I have been blessed having had the company of six great dogs in my life. The first in this line was Buster. Buster came into our lives one fall afternoon when I saw a car stop at the end of our long driveway. I saw the car door open and something was tossed out. I walked to the end of the driveway and at first saw nothing. When I turned to walk back to the house I heard a noise in the drainage ditch behind me. I turned and walked to the other side of the road and there he was all wet and mud up to his belly. He was about the size of a football. Buster was a black lab and even at this young age was happest when wet. I trained Buster to retrieve and he became a fine duck dog, working on voice, hand signals and wistle.

Over the years Buster would make the rounds introducing himself to any new newcomers to the neighborhood, some times not making the best of impressions. One such time that comes to mind was the time he stole all the bergers off the new folks grill. I still have no idea how he pulled that off without getting burnt. with time he grew on everyone and was loved by everyone.
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This was my guy, Coty. I got him from a shelter when I lived alone for the first time. He had been abused when I adopted him at about 4months of age. I should say rather, that he adopted me. My guy was a rot-terrier-germ shep-beagle mix. He was rough and tumble when we played, but the sweetest, most caring dog around children and our seasoned citizens. He gave a lonely guy like myself a reason to smile everyday. I never realized how miserable I truly was until I found him. We went on to meet my current wife, and we have 2 little girls (3 and 8 mos). He died 2 summers ago when my wife and our 1 daughter (only had 1 at the time) were out of town. We’d usually take him to the in-laws as they have a pool he loved to use. He and I stayed back because I was studying for law school. It’s true that they do go off to be alone when they die. He walked further into the backyard than he had ever gone.

All the way to the back fence. When I looked out into the yard, I noticed him laying there. I thought it strange, but when i approached to see if he wanted to play…well, you can imagine the rest. I thank God that my wife and daughter were not home for that scene. he had a number of complications from the many breeds he genetically encompassed. Anyhow, this guy was the most unique looking, softest tempered dog I have ever seen. We jogged together, watched TV together, and were attached at the hip, partners in crime if you will. I saved him from being put down when I adopted him…but I suspect he knows I was the one who was truly saved. Can’t wait for the book this Nov. (if I can find time between case books). You’re my inspiration for many a thing in this world, and I thank you. Best of luck and life to you and your family.

Jeff from MI

After listening to you Mark, I am compelled to tell you my story. We got our small Shitzu in 1987. We had her for nearly 18 years. She was with us every day of that 18 years. She was never boarded anywhere and went with us wherever we went. On 15 June 2005 we were forced to put her to sleep with no other options available to us. We spent thousands of dollars on vet bills in her last few years and would have spent thousands and thousands more had there been any hope. In the last 6 months of her life my wife fed her thru a baby bottle as she could no longer eat on her own. Looking back I wonder how much of that we did for ourselves as much as for her. We just could not let go. Over 2 years later I think of her daily and cry as I miss her so much. We never had kids and she was our child. God bless you for Mark’s Dog Corner.

Sammy from LA

The following is a short excerpt from a longer work from Rev. Renee Karen’s book “Your pet is talking to you … Are you listening?”

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF YOUR BELOVED PET

It is now time for me to say “Good Bye” It will be very sorrowful to leave you but not a sorrow for me to die. Animals do not fear death as humans do. We accept this as part of our lives. What will become of me after death? I will be in a place where I will always be young. A place that will be a paradise for me. Some people call that “Heaven” Yes animals have souls. God has a special place in heaven just for us.

I have another request. Please find another animal to be at your side. I know no one can take my place, but I will feel better knowing you are taking special care of another pet. It would be a poor tribute to me, if no one ever followed me.

One last word of farewell dear ones… Whenever you think of me say to yourself that I was the one you loved; and how much you loved me. No matter how deep my sleep, I shall hear you and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail. May the angels always watch over you as thet watch over me. Remember…I will always be with you in love.

Martin from Texas

Although I have a dog – a wonderful german Shepard – Teddy – but this story is about a bird (or two).
In the Summer – sitting in the patio I noticed that some new birds must have moved in the backyard because I heard a lot of songs from at least 15 kinds – all beautiful. I look around – seeing no bird at all. Only I hear these georgous concert. Where are they hiding – I say. I took my camera and started to make a little film – just for registering the music. Then I saw a bird flying away – and the music also stopped. Well – what is that? I replayed the film – and saw that not one but two birds flying in a big “hush” away from the tree I filmed. Now I was really curious and started to watch a lot – and finally able to make still pictures also – one is attached. They were Mocking Birds! In New Jersey! I was so happy – they are amazing musicians. We discovered their nest too – seeing them flying in their fast hush way in and out of a shed-window – the nest was on a shelf in a woden bowl – neatly put together. We left them alone of course and just enjoyed the uniqe concerts day by day. But one day there was no more music – no bird – they all gone. They are not migrating birds – I still wonder where they have gone and miss them a lot.

P.S. Dear Mark I have preordered two copies of your book and will cherish it when come. I also cherish the time spending with you in the week-days evenings. God Bless you and all your loved ones! We need you.

Eva from NJ

I just want people to know about Ginger. She was a magnificently sweet, loving harlequin Great Dane whom we rescued four years ago from a credible Great Dane rescue center in Riverside, CA.

The people who had dropped Ginger off at the center clearly lied about her age, her background and the reasons for which they were giving her up. The truth, we quickly ascertained, was that she had been whipped, abused and used for some eight years as a brood bitch, no doubt for the owners of a puppy mill who callously got rid of her once she had reached the age of 8. They represented that she was 4 when left at the rescue location, and that they were “moving to Boston” where they wouldn’t have room for her.

This was all false. Ginger was about 8 years old when we got her. She gave us 4 years of the greatest joy imaginable.

Ginger was so full of life, so animated and always responsive, even to the smallest gesture. We would walk her in the large, off-leash dog park in Encino every morning. She loved every minute of her 4 years with us.

Suddenly, one dreadful morning this past March of ’07, she was unable to get up onto her feet. Her chest and rib cage were alarmingly swollen and she was having tremendous difficulty breathing.

We took her to our vet immediately, where we learned within the first 60 seconds of the initial exam, that her heart had become enlarge to 4 times the normal size. There were other associated abnormalities. Ginger was nearly DOA by the time that the vet took her first look at her. There was nothing that could be done. Ginger was euthanized right away.

Naturally, the shock was overwhelming. We still live with the loss to this very day. I keep Ginger’s leash hanging on my front doorknob and quietly, silently, I always greet her as I come in, or leave the house.

The only solace that we can find is knowing that if she had to endure 8 terrible first years of her life, we were able to provide a splendid last 4, and she returned the favor a hundred times over.

Thanks for listening to Ginger’s story.
Charlotte from CA