In 1998, Mark and his family welcomed into their lives a half-Border Collie/half-Cocker Spaniel they named Pepsi. Six years later, his wife and two children persuaded Mark to adopt a dog from the local shelter, a Spaniel mix, 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. The Levin family fell in love with Sprite. But on Hallowe'en night, three weeks after joining the family, their beloved dog collapsed and had to be rushed to the vet. It was the first of many such visits and a long journey for the Levin family, filled with joy and anguish. Sprite's health deteriorated, even as his spirits remained high and his gentle nature continued to inspire the family and the local community. Towards the end of last year, 2006, the Levin family said their last emotional goodbye. Consumed with grief, Mark turned to family, friends and fans of his radio show for help. Then new hope came when the Levins least expected it...
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Mark R. Levin is a nationally syndicated talk radio host and president of Landmark Legal Foundation. He has also worked as an attorney in the private sector and as a top adviser and administrator to several members of President Reagan s cabinet. The author of the New York Times bestselling book Men in Black: How the Supreme Court Is Destroying America, Mark holds a B.A. from Temple University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Introduction
Who would have thought I'd write a book about a dog named Sprite? Well, actually, about a dog named Pepsi,too, and another one named Griffen.
Every dog lover has a dog story. This is mine.
For most of my life, my passions have involved big goals and big thoughts. I've spent my career as a lawyer and broadcaster working on constitutional issues, writing about public policy, and talking about current events. I've served at the highest levels of our government, and I've even written a book about the Supreme Court. So why write this book? Because I am, fi rst and foremost, a dog lover. Few things in life have given me the kind of joy and, frankly, sorrow, as my relationships with my dogs. And this is especially so with an older dog we rescued from a local shelter.
We called him Sprite.
Sprite was found one day roaming the streets of Silver Spring, Maryland. We believe he lost his original family -- or they lost him. He was taken to a local shelter and later handed over to foster parents while awaiting a family to adopt him. We were lucky to be that family.
Sprite was so beautiful. He had big brown eyes and the softest fur I'd ever touched. As we soon learned, Sprite also suffered from serious and ultimately debilitating health problems, but he never let any of it get him down. Despite life's curveballs, he was a dignifi ed, graceful, and courageous dog. He was friendly to all, humans and canines alike.
Sprite touched me in ways I could never have expected. He taught me to better appreciate the simple and more important things in life. He quickly became an irreplaceable member of our family and a fixture in the neighborhood. Even with all his setbacks, Sprite was full of life. He appreciated life. He cherished every moment, seeming to understand that his time left on earth would be toobrief.
I loved this dog. Writing this book was both painful and cathartic for me. Reading it may be emotional for you. I hope it brings you some smiles. I know it will bring you some tears. I hope, when you're done, that you are moved to hold your dog closer in your arms -- or in your memories. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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More About the Author
Mark R. Levin is a nationally syndicated talk radio host and president of Landmark Legal Foundation. He has also worked as an attorney in the private sector and as a top adviser and administrator to several members of President Reagan's cabinet. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book Liberty and Tyranny, as well as New York Times bestselling books Rescuing Sprite and Men in Black: How the Supreme Court Is Destroying America, Mark holds a B.A. from Temple University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
229 of 239 people found the following review helpful
By K. Brennan
Format:Hardcover
I could not stop reading this great book, and finished it on the day I received it.
It was very therapeutic, and I wish I would have had it a year and a half ago when I lost my beloved companion "Rover." Any animal lover who has been through the anguish of a sick pet would benefit from this book, and you know you are not alone in your anguish.
Although it broke my heart and opened a lot of old wounds, some quite difficult memories of my own pain, it also helped me to realize I am not alone, especially since I felt extremely guilty, such as Mark did, of feeling so distraught over an animal's death.
I thank you Mark, and I know Sprite thanks you for keeping his memory alive, and for bringing awareness to all of the wonderful animals that are out there in the shelters and to the wonderful people who work there.
It was very therapeutic, and I wish I would have had it a year and a half ago when I lost my beloved companion "Rover." Any animal lover who has been through the anguish of a sick pet would benefit from this book, and you know you are not alone in your anguish.
Although it broke my heart and opened a lot of old wounds, some quite difficult memories of my own pain, it also helped me to realize I am not alone, especially since I felt extremely guilty, such as Mark did, of feeling so distraught over an animal's death.
I thank you Mark, and I know Sprite thanks you for keeping his memory alive, and for bringing awareness to all of the wonderful animals that are out there in the shelters and to the wonderful people who work there.
154 of 159 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a book about love. It's a gift to all of us who love our family members who happen to be furry or hairy. They come to us for such a short time but bring us untold joy and happiness and fun. They love us no matter what. They love us if we're fat or ugly or smelly or in a bad mood. They don't care if we're rich or poor, what color our skin is, what our politics or religion are. They only care about us. And they ask so little in return.
Mark has captured that love in this incredible book. While you may or may not agree with Mark's politics or his rhetoric, he is a kind, decent man. And he absolutely loves his dogs. He considers them part of his family. This book is not about his politics or his take on current affairs. It's about the love and loss of his beloved Sprite.
Those of us who have had pets know the great, deep love we feel for them. And most all of us know the deep, sickening pain of losing them. We know the depth of pain when we are faced with the choice to put them to sleep. We have so many mixed emotions. Sadly, that pain never leaves us.
I watched my wonderful old faithful dog, Sague, die a few years ago. I think of him many times each day and still miss him. I still feel the pain, almost as fresh and raw as it was going through his illness and death. I can remember the look in his old, kind, smart eyes.
If I didn't have my dogs and cats in my house, it would no longer be a home. That's what our pets give us.
So if you've ever loved a pet, especially a dog, but any pet, you need this book. You need it so you will not feel alone and so you will understand that we all share this deep abiding love for our dear companions. We also all share the deep pain when we lose them. The strongest of us are torn apart by their leaving us.... Read more ›
Mark has captured that love in this incredible book. While you may or may not agree with Mark's politics or his rhetoric, he is a kind, decent man. And he absolutely loves his dogs. He considers them part of his family. This book is not about his politics or his take on current affairs. It's about the love and loss of his beloved Sprite.
Those of us who have had pets know the great, deep love we feel for them. And most all of us know the deep, sickening pain of losing them. We know the depth of pain when we are faced with the choice to put them to sleep. We have so many mixed emotions. Sadly, that pain never leaves us.
I watched my wonderful old faithful dog, Sague, die a few years ago. I think of him many times each day and still miss him. I still feel the pain, almost as fresh and raw as it was going through his illness and death. I can remember the look in his old, kind, smart eyes.
If I didn't have my dogs and cats in my house, it would no longer be a home. That's what our pets give us.
So if you've ever loved a pet, especially a dog, but any pet, you need this book. You need it so you will not feel alone and so you will understand that we all share this deep abiding love for our dear companions. We also all share the deep pain when we lose them. The strongest of us are torn apart by their leaving us.... Read more ›
137 of 148 people found the following review helpful
By Sheepdog
Format:Hardcover
This book was hard to put down. An emotional and honest story about dealing with the loss of a beloved dog, it will melt the heart of anyone who's had a pet they cared about. Levin reminds us that we need to block out all the distractions of daily life and appreciate what is really important.
102 of 111 people found the following review helpful
By K. Jones
Format:Hardcover
I believe all dog owners should read the book and the small note below.
To Dog Owners Everywhere: A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend for no heart in all this world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail, when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory than to have the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with water for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, wiliing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And my friend, when I am old and no longer enjoy good health and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going, I am not having fun.
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
Author Unknown
To Dog Owners Everywhere: A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend for no heart in all this world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail, when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory than to have the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with water for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, wiliing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And my friend, when I am old and no longer enjoy good health and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going, I am not having fun.
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
Author Unknown
78 of 84 people found the following review helpful
By J. Bieber
Format:Hardcover
Mark's story is a sad tale that I can relate to. Mark has a talent of reliving his experiences and putting them down in words. Rescuing Sprite makes me feel both saddened and uplifted at the same time. I find myself cherishing my pets all the more as a result. I highly recommend this book to all pet owners.
63 of 67 people found the following review helpful
By Pamela G
Format:Hardcover
"Rescuing Sprite" tells the story of devotion and caring that pet owners can fully understand and non-pet owners will want to grasp hold of. The unbounded loyalty the family dog has for its loving family is told in a way that few before have done. Mark Levin has retold his family's stirring tale of adopting a dog from a humane society's foster parent program and the painful anguish of having to face the inescapable truth that their beloved member of the family was dying and hard decisions had to be made. Mark's book will open the eyes and hearts of his readers to the joy of accepting these lonely animals, as they do so much more than befriend, they foster loving memories that span the lives of all they come in contact with. My family and I have our own `Sprite-like' stories and this book puts it all in perspective. Well done Mark!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
a dog lover's book
Very touching. Also says a lot about Mark Levin - The Great One . Not only is he super brilliant - he also has a kind and gentle heart . Love the man!!!
Published 13 days ago by Ainla Suplina
4.0 out of 5 stars
Friends of the heart
Animals, for anyone who has really loved a pet, they're a special kind of friend.
And Mark Levin understood that.
And Mark Levin understood that.
Published 1 month ago by R. Russell
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very touching and moving book
I loved this book written by Mark Levin. Whether you like his views or not, you will love this book, if you love dogs. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lomita A Armendariz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
I was really moved at the depth of his feelings and what a wonderful person he must be. I've been sharing it with some of my close friends who love pets.
Published 2 months ago by William Carmody
5.0 out of 5 stars
A special bond
A warm and gentle story about the bond between a man and a special dog. Sad though saying goodbye to a beloved pet is, that is the price for enjoying their companionship and love... Read more
Published 3 months ago by lindelewis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Have some kleenex ready.
Awesome book but very sad so have some Kleenex ready and read it on your own because it could be a little embarrassing blubbering like a fool in front of other people. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Richard J Coppock
5.0 out of 5 stars
good easy nice read
if anyone is an animal lover then you should read this book. it's a wonderful lovely book filled w/ love and compassion.
Published 3 months ago by Carol R. Montgomery
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mark, the Great one!
He's great for many reasons, and this book is an example of one of them. We lost our dog last summer and my wife found great comfort in the story Mark shares. Read more
Published 3 months ago by drorvig
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hits home to dog lovers
I identified with every word . The best book ever at describing how our beloved pets are a part of the family. Momoosmith@rgv.rr.com
Published 3 months ago by Joann Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must For Any Dog Lover
Any lover of dogs should read this book. It is possibly one of the best tributes to man's best friend ever written and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Joey D
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