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[markwdanielson]

Mark,

It was no coincidence that my friend sent me a copy of Rescuing Sprite. He knew how much I loved my faithful pooch Lucy, and felt I might gain some comfort in reading it. I’m sorry to say that Lucy had to be put to sleep last night. She suffered a stroke, became very disoriented, could barely walk, kept turning in circles, and threw up her dinner. I recognized many of the symptoms from what you described of Sprite. In spite of having shaking or collapsing legs, Lucy’s only rest came when I took her for her last ride.

I took a longer route to the vet clinic, just to have some final time with her. She was the calmest she had been all evening. She had heartworm when we rescued her nearly fourteen years ago, surviving two arsenic treatments. She later survived a poisoning after eating something toxic in my back yard. She has given so much love over the years, and it’s been agonizing watching her body deteriorate.

In spite of being nearly blind and deaf, she kept giving her all every day of her life. I will miss her deeply, but I am glad this happened while I was home, and especially glad that I have some time off before I have to go back to work.

Dogs give unconditional love, and Lucy was especially attached to me. She was my shadow and my muse. I intentionally selected an author’s photo of Lucy and me for my latest novel, Diablo’s Shadow, because I knew her end was near. Ironically, my blog post for yesterday was on life after death. Perhaps there is some coincidence that her passing came right when my book was released.

I have grieved over her, and still can’t believe she’s not there when I come in the house. But I also know I had no choice. She no longer recognized me, and I couldn’t let her suffer. Putting her down was the most humane thing I could do.

God has gained another friend, and I am glad to share Lucy with Him. She could be a pain at times, but she was also the best dog I’ve ever had. In your book, you wondered if anyone would gain anything from it. Rest assured; I did.

Sincerely, Mark W. Danielson

[afolz]

I am not sure if this will make it's way to Mark Levin or not but I wanted to thank him for his book - Rescuing Sprite!

I lost my dog Macarthur December 19th, 2007. It was the sadest, most difficult thing I have ever had to do.
I too rescued my dog from the Humane Society (Hilton Head , SC.) He and his sister were placed in a box and abandoned in the woods - they were only 6-8 weeks old! When I found him at the shelter he was alone in the pen as his siter had been taken to an adopt-a-thon. He was so small and all alone - I adopted him that morning.
Macarthur was a Malamute / wolf Mix (according the the Vet) who was the most beautiful dog I have ever known. He had such pesonality, was fun loving, and extremely loyal. When I adopted him, I was a sophmore in college. He went through every transition of my life until this point including graduation and moving 700 miles away from my family, getting married and having our two wonderful boys. Though each change he took everything in stride. Even when he was no longer the center of attention when each baby came home - he stayed devoted and loved both the boys strongly. He didn't have a mean bone in him and let the boys tug on him and treat him only as toddlers can - like stuffed animals! When we moved into our new home about four years ago Mac was 9. He was begiining to slow down but still had so much fun playing with the boys in the yard and walking in the neighborhood. He was attached to me and followed me room to room - a fixture of my life as well as a beloved member of our family. Mac began experiencing multiple health conditions including Arthitis and Liver problems. We had him on medications for his Liver but he continued to lose weight and he began to skip meals. Over the next two years he lost about ten pounds but continued to show a love for life depite his other problems. The vet continued to monitor him and we decided to just wait and see how he acted - we too thought we would know when the time came. About a year before hi passed away his healthy began to deteriorate quickly and we visited the Vet regularly. At each visit he would have lost a bit more wieght. I still just could not admit to myself that time with best friend was quickly coming to an end. Thanksgiving of 2008 he began eating only spuradically and would sleep most of the time - usually at my feet. We were planning our trip home for Christmas to visit my family and I knew he would not make it in the kennel for week while we were away. I took him to the Vet to have him thoroughly examined about 10 days before we were to leave. I knew he was very ill but held out hope that the Vet would tell me he would bejust fine. I was shocked to find that Mac had lost 15 mor pounds in less than 7 weeks! He had such a beautiful coat of thick fur that it camaflauged his weight loss. I could feel how thin and frail he was but attributed it to his age (now close to thirteen) and arthritis. The Vet suggested it was time we considering Putting Mac to sleep. I couldn't contain myself and instantly started sobbing. I took Mac home and talked it over with my husband. While I knew it was the right thing to do for my sweet Mac - I couldn't bare the thought of making the decision to end his life. I felt like I was having him murdered. We dicided to wait until the following Monday so that we as a family would have the weekend with him. Every time I looked at his beautiful brown eyes I cried - I knew he knew, too.
I will never in my life forget a detail of that Monday morning. The Vet came to home and Mac was outside milling around. I couldn't rush his last moments outside and wanted the Vet to leave. But a short while later my husband and I layed on floor as the Vet gave him his injections. He tried to find the needle which only made it more difficult. A moment later we saw the glaze come over his eyes and I just sat there holding his sweet body on my lap. We had Mac cremated and we buried his ashes in a landscped bed in our yard. My boys (4 & 6) helped me make a stepping stone with his name on it. We placed over the spot he was burried. The boys wanted to place wind chimes there too as well as some bird feeders. It is a beautiful spot to look at and I know he is in a better place no loger suffering. Putting Mac to sleep was the hardest thing I have ever experienced and I still can not think of him with out tearing up. A few months later the boys were begging for a puppy and I agreed we could look for the type we would want but stipulated I wasn't ready to get another dog until Summertime. My family of corse came home with a puppy that weekend. He is a sweet, playful Goldendoodle we named Trooper. Although I love Trooper very much - I had such a deep connection and stong love for Mac - that it has been difficult to get over that. I read you book in just a few day and instantly identified with almost every emotion.As I write this email - Trooper is licking my teers assuring me that he is here now to love us as much as Mac did.
Thank you for you book. It touched me so much. It is such a nice tribute to all those who have loved their dogs like members of their families. We are all blessed to have them come into our lives. I know my life was much richer having Mac by my side and I know in time Trooper will be Top Dog too. Thank you again.

Sincerly,

A. Folz

[hoodoo]

Afoltz, beautiful words from the heart are the center of this Forum. Welcome ! Stay with us here, the discussions are in depth and Traditional American views are considered with real interest. Enjoy ! Hi Mark!

[tarpitzca]

I just read rescuing Sprite, I couldnt put it down. It did get hard to read towards the end, I have been in that situation a few times with loosing a pet and it is hard. I have never cried during a movie and the book brought a few tears to my eyes. Lots of emotion with this book happy and sad. I guess thats why i couldnt put the book down. Excellent book from an excellent person. Thank you Mark for writting a great book. I am going to send the book" Rescuing Sprite" to my father now he lost his little dog this year and he was heart broken.

[ValS]

I've nearly finished reading Rescuing Sprite. What a gift this book is for anyone who has lost a pet, and especially those who have had to put one down. Most excruciating experience of my life, having to put down the cat I had for 17 years five years ago. I was there on her first day in the world and holding her when she took her last breath. Really tough, but unavoidable. This book is so real, so personal, and so emotional without exploiting the reader. It doesn't out-grieve readers, either. We're all in the same ball of confusion over these things.

I'm a teacher and librarian at a small parochial school. I'm going to put Rescuing Sprite in our library when I'm finished with it. I think some of our older students would really benefit from the book if any of them ever lose a pet. Much better choice than the cloying fare that is specifically written for children.

Thanks, Mark. Well done.

[bejaze]

I just completed reading Rescuing Sprite and through the tears, I found great comfort.
Some of the words from Rush Limbaugh and others involved with Sprite were amazing.
If people only saw what was inside of these people and not judge them strictly on their
radio shows. I have 5 dogs myself and I love each and everyone of them. The passing
of any will be heartbreaking and leave a huge hole in my life.

Sprite was lucky to have the Levin family and the Levin family was lucky to have Sprite.
It was a win win situation. They both gave and they both received. How can it get any
better than that.

I rescued a little blind yorkie and found him a wonderful home in South Carolina and he
is now working towards being a therapy dog. He was to be put to sleep at 6 weeks because
he was born with no eyes but our club rescue took him and at 10 months of age found
him the most wonderful home. He is one happy boy and is bringing so much joy to the
kids in the neighborhood.

Dogs that have the disadvantage of age, disease, or handicap should not be cast off, as
Sprite and our blind Kirby have shown, they teach and give so much.

Thanks for the book and I will be recommending it to others. Was pleased to read that
you now have Griffen to help fill the void. He will never take Sprites place in your heart
but will find his own spot.

[MOman]

I am finishing "Rescuing Sprite", the last of Mark's books that I've read. I noticed that this web site is mentioned.

I don't have to tell anyone reading this what a wonderful story it is. It certainly brings back memories for me. I grew up with a vagabond Border Collie who adopted my grandmother and she gave her to us.
She was a wonderful friend, as are all dogs I've known. After a long and happy life, we also endured the experience of having to have her euthanized. It was a gut-wrenching experience that affected us all
deeply. I've thought about that as I've read "Rescuing Sprite" and have enjoyed reading the wonderful messages sent from this site.

In my view, we will be reunited with our pets in the afterlife. I cannot imagine it being any other way, and I take comfort from that knowledge.

[human_nature]

Dear mark

I loved Rescueing Sprite, it was the first book i had read in over a year due to health but it was worth it and i'm glad that it was the first book i read too. I know nothing about politics or anything like that but i wanted to join here so i could credit you on writing Rescueing Sprite. There are many lines in your book i have quoted to others to try and comfort them when times are rough.

You and your family are a real insperation, love to you, your wife and kids
J x

[Jennifer-BuddyRay]

Hi Mark, my name is Jenifer Jones I have a 2 year old English Setter named Buddy Ray Jones. Yes we give are dogs middle names.I have now read your boook twice and this time it really hit me hard. When I was in second grade my family and me had 2 put my mom's dog of 15 years 2 sleep. She was a part pit-lab mix she was the best her name was Apollo Marie Jones. I still miss her 2 this day. And when I finished your book this time it made me love my dog even more, so I am SO very sorry about Sprite. I fell in love with him by the end of the book. I REALLY love dogs they are my life when I get older I plan 2 own my own animal shelter. I now volunteer at my local one in Pekin IL. It is call TAPS I have learned so much from the people and dogs there they are like a second family 2 me. So I just wanted 2 say that I really am glad you adopted Sprite and gave him a good last 2 years of his life. I am VERY sure he is also very happy that you did 2. I would like 2 talk 2 you more about dogs so if you would like 2 contact me my email adress is coledill13love@hotmail.com and I have a facebook and a myspace so please if you want 2 drop me a line I would be very greetful. Love Sprite and your family lots.

Thanks so much the ultimate dog lover
Jennifer Jones:)

[mschillinger]

Mark,

If you have time I would like to have a conversation with you about when I can expect the pain to subside. I know it has been 3 years for you. I have your book and I am afraid sometimes to read it. At other times I am glad I did-it has helped. I buried my 15 1/2 year old Chocolate Lab on 1/4/10, and I loved him so much-and he loved me. I struggle most with the fact that I couldn't bear to see him die so I could not go in the room with him at the vet's office. I decided to put Max down on a good day-that is killing me. But, had I waitied a few more days or even a weeek or two I would have felt guilty doing it with blood coming out of both ends-which I had witnessed a few days before I decided to do what I thought was the right thinge. Meta cam medication after 5 years had finally gotten to his stomach plus his hair was coming out in clumps. He would pace back and forth all night long for about the last few months. I am haunted by my decision, but I am feeling a little better each passing day. Thanks Mark. My number is 989-269-7760. Marc Schillinger, Port Austin, MI