite. I will be getting that book this weekend.
I am a new mom of Mandy and Macey (10 mo. old pups) and have found the joy of all you talk about. Never having kids, I find that God has blessed me with these two “children” to teach me what the important things in life truly are in our existence in this human experience.
God Bless you and your family and Sprite, who I know is keeping an eye on you all every day!
Gwen

Gwen from IL

Snowbear was our Alaskan Malamute. We adopted Snowbear through the Humane Society in Baltimore. I moved the family to Vermont and Snowbear loved it there. He was an “old soul” all of his life who would never tug on his leash or run away. Two weeks before his fourteenth birthday we had to put him down. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. He lived a long and happy life for which I am very grateful.
We now have two dogs that we adopted from shelters. Buddy is a Rot-Lab mix and Sandy is a Shepherd-Akita mix. Neither will go anywhere without the other and they both love the family without reservation. We cherish every day we have with them. If you are considering a dog, please adopt one from a shelter. They are the best dogs and I truly believe they are forever grateful.

Rod from CO

I had to put our cocker spaniel, Snuggles, down on October 1, 2007. That was the worst day of my life and the hardest thing I ever had to do. Snuggles was 13 1/2 years old and has been with us since he was 3 months old. He got his name because he liked to snuggle. He had two knee operations. He had two mouth operations. The first was not too bad; the second was tough. We knew if the growth came back a third time there would not be anything else we could do for him. Sure enough nine weeks after the second operation he developed a tumor the size of a golf ball in his gland which also was attached to the inside of his mouth. I knew when I took him back to the vet that it was the end of a great friendship and love we shared with him. I still have my moments when I just start crying and we miss him very much. There are alot of good memories also which I try to focus on them. I know someday we will see him again. I heard about your book coming out a few days after we put him to sleep and I am looking forward to reading it . Hopefully it will help me get through this time of grief. Will write back as soon as I read the book.

Thank you,
Jackie from NJ

Mr Levin, My story is way to long to fit here but I wanted to write & say everything you are feeling has been felt by all those that love our dogs cats and bird etc. In making the choice to help them leave for heaven it is never easy & second guessing is part of the pain but it is something that must be done as a natural death is often painful and frightening. We must as you did put yourself second and help them to leave their body that had become too old and sick to carry their spirit anylonger. When one of my dogs was sick with cancer and there was nol onger anyway to keep him pain free a women I met at the vets office told me “A day too soon is better than a day too late” I am going to read your book even tbough I know it will bring me pain.

After my basset Vinnie 15.5 yrs was gone I went to basset rescue to help with the thousands of bassets in foster care and shelters(I love all dogs but Vinnie hold a special place in my heart he was a cancer survivor) Well at that time I discovered a site dedicated to basset lovers and their rescue. If you want to warm your heart in knowing a group of dedicated dog basset people that love as much as you check out www. dailydrool.com. They are an amazing group foster bassets in need Many are seniors. that no one else will take the responsibility . Two senior groups are located at BROOD and there is another angel of a women who runs House of Puddles. they both have web sites that you can also visit. I would love to speak to you if you ever need someone to talk to that understands your pain . Don’t worry I’m not a crazy person, I have a 25 yr old son and a husband. Also I’m a consevative.

I hope your heart will heal and you will be left with only comforting memories of Sprite. When I speak to God I will ask him to help you and inquire about Sprite. I am however quite sure that he is having a wonderful time with all his new friends. There is always plenty of food and soft places for the dogs to sleep.

Best Regards
Judith from NY

I got my first dog Puffin as an exercise enforcer. Being Alaskan Malamute consequences of not running at least 4-5 miles daily (rain or snow or blizzard,…) were so bad that we never missed a day. As a reward we went to 10 days dog sledding expedition in Alaska (see the image of his happiness while there). I am glad we did that in time as within a year the cancer came to him… First the lymphoma, against which the treatment worked somewhat. Soon however it went for the liver. Treatments failed and we needed to decide how to deal with his future. Once he has lost capability to move and eat the last step needed to be done… We are forever grateful for his unending love.

Dusan from NY