Elvis came to us one night, wandering down our street. He was a stray, but had belonged to someone, as he had a harness around his neck, and his front claws had been removed (which is something I disagree with doing to a cat).

We already had 4 cats (all strays), and really did not want to have another – BUT Elvis stayed, and was accepted by all the other cats in our house.

He was also accepted by Lucy, our Old English Mastiff. Lucy would walk over to Elvis to give him a sniff, and Elvis would bat her with his declawed front paws right across the nose. Lucy would then nuzzle Elvis, and he would just keep on “boxing” Lucy. Eventually, there was a truce, and Lucy and Elvis got along pretty well.

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This is my Tara or rather was my Tara. I could also write an entire book about this magnificant dog and friend. She lived 13 years and was a puppy from day one till that fateful day when I held her in my arms and let her slip off to Retriever Heaven. I’d give anything to have her back at my side. I always thought she should be a little more stoic, being the daughter of a great field champion retriever and all; but basically she was just a large goofball. That is until the scent of bird caught her nose. Then she was off to the office to work; very serious and on a mission to eliminate all feathered foes from our sight. She can never be replaced; and sadly for my family – she hasn’t been. She’s been gone for over 7 years now and our home has not been graced with the presence of another set of paws. I’ve had dogs all my life; but after this one, I just haven’t been able to get myself to sell my heart to another. Maybe someday. I hope so. A house is just not a home without dog hair on the sofa.

Jim From PA

Hey Mark, I found what happened to Clintons dog when I went to the library in Little Rock and saw the Buddy Booth. Seriously, we’re getting a dog when we move to Tarrytown early next year and have been inspired by you to get a one from a shelter. Thanks bro!

Bill from New York

My story is about my cat Fuzzy. I love him so much.

We went to Denver for the weekend. My friend came over while we were gone to feed the dogs and Fuzzy. When we got home from Denver Fuzzy was no where to be found. He had apparently got outside somehow. He has been neutered and declawed so I didn’t know how he’d defend himself or find something to eat. I was so distraught. I checked the animal shelter everyday, put an ad in the newspaper everything I could think of to find him. I was just sick with worry.
Well two weeks passed and no sign of Fuzzy. Then one Saturday night my son and I were watching movies and it was about 2 AM. I thouht I heard a noise so I looked out on the deck. I didn’t see anything. Then I thought again I heard something so I actually walked outside this time and there was Fuzzy. He was thinner but he was clean. I have never been so happy to see a pet in my life. I’ve kept a close eye on him since then. He has not gotten outside again unless someone goes with him. I do love Fuzzy.

Carol from SD

We rescued our little Heidi in the Fall of 2002 from Bide-a-Wee. She was the best thing that ever happened to us. She has helped us all to learn to love and play and enjoy life. She’s an angel with fur.

Sandy from New York

First, I want to thank you Mark for this site. The stories from the other listeners are truly heart wrenching, but the feelings are universal for all dog lovers. My husband and son adopted Patches from the Humane Society on December 13, 1996, a Christmas surprise for our then 7 year old son and 4 year old daughter. Patches was about 4-5 months old and little was known of her history. My husband fell in love with her the second he saw her. Like many strays, we didn’t know her history though and the first two years she ran away every chance she got. It was almost as if she didn’t trust us to take care of her despite all our love. Then Christmas Eve of 1998, while walking in the woods with my husband and children, she stepped on a piece of glass and tore one of her pads on her front paw. The blood was incredible and my husband carried her for about half a mile home. We took her to the local vet hospital who sewed up her wounds and we spent the next two weeks carrying her up and down the stairs. It was at that moment that I think she realized that we truly loved her and would never let her down. From that moment, to the present, she has never left on her own accord, despite many chances (when the kids fail to lock the fence behind them).

Despite the fact that she is still afraid of sewers (we think she may have been thrown in one as a pup) and fire alarms, she is truly one of a kind. I urge everyone I meet who is contemplating owning a dog to go the local shelters where hundreds of loving, wonderful animals await a loving home. My recently retired mother-in-law, who volunteers at a local shelter brought home a retriever/hound mix, Molly, who has added to our extended family. I have many Patches stories to tell and will attach a picture on the next posting. Again, Mark, thank you for everything you do. My husband and I listen to you every night on WABC. Keep up the great work and I can’t wait for your book to come out. I have at least four people that I want to purchase it for, not including myself!!!

Yolande from New Jersey