A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish

Author: Mark Levin
Review: November 10, 2009
Edition: Copyright 2007 (1-4165-5913-2)
Pages: 204---some submitted e-mails & acknowledgments extend it to 216
Overall Rating: 4/5 [Good]
Synopsis: Mark Levin here recounts his brief time with his dog Sprite in a book that will be a meaningful read to any pet-lover.
Strengths: N/A.
Weaknesses: N/A.
Further Review: This book is a painful read because it's very personal and very sad (particularly for those who are pet-owners or who have lost a pet). Mark Levin clearly had a close connection with his dog Sprite, and maintains one with his dog Pepsi, too; for anyone who has felt that his/her pet is more than "just a pet," this book is heart-breaking. The writing quality isn't as high as Levin's normal writing, but given that this book feels mostly like it was a cathartic process for him I don't think it detracts from the actual message, which comes across very clearly. The book is interspersed with wisdom that Levin learned from his dogs, things that are very familiar to any pet-owner:
Like all dogs, Pepsi and Sprite loved their walks. It doesn't take much to make a dog happy: just the little things, the basic things. It is an important life lesson dogs teach us, and my dogs taught me: 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.
There are plenty of humorous moments that will also be familiar:
Pepsi liked to eat grass on our walks, a habit Sprite picked up from him (although no dog can graze with Pepsi's gusto). Until he met Pepsi, I'm sure it never crossed Sprite's mind to supplement his diet this way. Now they could both throw up together.
Overall, this is a touching account of Levin's journey from meeting and falling in love with Sprite, to growing with him, to coping with Sprite's decline, and to finally letting him go. I cried during this book---not in the watery-eyed way, but in the bawling sort of way. Mark Levin does not hold back on what he was feeling or thinking during any portion of Sprite's life.

My desire to read this book was inspired by losing my cat Yum-Yum earlier this summer, whom I was extremely attached to; she spent the great majority of her life in my company (she slept in my bed with me every night, ate in my room, napped and played nearby me, etc.) and it was heart-breaking to lose her---I'll never have a companion like Yum-Yum again. If this book was cathartic for Levin to write, it was cathartic for me to read because I didn't feel as if I had to justify my affection for my cat.

Levin poignantly communicates how pets are not "just animals" but are rather cherished members of our families. Coping with the death of a pet, especially when one must make the choice to end that pet's life, is not easy and Levin's book demonstrates that heartache with clarity. ( )

Well if they like dogs that it a heart touching story about a dog. The most compelling aspect was when they adopt Sprite and he gets his loving home he always deserved. No, I wasn’t disappointed, because it was very heart touching story and it was mostly about dogs. AHS/CC

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.