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Although Mark Levin is known as a constitutional lawyer and a nationally syndicated broadcaster, he is, first and foremost, a dog lover. In 1998, he and his family welcomed a half-Border Collie/half-Cocker Spaniel they named Pepsi into their lives. Six years later, his wife and son persuaded him to adopt a dog from the local shelter, a Spaniel mix. It turned out he was older than originally thought, and he was the most beautiful dog they’d ever seen. They named him Sprite.
Their lives would never be the same. Sprite and Pepsi became fast friends. They did everything together, from rummaging through the trash to loudly greeting the deliveryman. And the Levin family fell in love with him — with his gentle nature, beautiful face and soft, huggable fur. But on Halloween night, shortly after joining their family, Sprite suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the animal hospital. It was the first of many such visits, and the start of a long journey for the Levin family, filled with much joy and anguish. During the next two years, Sprite and Pepsi were inseparable. And Sprite’s bond with the Levin family deepened. Friends, neighbors, and even Mark’s radio audience came to know and love Sprite.
As Mark’s daughter turned eighteen and graduated from high school and Mark’s son turned fifteen, Sprite’s health deteriorated — even as his spirits remained high and his beauty and grace continued to inspire. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2006, the Levin family said their emotional final goodbye. Crushed and consumed with grief, Mark turned to family, friends, and fans for help. But new hope came when the Levins least expected it.
Rescuing Sprite is a stunningly intimate look at the love between a family and a dog, one that movingly shows, in Mark Levin’s words, that “in the end, we humans are the lucky ones.”
The author will donate a portion of his proceeds from the sale of this book to animal shelters.
UPDATE: Mark wants you to know that he reads all of these comments and is greatly appreciative.
Hannity looks nicer in person
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Mark,
I love to read and I’ll be honest, I have never read a more touching book. This book was excellent! I love it! Congrats on a great book! Hope your love of dogs continues and grows! I bawled while reading this book because it was amazing! I love dogs, I have 2 and I amtouched and am always going to cherish every minute with them now!
my brother let me borrow this book a week ago. I cryed in the first couple of chapters. I am very thankful to have read a book so inspirational. I now cherish the time I have with my dog so much more. Thank you Mark.
Just finished Rescuing Sprite after my wife said it was a must-read. Some American friends visiting us Downunder (near Sydney) gave us the book after visiting us and our 9 year old Dalmation-cross-whatever-big-and-goofy rescued-from-the-pound dog AJ. Can’t say as I ever got depressed over having to take one of our pet friends for that final trip but it sure is distressing. Not looking forward to the day I have to take AJ but I will just continue to enjoy his company while it lasts. We will pass the book on to our daughter and her 3 dogs and 3 cats in Brisbane.
Is there any way I can get a signed copy? I borrowed this book from a co-worker because I am such a huge dog lover myself. I left it out one night after reading it and my own little puppy came and chewed it up so now I am desperately trying to find a new signed copy because hers was signed and she let me know how special it was to her. Thank you.
Also I just wanted to say that I really have loved this book. It has made me even more excited about the life our new lab puppy will share with us.
jmmace, Sgt Tim here with a response:
I just finished reading “rescuing Sprite”. I don’t have to say I cried like a baby! I’ve had to put 2 cats down so I know the pain you went through. I wanted to thank you for writing this book. As I read it, off in the corner, on his bed, snoring, was my rescued lab Archie who brings more happiness, laughter and comfort than any human has. I hope what people get most from your book, is the message about how important it is to rescue animals. People are so hung up on getting the lastest “fad” dog or being a status symbol with their purebred dog. There is no reason people have to buy $1500 purebreg dogs when they can rescue purebreds! My ARchie is 100% yellow Lab pure as can be. The rescued dogs have such a wonderful, grateful spirit to them. I wish people would realize that one bought dog from a pet store or breeder is one dog that is being euthanized in a shelter. Thank you so much for your book and sharing Sprite with us. I loved him even though I never met him. I’m going to lay on the floor now with my Archie and tell him how special he is. Hopefully, he can hear me through his snoring!!!
I am in the middle of reading “Rescuing Sprite”, and it has touched me in so many ways. 3 years ago, I lost my beloved dog. It all started when two of my other sisters and I bought a dog at a place called the “Doghouse” in Manchester, CT. It looked like a very good place to purchase a puppy. My older sister walked in there, and saw the most beautiful, purebred beagle. She fell in love immediately, and bought him. The first time I saw him, I loved him more than anything, and started sobbing from happiness. I was in the 5th grade at the time. Now, I’m 16. We named him Arnold. He had beautiful markings, and a fantastic personality. He helped me through the toughest times of my life. My sister recovering from a brain tumor, and 12 surgeries, and me with my depression. He was the one thing that didn’t judge me, and was always there for me. He had always had epilepsy, and had been medicated for it. When I was in the eighth grade, and he had a non-stop seizure that left him with brain damaged. He was never the same again. He was 4 at the time, and we had to put him to sleep. It was the most devastating time of my life. I still cry when I think about him. Also, earlier this year, one of my dogs, Linus, started to have an indentation in his head. We thought maybe he ran into something. But, he had a malignant brain tumor, like Sprite. He always rubbed his head against things, and scratched it with his paw. Most of the time, he didn’t seem to know where he was. One day, he walked away from home, and we found him by the highway. We were terrified. We knew that it was time to let him go, and we had to put him to sleep. So, i understand what people go through, since I’ve been through quite of few dog deaths. RIP Sprite, Arnold, and Linus. To talk with me, please email me at beatboxingchica@aim.com
When I read Resucing Sprite my heart got torn up because it reminded me of my dog Marley. He was a lovely golden retriever and he had to be put to sleep because he was really old. Strangley, a few days before he died he had a stroke just like Rush’s cat in the book which really got at me. But in the end, reading Rescuing Sprite helped. But mostly when I read the conversation between you and Rush.
So thanks.
Mark, I read your book and I cried when I read about Sprite being put down. I have a border collie/cavalier king Charles spaniel. Her name is Diamond. She’s almost a year old. And she’s black and white like your Pepsi. I can’t imagine putting her down. But the time comes before you know it. I love dogs so much. Diamond is my first one. The day I got her was the best day of my life. ever since read your amazing book, I have thought more about the time I get to spend with her. I cherish it even more. My dad grew up hating dogs. Where he came from dogs were mean, and they bit the kids in the neighborhood. I eventually persuaded him that we get a dog. When we got a border collie, we had no idea how much energy they have! Thank God that the backyard is woods, wild meadow, and a small cemetery! When you said that you were going to write a book, but you didn’t think anybody would care, I thought you were crazy! every animal lover out there would love to read your book! I did, and so did a ton of others! I would love to get a second dog, but the apartment’s landlord’s wife said no…
right now Diamond is asleep on the top of the couch where the window is. Dreaming because her legs keep twitching and she is gruffling in her sleep. She is adorable, and sprite and pepsi are/were as well. I love your dogs and mine so much. I become so attached to any dog I meet. They are all so sweet and loving. they will do anything for us And all they want in return is a ball thrown or a pat on the head-or if your Diamond you want 4 treats, a 35 min. walk in the woods, a long rub/de-tangling, playing, and to lay right on your lap and paw you in the face. But that’s just Diamond. Anyway, thank you for writing your book. I loved it. Diamond says thank you too.
I’m an italian girl,i’m 15 and i read your book:i found it wonderful! it has touched me a lot. at the end of the book i cried….i have two dogs(two yorkshire). they are my life, so i understand what you felt. All animals are my life! i will be a vet! I’m sure. i love my dogs. when i am sick they are my medicine…i look them in the eyes..and i feel better! i can’t tell you what i felt when i read your book..because my english isn’t good enough! but i just want to tell you….THANK YOU!
Hi Mark I’m italian,too. I apologize for my english,I read you book in 3 days, the title in italian is different:”Do you remember Sprite?” Still having tears on my face. I immagine that you receving a lots of emails and comment so you don’t have time to replyed to everyones.You touched my heart when you SPOKE with your dogs, and I did the same. I’m married with 4 children and I live in a typical apt outside Rome-Italy.The apt is not very big and we don’t have a yard where the dogs can play and doing their..hem…stuff, so every morning at 7 I walk with the puppy, Virgola(Comma in english) and going with Oliver later, so for 4 times a day I “run” outside with Virgola to prevent some “PP” (plumb problems). But seems that she still don’t understand, she is 4 month old, she is a beautiful GoldenRetriver. Oliver is a awesome Boxer, he was almost dying when my friend Manuela resqued him from a Circus;where Oliver’s brothers and one sister died because bad care. When my son Andy sow Oliver and Oliver as well, sow Andy, was a lightner of love (not sure if in english is the same but I hope that you understand). Manuela did a good job with Oliver to save him but unfortunnaly she couldn’t have him anymore because she worked all day away from home and Oliver needed cure and people around him. So, I said to Emanuela: hey…I try just one day and if doesn’t work I give you back. That time we just got back from US where we lived for 3 years in Dallas, and we stayed in my parents house that is with 2 badrooms one livingroom,kitcken, 2 bathroom and one balcony, and we were a lot of people (six of us plus my parents) plus 24 big luggages and at that time our kat (he died last april)Willy Nelson Peppino. Can you immagine my parents’ face when I come in the house with the dog?
But Oliver suffered a lot he needed an house.He made us just loved him,we loved him so… he is a member of the Primaveras family.He loved WillyNelsonPeppino a lot that when he died, Oliver licked him, pullit him and kissed him to “wokeup”(the vet said that is unusual because when a pet is sick to die the other go away) But not Oliver! Willy died 04-16-08. On May when I got out from the gym I sow a picture outside with 6 softness GoldenRetriver (my husbund favorite dog) and in that moment a young lady had one in her harms. I asked how much she wanted for the puppy, but she said that dog was for another lady, and she had another one… girl with green eyes.She told me that if she couldn’t find a family the puppies must to go to the “resque”.Even she asked a 1000 Euros, I would buy, because I couldn’t think how people can put in a sure die such lovely softness little puppy. I asked to have that puppy even I didn’t know how much could cost to me. When she come back with the puppy I loved her,so my husbund.The puppy kissed me as to say: please give me a lovely home…we said YES. The lady said: give her love…I just ask this!
We bought a pink bow.. when we got home my doughtar couldn’t believe that the “peluche” I hold was a real puppy for her. She still was sad for the die of the cat and just after 41 days (Virgola borned the 15th of April the same date when Willy died)she had lovely one to LOVE!
From May to two days ago, I figth and run after Virgola to clean her “PP”,I red a lot of books where talk how to trained a puppy but seems notthing work, I tried with a treat…notthing…UNTIL…. two night ago when I “arrived to reed” the part where you said that you talked with Sprite.
Was 3 o’clock in the night when I wokeup and clean the floor, then an Idea….why don’t try to talk with her?
So I holded her…I carress her and I talked her with a sweet voice, saing that wasn’t good that she did that…..
Well believe or not…are two days that she don’t have any “PP” problem in the house I still go out at 7 in the morning but is wonderfull runn, and jogging whit her. When she does outside I give her the treat…and kiss her and seems that she is happy and smile to me.
Mark please give to your wife Kendall a huge hug from an Italian mom,and Mark thank you that you wrote this wonderful book!
You know….that night I told to Virgola that if she couldn’t understand how to do her PP maeby today she is in Barbara house (my friend that she has a big yard), but I could broken my dougthar heart giving away Virgola.
If Virgola still with us and she is happy is because I talked with her, as you did.
Hope you will come in Rome and can meet my huge family!
Love Phoebe Primavera
WOW. What a book! This is the best book I have read to date.
I have to be honest, its the first book I have bought in such a long time. I saw it on the shelf at my local asda, it was on the shelf at No3 so I thought this must be good and quickly bought it. As a dog owner and lover myself I could feel this man’s pain and his family’s also. We own 4 yorkshire terriers and in April 2007 our wee boy Sparky, the youngest of them had been feeling unwell, so we took him to our vet who had said it was a blockage of some kind and sent us home with anti-biotics, we had returned 3 more times since that first visit, this time we saw a different veterinary surgeon, he said that his colleague had misdiagnosed Sparky on 3 occassions, we were furious, we couldn’t understand how a trained vet could misdiagnose him not once but three times. This new vet we saw sent us to the animal hospital where Sparky was admitted immediately and stayed there for 4 days before he died. Sparky died on 13th April 2007 (Black Friday) of peritinitus. He was on so much pain killers through I.V. and morphine patches. He was only one and a half years old, too young for anyone to die. I think no matter the age, death is always too soon.
We still have 3 yorkies at home but Sparky passing left a big void in our lives. Losing a member of your family is always hard to cope with, to this day I still find it hard to cope without him.
The smallest of my dogs ‘Bobby’ is with me all the time, always following me wherever I go, he will be 4 on Sunday 5th October 08, I already cant bear life without him, the thought is too hard to think about.
Thank you for writing this book Mr Levin. It’s because of my Sparky and your Sprite and everyone else’s dogs that my other three Bobby, Jimmy and Jonesy get extra walkies everyday. teenagers can be lazy at the best of times but because of this book and the contents my children are now more willing to take them out for their walks.
Thank you to you Mr Levin and to your family and a big thank you to Sprite. I didn’t know you buddy but you really did touch my heart.
Bless you and your family.
Taya. X
Hi Mr Levin,
I just wanted to say what a great book,I just finished it last nite and i cried and cried while my 14 yr old dalmation lay next to me in the bed sleeping.i know one day i will have to do the same thing and i’m not looking forward to it at all.his name is mojo,and he has some health problems already,he has arthritis in his back legs and he also has a heart that skips a beat,so he’s on heart meds,and hes going deaf,we also have to help him get up in the bed at night,but he still has some spunk in him,him and my maltese will chase each other around the house and play.I love dogs so much,there our furry children.how is pepsi and griffen doing?anyway again i just wanted to say what a great book,and i hope you keep writing about your furry children.have a great day….
Lori L.Howard
Hello Mr. Levin, I picked up your book at the library and opened it up to start it a couple of hours ago. Well, I just finished it. I couldn’t put it down, it was such a WONDERFUL read. A few years ago, a friend gave me a copy of Marley and Me. (I had not heard of it before then). I laughed and cried like a baby. Last week, I read Dewey, about the library cat. Once again, cried like a baby. I stumbled upon yours at the library and knew it was “right up my alley”. That is an understatement!! The book was gripping and touching. I can only imagine how difficult it was for you and your family when you wrote the book. You mentioned several times in the book that you didn’t think anyone would be interested in reading a book about your dog. How untrue that is!! I believe that all dog lovers(any animal lover, for that matter), would love to read this story. You told a heartfelt, personal account of your beloved friend, and blessed so many by sharing it. I have a beloved, furry daughter of my own, Mollie Mae, my dear princess. I have had her for almost 6 years now and can’t imagine how dull my life would be without her. Over the years, there have been many times when I have thought about her passing away and how different my life would be without her. How easily I cry just thinking about it. I’m blessed that she is still in good health and pray that I may continue to have her as my constant companion for many years to come. I’m single and live by myself with Mollie, as well as a beautiful black cat. I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but Mollie holds a dear place in my heart. You are right when you say that only a person who has had an animal could even come close to understanding the pain of that animal dying. Dogs, in particular, seem to hold a special place in our human hearts. If only we could truly be the kind of people our dogs think we are. They love us no matter what and accept us no matter what! If only humans could be so loving! In closing, I’m so sorry that you have lost your beloved, Sprite, but always remember, us humans are always better people for having a dog to love and for having the love of a dog. May God bless you and your WHOLE family! Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of your story.
dear mr levin, i would like to tell you that i have finished the book of rescuing sprite. now, when the wind blows, i take the time to enjoy it, just like how sprote used to. i cannot agree more with what you have said in the book. i have cried countless times while reading it. it a an enjoyable book and i have read and re-read the book. there was a part in the book where you said, ‘i have thought about writing a book about him, but nobody will care.’ this, i belive, is what you told your friend Rush and this is where you got the inspiration to write this book. i am glad that you have written this book. i hope that you know that people have bought the book and do read the book. even people like me, who lives far way in singapore and is only barely 13. to me, it is a great book! being a dog lover but not having the chance to bring home a dog, i cannot feel as how you have felt. i also cannot, like most others who have commented here, tell you about a dog that i love or a dog that has impacted my life. however, i feel that dogs know when they truly are loved. but i am sorry about sprite. just know that sprite was lucky to have you and your family to take care of him in the last few years of his life. you have given him the care, love and affection that he really deserves. it is hard to put down a dog…. may god bless you, your family and the dogs that you have or may have in the future.
I FINISHED READING RESCUING SPRITE YESTERDAY AND i was so touched by the book that I decided to reply about it; in fact, there’s a long time that I don’t read a book so touching as this one, i cryed like a baby in the subway, i don’t have a pet or a dog at home because i live in apartment and i am out all day long, but i love animals and here, in Rio de Janeiro, we also have those wonderful souls and people that care for the abandoned dogs and cats, and put them for adoption; thanks Mark Levin, for this wonderful book and thanks god there are still people in this selfish world that care for animals like you and your family.
Hey Mark I read your book Rescuing Sprite and I absolutley love it! It is my favorite book it made me cry and laugh. I know exactly how you feel about Sprite because my dog just died too. She was an eight year old Cockapoo her name was Ginger. Ginger has a very special place in my heart and she can never be replaced. I had her since she was a puppy she was extremely special to me and I will never forget her. I love her so much and we were always there for each other, we did almost everything together! But the worst day of my life was when she was hit by a car; she was always looking for adventure and got out of the gate and it was night time so the people who hit her might not have seen her but I doubt that because people always zoom down our street. The worst thing was the day she was hit my sister had her graduation and everyone was so happy and celebrating but then she was hit it ruined our night. It crushed my heart to think that I would never be able to see her again but some how reading your book made it a lot easier for me when I was at school to not cry in front of my friends and class. This is the best book I ever read and it has truly inspired me and I will remember it forever. Continue to write books you have a special talent! I may be younger than the rest of the people who send you comments but your book touched my heart in so many ways. Congrats on such a great book. Thank you for being such an inspiration and role model!!
Mark,
I know it has been a while since you first released “Rescuing Sprite” but I have just had the privilege to read it. I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your companion Sprite. I know how you feel, though. I lost my best friend Roxy, a beautiful shar-pei last Valentines Day- over a year ago to heart difficulties. It was sudden and the worst day of my life. I miss her with all my heart and I honestly feel as if I have lost half of me and my heart. It was my first loss of someone that I loved (still do) – I had her in my life since I was a baby and she was my constant friend and family member. It’s different now but I believe that the ones that we truly love never leave us. I also feel that I have a piece of me has died since, but the flow of memories that come when I think about her brings me overwhelming joy (Like the time she nipped at Santa Claus in PetSmart- she doesn’t like to be lifted and we have an adorable photo of her and St. Nick). I feel her presence all the time and I ask her to visit me- she did. I was dreaming and she came back to me- just like I knew she would- waiting at the door like she always had. I swear I can still hear her click clack of paws against the tiles and feel her velvety ears. I made a scrapbook of her and I am making a garden in her memory. Although, these furry family members are an irreplaceable part our lives and they are more than memories, they are the only things on earth that give their love freely and unconditionally even after they have no longer a use for their physical “packages” their love carries on . I still think of her often and I at night I pray and talk to her and tell her I will see her in the morning.Roxy and Sprite are in a best place now- heaven- no doubt- and that’s where they deserve to be because that’s where all dogs come from and descend as angels to give unfathomable light and happiness and then they return to god where they belong. Although, she is still at my side and I feel like I am the lucky one with being blessed with her in my life as well as my two other babies- Luck a yellow lab and Duke a basset hound who I love with all my heart. My heart goes out to you and your painful loss but I will pray for Sprite and I’m sure he and my Roxy Baby are best pals. God bless you for righting this book.
Mark, I just finished reading your book about Sprite and also cried while trying to finish reading it. I’m sorry you lost him, but know that you touched others lives and reinterated what unconditional love is. I have lost many pets over the years, both dogs and cats, and each and every one have their own personality and will live with you forever. They help you thru troubled times as you help them thru theirs. Know in your heart he will always be with you. I’m glad Kendall and Lauren went and found another dog despite your objections, and that you found your love was not lost but could be used for another dog that needed it. Pepsi (my favorite drink, by the way)is also very special in that he shows his love for all of you and the acceptance of another in the family with no regrets. I like the idea you had of planting a tree and putting sprite around it. I would not have thought of that.
Take care and God Bless you and your family.