A very sweet dog tale. ( )

If, when you pick up the book, you do so because you are looking for another Marley & Me, then don't bother. Although written with deep emotion, it's not as satisfying or as well written as John Grogan's book. It's lacking both humor and grace. I understand Mark Levin originally wrote Rescuing Sprite as an essay, and then 'filled it out' to small book length. This tale does not benefit from that filling out process one bit. I have not read any of Levin's other books, but I understand he is not a writer by trade, but a radio show host. He should not quit his day job. ( )

What is it about:
1st half -- Plain factual descriptions of all the essential characters:
Dad, Mom, Daughter, Son, Dog 1 - Pepsi, Dog 2 - Sprite;
2nd half -- An emotional account of preparing for Sprite's last days.
What went through my mind:
- The 1st half read more like newspaper / reports than a story.
The writer wrote in a somewhat distant tone like an observer,
which doesn't engage me very well.
- The 2nd half was a lot better, because it became more personal.
Being vulnerable is an essential quality of a writer,
& i think it took Levin a while to get into that mode.
- This book is not about rescuing Sprite.
It's about the owner beating himself up
for not being able to do so.

Key lessons:
Death creates a sense of deep sorrow & emptiness
in everyone who has lost a beloved someone.
When you can't get out of the pit,
be reminded of how much unconditional love
you've been blessed with,
and that you've given a happy life to your beloved one.
- Kiki (my 15-yr-old Basset Hound) : (((
I'll always cherish you...

Favorite Quotes:
1) "... an important lesson dogs teach us...
Career and financial goals are important,
material acquisitions are necessary,
but taking stock in life's little pleasures
is the most satisfying experience of all." (Pg. 60)
2) "For those of us who have older dogs,
it's a continuous mental exercise to block the
inevitable end of the relationship..." (Pg. 109)

Why Should you read it, too?
If you have a pet, it'll help prepare you for the inevitable.

I'm a huge fan of talk radio. One of the shows I listen to on a regular basis is the Mark Levin Show. Last December, he lost a very special friend and family member, his dog Sprite. After some urging from friends, he decided to write a book about the experience of rescuing this dog, living and loving him, and then having to make the awful decision to put him to sleep after only having had him in his family for 2 years.

If you are a dog lover, you should read this book. Even if you're not necessarily a dog lover, you should read this book to understand how deep our affection goes (and why it runs deep) for these wonderful animals. It will be hard, and you will cry. I'm not just talking a few tears here, either, I mean you will cry and snuffle and have to go find some tissues to mop up the liquid your eyes will release. (My eyes are all swelly this morning!) But it is worth it to share in the joy that Mark and his family had with this sweet dog. Sprite taught the Levins many lessons, and subsequently, he's still teaching them as well as those of us who read the book. He had had a hard life, yet he kept a bright disposition down to his very last day when he was disoriented and exhausted from his illness. He was a tender friend to Mark, his wife, and their daughter and son. I know they still miss him dearly.

I won't tell more about the book because I want you to read it and see for yourself what a blessing this dog was, and I'm sure many dogs have been, including one that you have now or had in the past. Reading this book made me remember the good times I spent with my two favorite pups, Ginger from my childhood, and Reagan from my late teens/early twenties. Dogs truly do enrich our souls with their unconditional love and loyalty. They are special little creatures, indeed. If you do have a dog, please hug him or her for me today. ( )