This is the story of my parents Dachshund Heidi. She is 10 years old. When my Dad got her for my Mom she was so little that she fit in the palm of your hand. When she got older, she would divide her time between my parents equally. Then in 2005 my Dad was diagnosed with Liver problems. My Dad is a proud US Marine Veteran. In Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. My Dad was always so strong like a rock and it was so hard to watch him go down hill and Heidi was right there to comfort him and watch over him. There where a few days my Dad was so weak that he would fall and Heidi would bark and run to get one of us to help. She became a Dad’s little nurse.

In 2007, my Dad’s Kidneys failed. Now we were waiting on a Liver and Kidney Transplant. Heidi now 7 would spend all day with my Dad either in bed with my Dad or sit next to him on the sofa. At night was my Mom’s time she sat with her until it was time to go to bed. Heidi always makes sure she spent time with both of them. I moved back home to help with my Dad and to give my Mom time to relax. Heidi then started to spend time with me. She has such a big heart in her little body.

In May 2008, My Dad received his transplant. For three months after the transplant my Dad could not touch or hold her. Heidi and Dad did not like this one bit, but she found a way to keep in eye on him. My Dad started to get better and they would go outside on nice days and Heidi would sat right there to watch over him and make sure he was ok. Always walking behind him when he would go anywhere in the house. Still at night was my Mom’s time.

September 27, 2009, My Dad, My hero passed away. He was in the hospital at the time. He spent so much time in the hospital that I found a stuffed Dachshund so he could have Heidi with him there. A nurse made a collar with an ID bracelet. My Dad was buried in his Marine uniform with the stuffed Heidi beside him. The Reserve Marine Unit from San Antonio came and played TAPS and folded the flag graveside. During this whole time Heidi knew something was wrong. Dad was not home so, she sat by the front door waiting for him to come home. There where times we could not find her, she would be laying on my Dad’s bed sleeping or would lay on the sofa in my Dad’s spot. A few months ago Mom got a new sofa, when we went to move the sofa Heidi would not get off the sofa. We would lift her off and jump back on the sofa. When we finally got the sofa out of the house she was howling like a Bloodhound. Mom and I started to cry.

I have always heard about pets that would take care of their humans never saw it in person until Heidi became part of our family. She was the best nurse for my Dad. I know if it was not Heidi my Dad would have lasted as long as he did.

– Tyson from Houston, TX

Back in August I bought a kitten a Chause from a lady on the Internet I fell in love with him from the first time I laid eyes on him with him being an exotic cat I read everything I could lay mu hands on so I could be a good mom my Chow was my heart I was training him to be my therapy animal ( I am a veteran) he knew when I was getting into trouble before my body did we where connected. We where un separable he would sit in the basket at the store, he rode with me in the car and sleep at my head at night if I started having a nightmare he would wake me up with a light purr and a slap to the face. Then he started losing a lot of weight I took him to the vet an found out he had a bad heart and he also had feline leukemia he had his shots but from what the vet said he was borne with the problems. Two day’s later my 9 month old kitten died in my arms and it feels like I have a hole in my heart

I found out about a group called Chause rescue and now I am a member rescuing and finding good homes for exotic cats so far I have places several cats from a osiecat to a savanna my Chow is still with me along with the hole in my heart but if I can help other animals find forever homes I think my CHOW CHOW will be happy.

– Jeanette from Denham Springs, LA

Our family rescued Fred as an 8 week old Weimeraner 10 ½ years ago. We lost our little guy to a brain tumor last Wed 2/17/10, and he is terribly missed. Fred had to be seen to be believed. When we adopted Fred as a puppy, the Weim Rescue representative told us he was her favorite, but he constantly made a strange, expressive noise, like he was communicating. My wife and I deemed it his “horn”, and if you asked if he was interested in a walk, or a treat or dinner, he’d let you know that he was on board. His horn was so unique, expressive, and indicative of how full of life he was.

Fred lived for walks and time with his family. He loved to chase squirrels and lay in your lap as if he didn’t weigh 90lbs. He was special beyond words, whether giving our kids kisses, or waiting patiently at the window for us to come home. His tail would wag at a mere glance in his direction. He loved people, the car, other dogs, peanut butter bones and children. What we would give to have him back.

Fred’s brother Buckley, was rescued 9 years ago as a 2yr old Weim that was in pretty bad shape. Fred took to him immediately, and they were inseparable ever since. Buckley seems pretty lost without his wing man- so are we.

– Chris from Dallas, TX

To us, he was the biggest blessing, and the greatest dog. We love you Fred!

My beagle is ten years old. His name is Beau. He is such a great companion, family member, and guard. The story of the beginning life is unknown since he was about 6 years old when he came into mine. I found Beau at the local pound around Thanksgiving. The city pound had caught fire and the animals were placed into a facility that was extremely small and could only hold about 15 animals. Beau was in a cage on the floor in the corner. His eyes were full of sadness and you could see that his heart was broken. One look at those eyes and I convinced my mom to let me adopt him. The next day my mom called the pound and she told them that she was coming to adopt him just as they were loading him into a truck to be euthanized. His life was saved and that afternoon he was in our home exploring the new smells and becoming acquainted with our cat, Rosie. Now Beau was an older dog that was set in his ways. He was stubborn and grumpy. But despite his moodiness the love he has for his family is so evident. He is always on guard. He is always so thrilled when we arrive home from school or work. He always loves a good walk with a scent for his nose to trail. Today we took him to the vet because a little nodule has appeared on him. The vet confirmed that it is a tumor however, it is not known if it is cancerous. I pray to God that’s not. But if it is, I know that everyday he spends with us, he knows he loved. He is happy and not afraid of anything. A quote from Abe Lincoln goes, “It’s not the number of years lived that count. It’s life that inside those years that matters.” As of right now I don’t what God has planned for Beau. But everyday God keeps him with me, I am grateful and will give him even more love than from the day before.

– Courteney from Mansfiled, TX

My brother suggested I read your book. I appreciate you sharing your wonderful dogs, Pepsi and Sprite, with your fellow dog lovers. I can relate wholeheartedly to your words and emotions.

Between 2006 and 2009, my husband and I lost our three dogs; Charlie, a six-year old red nosed pit bull that we rescued, was diagnosed with cancer with no warning. We put him down during Easter 2007. Nine months later, my precious eight-year old Sasha Sweetpea collapsed suddenly. There was nothing they could do. She was bleeding internally. Once again, we left the vet’s office with a leash and collar. This past June, our 11.5 year old yellow lab, Hoss, succumbed to a heart ailment which caused his body to overheat. We rushed him to the vet and tried desperately to save him, but we knew we couldn’t. Each of the above events shook me and I felt a pain like I’ve never felt in my life.

We were known in town for our three big dogs who we lived our life around; who ruled the house; slept on our bed (we slept with them since they took up most of the bed); and brought so much hectic joy into our lives. Each of them so unique and special. I have each of their ashes on a special table my husband made in my home office surrounded by their photos and their collars. I do feel that they are with us.

Since losing Charlie in 2007, I spent many, many hours on petfinder.com just looking; this was my therapy. When Sasha passed suddenly 9 months later, I didn’t think I could make it through, but I did. And then losing Hoss was too much. However, this past August, a dog on petfinder.com FOUND ME. I drove to Durant OK from Keller TX and adopted him. He was a mess; fleas, ticks, dermatitus, two types of worms, malnourished, but despite his physical condition, he was and is the sweetest, most gentle, lovable, huggable, snuggable, good-natured dog, EXACTLY as you described Sprite. We named him Dexter Doodle. Almost immediately, we realized that he needed a sibling. This time, petfinder.com had a dog who was right here in Keller. I went to see if he’d be a good fit and knew instantly that I had found Dexter’s brother. I adopted who we named Buddy (Dexter’s little buddy) on the spot and drove home. I put Buddy outside and said to Dexter, “I have a surprise for you.” I let Dexter out and I kid you not, after one sniff, they were off and running. Again, their acceptance and bond and love for each other is exactly how you described Pepsi and Sprite’s relationship. I was not able to have children so my dogs are my babies. I would do anything for them that would be for their benefit, not mine.

All of our dogs, Charlie, Sasha Sweetpea, Hoss, Dexter and Buddy, have captured our hearts and brought us such joy, laughs, warmth that only a dog can; they’ve taught us what unconditional love truly is. I cherish every single memory of the loved ones we’ve lost and the ones we have now do not replace them. Your story reminded me of how precious time is with our pets. Thank you and your family for sharing your joy and anguish. I hope Pepsi and Griffen are doing well. I’m sure Sprite approves. I know Charlie, Sasha and Hoss are happy that we found Dexter and Buddy.

– Debora from Keller, TX

Your love of dogs and your unabashed dialogue about them on your show makes me proud that you have the platform to help direct, guide, or just wake up the ones that have lost their way. So many seem to have, but this is about my best friend, my Labrador, Sam. I am 70 years old and have had dogs all my life, some ordinary some extra-ordinary, all of them wonderful, but Sam . . Sam was a cut above all the others. Sam would have been 13 last Feb 2010. Dogs, some more than others, have the ability to be empathetic with their human friend. They give amazing comfort to patients in hospitals, they can (while you watch), lower your blood pressure, their bond to you is truly unconditional.

When a dog is 12 years old, getting up is more difficult, everything they do is slower as it is with us. You know in your mind and heart that some day they won’t be with you anymore. You don’t really think about the end because most times you have to make the decision to end their life. If you’re lucky you only have to actively think about that once, and you do it and he’s gone and pain free, but somehow the pain lingers in you. Even months or years in the future recalling the details of that day bring tears.

A few months ago my wife sent me an email at work. It said, “Urgent, call me about Sam”! All I could think of is, “Oh no, it’s too soon”. When I called, my son-in-law had just brought him back from the Vet with the news you don’t want to hear. Even with several operations and buckets of medications he might have 1 or 2 months to live.

The next day he couldn’t even stand up without help and the following day I had to hold him up so he could go outside. If I let go he would just crumble to the ground. It took several days to find a Vet that would come to the house (for less than $1000) and that was plus the injections plus the assistant and plus transport to a pet cemetery. I finally did find one and Sam died in my arms licking my hand.

I was listening to your show driving home from work and you had two gentlemen on that had put their “best friends” to sleep. I was going to call but I knew that I would have been too choked up to communicate well so I am sending this to your website instead. Keep up your wonderful work.

– Richard from North Hills, CA