My sweet golden retriever, Kelbi, came to me from a rescue when she was 8 1/2 years old. It’s more difficult to adopt out older dogs so I felt great about my decision to adopt Kelbi. She lived to be 14 1/2, so I had 6 wonderful years with her. This is a very good long life for a retriever.

She passed away about a week ago, and it has been very painful for me. However I know that she is no longer suffering and that is comforting to me.

Everyone loved Kelbi, every dog and cat that she ever met felt safe with her and loved to hang out with her.

— from Anaheim, CA

I had to put my Dukie Boy down about 2 years ago. He was the best hiking buddy I ever had. Always ready and willing to hit the trail at the drop of a tennis ball. Lord only knows how many miles were put on his paws and my hiking boots together. Thank you Lord for having blessed me with such a good and faithful friend! I love you good boy!!!

— Denise from Bear, DE

Eddie was delivered to us by God. Every moment with him was an absolute dream. He was an old soul. We didn’t have to teach him anything, but he taught us plenty. Eddie returned to be with God a year ago. The year since his passing has been so very difficult. Till we meet again my beautiful friend. We love you every moment.

— Michael & Deb from Murrieta, CA

I just finished reading Rescuing Sprite. It was recommended to me by a friend because I am dealing with the hardest decision in “a dog lovers life”. My child, my chihuahua who is 7, her name is Fini, has congestive heart failure. I have brought her home to be with me and her little sister Willow for her remaining days. She has good days and horrible days. She is the love of my life. I have been agonizing over the decision I made to bring her home. After reading the book, I know that I have made the right choice and when the “time” comes, Fini will let me know. I also, will let her die here in her home with the help of our vet and in the comfort of my arms. My heart is breaking, but it is comforting to know that I am not alone. This is a different kind of loss. I have lost loved ones, we all have, but this is a different type of heartache. One, only a true dog lover can understand.

— Dawnette from Fayetteville, AR

My best friend Cody died today. He was ten year old, a big yellow Lab. He was born ten days after my husband died. He was with me when our business went bust, when I lost the home I had lived in for forty years. He was with me when I considered the peace of death and it is because I knew of no one who I could trust to love him, that I am still alive today. He was with me when I moved away from all I knew and moved to a state where I knew no one. He dropped dead of a heart attach and I didn’t even have the chance to hold him and tell for the last time that I love him. Now I am really alone. I know I will love another dog someday. Maybe. God love you my dear Cody until I can be with you again.

— Fran from Oviedo, FL

This is about my cat John.
He passed on 2 years ago. But before he died he had a strange and annoying habbit (so i thought at the time) of biting my nose when i was asleep or swatting my cheek or jumping on me. I had no idea what the problem was at the time . But I began putting it together when i was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few months later. Not log after that he died of a stroke. He was a hero cat he saved my life no doubt about it. He was biting and swatting and jumping because he knew I had stopped breathing.
God rest his little soul I still miss him and will till I go to meet him in the next life.

— Don from Janesville, WI