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Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish
In Rescuing Sprite, Mark Levin tells of the joy and anguish of life with a rescue dog: the intimate and powerful story of his family and the dog they have for too short a time.
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.
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.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Mark R. Levin
23 books622 followersMark Levin has become one of the hottest properties in Talk radio, his top-rated show on WABC New York is now syndicated nationally by Cumulus Media. He is also one of the top new authors in the conservative political arena. Mark's radio show on WABC in New York City skyrocketed to Number 1 on the AM dial in his first 18 months on the air in the competitive 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM time slot. Mark's book Men in Black was released February 7, 2005 and quickly climbed to Number 3 in the nation on the New York Times Best-Seller list. When your book is endorsed by Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, you know you have a winner on your hands. In a short period of time, Mark has become one of the most listened to local radio Talk show hosts in the nation.
Mark Levin took over the WABC 6:00 PM slot on September 2, 2003. Before that, he hosted a popular Sunday afternoon program. "He's smart, witty, and fast on the draw," according to WABC Program Director Phil Boyce. "He has this sharp sarcastic wit that can easily stun his opponents. I know I would not want to debate him." Mark's show follows the ever popular Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity on WABC, but everyday he manages to come up with a new twist on the day's top news events, as well as his own unique information. His passion and intellect have made him a favorite of tens of thousands of radio listeners in the New York City area.
Mark has been a frequent guest and substitute host on The Sean Hannity Show, and has also been an advisor to Limbaugh, who frequently refers to him on the air with the nickname "F. Lee Levin." He is perhaps more well-known for his nickname, "The Great One," coined by his friend Hannity.
Mark Levin is one of America's preeminent conservative commentators and constitutional lawyers. He's in great demand as a political and legal commentator, and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio programs. Levin is also a contributing editor for National Review Online, and writes frequently for other publications. Levin has served as a top advisor to several members of President Ronald Reagan's Cabinet - including as Chief of Staff to the Attorney General of the United States. In 2001, the American Conservative Union named Levin the recipient of the prestigious Ronald Reagan Award. He currently practices law in the private sector, heading up the prestigious Landmark Legal Foundation in Washington DC.
Source: http://marklevinshow.com/article.asp?...
Mark Levin took over the WABC 6:00 PM slot on September 2, 2003. Before that, he hosted a popular Sunday afternoon program. "He's smart, witty, and fast on the draw," according to WABC Program Director Phil Boyce. "He has this sharp sarcastic wit that can easily stun his opponents. I know I would not want to debate him." Mark's show follows the ever popular Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity on WABC, but everyday he manages to come up with a new twist on the day's top news events, as well as his own unique information. His passion and intellect have made him a favorite of tens of thousands of radio listeners in the New York City area.
Mark has been a frequent guest and substitute host on The Sean Hannity Show, and has also been an advisor to Limbaugh, who frequently refers to him on the air with the nickname "F. Lee Levin." He is perhaps more well-known for his nickname, "The Great One," coined by his friend Hannity.
Mark Levin is one of America's preeminent conservative commentators and constitutional lawyers. He's in great demand as a political and legal commentator, and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio programs. Levin is also a contributing editor for National Review Online, and writes frequently for other publications. Levin has served as a top advisor to several members of President Ronald Reagan's Cabinet - including as Chief of Staff to the Attorney General of the United States. In 2001, the American Conservative Union named Levin the recipient of the prestigious Ronald Reagan Award. He currently practices law in the private sector, heading up the prestigious Landmark Legal Foundation in Washington DC.
Source: http://marklevinshow.com/article.asp?...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
February 3, 2008
I wish I could give this just 1/2 a star because it was that bad. The book was just a promotional piece for the author. I can't tell you how many times he mentioned the other book he had written and his radio talk show. I do appreciate the fact he gave this dog a home, or rather is wife did, since I have rescue dogs myself. But the writing was bad, the tone morbid, and the self-promotion unappreciated. Plus he really lost me once he mentioned he was close friends with Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. I'm sure they're great guys in his inner circle but I can't agree with their politics or tactics. I love dogs and usually will read anything about them but I would definitely stay away from this book.
March 31, 2008
Having just gone through the experience of adopting an older dog and losing him, I was very interested in reading this title. But this author was a TERRIBLE writer. If he's a radio personality, he should stick with it. I understand his desire to tell the story of adopting and losing his dog, but - wow - this is some awful writing.
I barely made it through to the end, and couldn't wait to get this book out of my house. It just left via Bookmooch and more power to Dana who is about to receive it.
I barely made it through to the end, and couldn't wait to get this book out of my house. It just left via Bookmooch and more power to Dana who is about to receive it.
May 31, 2008
I just finished reading this book and I was an emotional wreck for the last 50 or so pages. It was literally me reading and sobbing, tears flowing and just feeling the pain the family was going through. I really enjoyed the whole book because the man who wrote it was just very genuine and such a dog lover so I felt I could really relate to him. Even though it's an emotional story, it was really good and nice to read about a normal American family and the true love they have for dogs. Every dog lover would appreciate this book!
March 18, 2019
I wanted to like this book, because it was a gift from my sister, and because it was about a rescue pup and the family who loved him. Despite all this, I found it dull and badly written. The language has been simplified to literally a 5th grade reading level, per Flesch Kincaid. Thus we are treated to such descriptive and emotional delights as:
"Her injury was fatal, and we were all devastated, especially my mother and grandfather."
"I looked at them with disgust and stormed out the door."
"She was very proud of her dad. The truth is that I did what every other dog lover would have done."
"I felt horrible for her. I whispered to the technician, 'She had to put the cat to sleep, didn't she?' She gave me a sad look and said they did."
"He was upset but very strong. I could see his eyes well up, but he held his emotions back."
The story itself is fairly mundane - the dogs do common doggie things and the author and his family experience the usual joys that our pets bring to our lives. I think the book can be useful to some for its description of the struggle most of us will have to face sooner or later: the end-of-life decisions we must make for a beloved pet who is suffering from an incurable illness or progressively poor health, and the guilt and spiritual questions that sometimes come with those decisions. It only amazes me that a middle aged man who has been a dog lover all his life had never before gone through it.
But even here, the clumsy prose and simplified language robs the story of emotional impact.
I'll keep this book on my shelves and treasure it, but only because it was a gift from my sister and for the thoughtful, loving inscription she wrote on the flyleaf, which moved me far more than anything else contained in it.
"Her injury was fatal, and we were all devastated, especially my mother and grandfather."
"I looked at them with disgust and stormed out the door."
"She was very proud of her dad. The truth is that I did what every other dog lover would have done."
"I felt horrible for her. I whispered to the technician, 'She had to put the cat to sleep, didn't she?' She gave me a sad look and said they did."
"He was upset but very strong. I could see his eyes well up, but he held his emotions back."
The story itself is fairly mundane - the dogs do common doggie things and the author and his family experience the usual joys that our pets bring to our lives. I think the book can be useful to some for its description of the struggle most of us will have to face sooner or later: the end-of-life decisions we must make for a beloved pet who is suffering from an incurable illness or progressively poor health, and the guilt and spiritual questions that sometimes come with those decisions. It only amazes me that a middle aged man who has been a dog lover all his life had never before gone through it.
But even here, the clumsy prose and simplified language robs the story of emotional impact.
I'll keep this book on my shelves and treasure it, but only because it was a gift from my sister and for the thoughtful, loving inscription she wrote on the flyleaf, which moved me far more than anything else contained in it.
December 30, 2007
I thought I would like this book, but I really didn't. In fact, the first half was just awful. The story would be more touching without the details of his radio show and knowing that his best friends are Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity and hearing what great guys they both are and where they all go on vacation together.
The decisions and feelings during and after Sprite's passing were still touching. It seemed like his wife, son, and daughter wer sort of left out and it was all on Mark, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't actually the case and is a result of the author's inability to write about feelings other than his own. I adopted a senior dog a few years ago, and I appreciate that this book exists and think it is a worthy story to tell. I just wish it was a better book.
The decisions and feelings during and after Sprite's passing were still touching. It seemed like his wife, son, and daughter wer sort of left out and it was all on Mark, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't actually the case and is a result of the author's inability to write about feelings other than his own. I adopted a senior dog a few years ago, and I appreciate that this book exists and think it is a worthy story to tell. I just wish it was a better book.
January 3, 2008
After Mark Levin and family adopted this wonderful dog (thinking he was 3 - 6 years old) they find that Sprite is much older. Over the next two years, as his health fails, the Levin family takes wonderful care of Sprite and makes sure every day is a great day for him.
Sometimes I don't like these books, especially if the pet dies much sooner than they should. Sprite lives out the last few years of his life with the care and comfort he deserved to have all along. This book reinforces that I'm not the only one who takes care of my pet as if it were my child!
Sometimes I don't like these books, especially if the pet dies much sooner than they should. Sprite lives out the last few years of his life with the care and comfort he deserved to have all along. This book reinforces that I'm not the only one who takes care of my pet as if it were my child!
April 24, 2022
If you search for 'Best dog books of all time' you will find a list put up by Wesley Banks. His list spurred me to read as many books about dogs as I could. In it he says he 'created a specific algorithm for ranking books (like I did in the past) based on a combination of reviews, ratings, sales, etc.' and has only read about 20%. Rescuing Sprite he had at #27 for 2021, and now it is #13 for year 2022. I like to try to chip away at reading the books on his list to see what I think and in the hope of reading a book worthy of being the best of all time.
Westly Banks provides no specific details for what his criteria is besides that the dogs part needs to be significant and of a few categories that he does not include. I do provide my criteria for what I put in my category of favorites (all time best). Did I enjoy reading the book? Would I look forward to reading it again sometime? Did the book hold my interest, or better yet, be one I had a hard time putting down? Did I get choked up with emotion or amazed with the turn of events? Was the prose outstanding and maybe with some passages so exceptional I want to copy them to my list of favorite quotes? If a book checks all those boxes, then I put it in my category of favorites. If I really enjoy the book and it does a fair job with those criteria I often still give it 5 stars.
Getting to Rescuing Sprite. I guess my expectation was that it would be a lot more enjoyable and so my disappointment makes me rate it even lower. As I read all the wonderful things he said about his dogs, I felt my dog and almost every dog could be substituted in, so nothing new. When Mr. Levin was having cardio issues, the dogs consoled him and his family, but then all of our dogs would. When they had to deal with Sprite having health issues, many of us have been there too. Long tales of dogs and their owners stoically managing health issues does not make a fun book for me, and I know there is a lot of people who won't read a dog book if tissues are needed in the end.
Ok, now that my frustration is out of the way that the book was not more enjoyable for me, I will put in my good points. First I respect Mark Levin and the work he does in the world. There is not a smidgeon of any pushing of a political agenda in this book. I applaud anyone who completes the work to finish a book. It is a quick read. Although the joy a dog brings is very well trod ground, it is a path we do enjoy taking and that is why as Kipling said in the poem 'The Power of the dog' that we "risk your heart for a dog to tear." Virtually every dog is so wonderful, and each are worthy of a memorial capturing some of that wonderfulness. So even though Rescuing Sprite was not something very unique, it is a worthy effort you wish every dog could have.
In this book, there was one part that did strike me as worthy to save that can be summed up in this line.
"Boy, did he love a good breeze."
This is said when it would be Sprites last time to enjoy a breeze. I liked this part. Especially when we have to have our dog put to sleep, we are faced with the time leading up to it, where we wish we could hold on to that joy that is a dog that we never have with us long enough. I loved that part of the book and will be saving the quote in my list of favorites and adding it to the GR quotes if it is not there yet. That little part saved the book for me. I wouldn't want to read the book again, but I could re-visit that quote.
Westly Banks provides no specific details for what his criteria is besides that the dogs part needs to be significant and of a few categories that he does not include. I do provide my criteria for what I put in my category of favorites (all time best). Did I enjoy reading the book? Would I look forward to reading it again sometime? Did the book hold my interest, or better yet, be one I had a hard time putting down? Did I get choked up with emotion or amazed with the turn of events? Was the prose outstanding and maybe with some passages so exceptional I want to copy them to my list of favorite quotes? If a book checks all those boxes, then I put it in my category of favorites. If I really enjoy the book and it does a fair job with those criteria I often still give it 5 stars.
Getting to Rescuing Sprite. I guess my expectation was that it would be a lot more enjoyable and so my disappointment makes me rate it even lower. As I read all the wonderful things he said about his dogs, I felt my dog and almost every dog could be substituted in, so nothing new. When Mr. Levin was having cardio issues, the dogs consoled him and his family, but then all of our dogs would. When they had to deal with Sprite having health issues, many of us have been there too. Long tales of dogs and their owners stoically managing health issues does not make a fun book for me, and I know there is a lot of people who won't read a dog book if tissues are needed in the end.
Ok, now that my frustration is out of the way that the book was not more enjoyable for me, I will put in my good points. First I respect Mark Levin and the work he does in the world. There is not a smidgeon of any pushing of a political agenda in this book. I applaud anyone who completes the work to finish a book. It is a quick read. Although the joy a dog brings is very well trod ground, it is a path we do enjoy taking and that is why as Kipling said in the poem 'The Power of the dog' that we "risk your heart for a dog to tear." Virtually every dog is so wonderful, and each are worthy of a memorial capturing some of that wonderfulness. So even though Rescuing Sprite was not something very unique, it is a worthy effort you wish every dog could have.
In this book, there was one part that did strike me as worthy to save that can be summed up in this line.
"Boy, did he love a good breeze."
This is said when it would be Sprites last time to enjoy a breeze. I liked this part. Especially when we have to have our dog put to sleep, we are faced with the time leading up to it, where we wish we could hold on to that joy that is a dog that we never have with us long enough. I loved that part of the book and will be saving the quote in my list of favorites and adding it to the GR quotes if it is not there yet. That little part saved the book for me. I wouldn't want to read the book again, but I could re-visit that quote.
May 16, 2023
I feel like someone let me borrow this book a long time ago, but I saw it for sale at my library and I'm a sucker for an animal book. 🐕💖 it's a quick read and will fit perfectly on my book shelf. 😊
What an incredibly sweet book. If you have/had pets you love or are just a big animal lover, you would probably like this book. I still can't remember 100% if I read this years ago, but I was definitely told about it. The author talks about their dog, Pepsi, the dog they rescued, Sprite and all their quirks and cute things they'd do. How they cared for them and how much they loved them. It gave me such a warm feeling reading this book. I most definitely love all animals so this book was definitely for me. If you've ever loved a pet and then had that pet pass away, you know the devastation. So yes, there are some sad parts, but it's such a lovely book dedicated to animals we love. A portion of the proceeds from this book are donated to an animal rescue, which is awesome. I highly recommend this book. Happy reading. 💞🐕🐾💕
What an incredibly sweet book. If you have/had pets you love or are just a big animal lover, you would probably like this book. I still can't remember 100% if I read this years ago, but I was definitely told about it. The author talks about their dog, Pepsi, the dog they rescued, Sprite and all their quirks and cute things they'd do. How they cared for them and how much they loved them. It gave me such a warm feeling reading this book. I most definitely love all animals so this book was definitely for me. If you've ever loved a pet and then had that pet pass away, you know the devastation. So yes, there are some sad parts, but it's such a lovely book dedicated to animals we love. A portion of the proceeds from this book are donated to an animal rescue, which is awesome. I highly recommend this book. Happy reading. 💞🐕🐾💕
October 23, 2009
I was a little surprised reading some of the other reviews. Quite a few mentioned that they felt the book wasn't written well and still more thought that Levin was plugging his other book and radio show throughout this book. I disagree with both of those opinions.
From what I remember, Levin mentioned his other book one, maybe twice. He mentioned his radio show several times but every time he had a reason. That show is a part of his life and his dogs were also, somewhat, involved. Being that this book is about his life, his family's life, and the dogs in their family, it's only "right" that his show be mentioned. It would be the same as a bank teller writing the book and mentioned coming home from the bank. Or the supermarket or the marketing firm in the city. I didn't see any shameless plugging at all.
What I did is a dog-lover in the truest sense. Most of the books like this that I've read I've liked. There was one that I hated because, in my opinion, the author wasn't a dog lover at all- I saw right through him and his book. But the ones I like the most are the very personal stories- the ones that let you in to more than the dogs lives alone, but the families as well. And this did that for me.
I think some people will feel it's written poorly because of the simple sentences. I don't agree with that either personally. I wouldnt agrue that it's a literary masterpiece, it's not, but it is a good story about this man's dogs.
I fell in love with the dogs from the beginning of the book and I enjoyed reading about their day to day activities. I also liked the rest of Levin's family, as they were portrayed throughout the book.
There are way more negative and/or less than positive reviews than I expected to find so I would just like to urge anyone thinking about reading this and reading the reviews beforehand to try it for themselves.
I believe Levin and his whole family are true dog lovers and I enjoyed the book the whole time, very much actually. Don't let the other reviews stop you from reading- this can help a person who has lost a pet. Like Levin says, sometimes it helps just to know others have been, and made it through, the same thing.
When I was looking at this in Wal-Mart the other day I was thinking about buying it. (I probably knew in my head that I already would but....) When I saw that part of the proceeds are going to animal shelters I was sold.
From what I remember, Levin mentioned his other book one, maybe twice. He mentioned his radio show several times but every time he had a reason. That show is a part of his life and his dogs were also, somewhat, involved. Being that this book is about his life, his family's life, and the dogs in their family, it's only "right" that his show be mentioned. It would be the same as a bank teller writing the book and mentioned coming home from the bank. Or the supermarket or the marketing firm in the city. I didn't see any shameless plugging at all.
What I did is a dog-lover in the truest sense. Most of the books like this that I've read I've liked. There was one that I hated because, in my opinion, the author wasn't a dog lover at all- I saw right through him and his book. But the ones I like the most are the very personal stories- the ones that let you in to more than the dogs lives alone, but the families as well. And this did that for me.
I think some people will feel it's written poorly because of the simple sentences. I don't agree with that either personally. I wouldnt agrue that it's a literary masterpiece, it's not, but it is a good story about this man's dogs.
I fell in love with the dogs from the beginning of the book and I enjoyed reading about their day to day activities. I also liked the rest of Levin's family, as they were portrayed throughout the book.
There are way more negative and/or less than positive reviews than I expected to find so I would just like to urge anyone thinking about reading this and reading the reviews beforehand to try it for themselves.
I believe Levin and his whole family are true dog lovers and I enjoyed the book the whole time, very much actually. Don't let the other reviews stop you from reading- this can help a person who has lost a pet. Like Levin says, sometimes it helps just to know others have been, and made it through, the same thing.
When I was looking at this in Wal-Mart the other day I was thinking about buying it. (I probably knew in my head that I already would but....) When I saw that part of the proceeds are going to animal shelters I was sold.
October 1, 2008
This isn't my normal sort of book and I would never have picked it up on my own. My father is an avid dog lover, and NOT an avid reader at all. So the fact that he had read anything at all was worth noting. He gave me his copy of the book and insisted I give it a try.
The author is no dummy, but he waters down his own personality so much that I found myself irritated with his portrayal of himself and his family with constant perfection. Still, for all that it lacked in literary value, I admit to sobbing myself stupid at various points. If you've ever loved a pet with all your heart and soul, and then lost that dear friend, then you'll understand what this book is trying to explain. It might make a gift to someone who lost a dog to a particularly difficult illness as a comfort of the hope that time will bring.
The author is no dummy, but he waters down his own personality so much that I found myself irritated with his portrayal of himself and his family with constant perfection. Still, for all that it lacked in literary value, I admit to sobbing myself stupid at various points. If you've ever loved a pet with all your heart and soul, and then lost that dear friend, then you'll understand what this book is trying to explain. It might make a gift to someone who lost a dog to a particularly difficult illness as a comfort of the hope that time will bring.
January 6, 2009
Did this "educated" Mr. Levin write this book for 6th graders?! I felt it was too drawn out, he was searching for sentiment where he felt it should have been (I agree, it had potential as a heart wrenching story) but fell short. Extremely short. Sentences were simple and without emotion or vocabulary that truly expressed what he was attempting to portray. He should have condensed this book into a short story complete with MANY more photographs. It would have been far more enjoyable! I still found myself tearing up, even shed a few tears despite the book's shortcomings and that I DIDN'T EVEN FINISH IT! I am not sure who I recommend this book to because I feel I would be calling that individual unintelligent.
January 29, 2014
The first thing you notice when you check the reviews of this book is the complete and utter divide in opinions. I read loads of animal biographies, memoirs, tributes and just good old stories, so I like to think I know a good animal book from a bad. So many fall into the trap of way too much information on the humans; I hate getting a hundred pages in and the cute dog on the front cover has yet to make an appearance. Although this book explores human emotion and understanding the loss of a dog, I never felt like the author tried to make it all about himself. I can see that other people did think that, perhaps because of the casual name dropping. I'm Australian however, the only other reference I've seen to Rush Limbaugh is on Family Guy.
I honestly felt like this was a touching tribute to a dog that did not get the full life experience living with this wonderful family, but the time they had made an impact. I did not read into anything else, and have never heard of the author. On this basis alone I read and enjoyed it very much. Sprite is an example of the everyman's dog that dies every day, leaving distraught humans to mourn their passing. I like the simple and easy flowing writing too, so I'm giving this book five stars RIP Spritey!
I honestly felt like this was a touching tribute to a dog that did not get the full life experience living with this wonderful family, but the time they had made an impact. I did not read into anything else, and have never heard of the author. On this basis alone I read and enjoyed it very much. Sprite is an example of the everyman's dog that dies every day, leaving distraught humans to mourn their passing. I like the simple and easy flowing writing too, so I'm giving this book five stars RIP Spritey!
July 26, 2008
Call me a curmudgeon, but I didn't like this book. I mean--what's not to like? It's about an abandoned dog who is rescued and adopted and the dog eventually dies. It has all the elements I would normally love - animals, pathos, tear-jerking finales.
But Mark R. Levin (radio talk show host and author of the best-selling book, "Men in Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America") gives it all the warmth of a book about the Supreme Court. "Marley" tells the same story, but John Grogan does it with such style that we love Marley and we weep at his demise.
Levin gives us nothing to love. It's a dog, everybody worshipped him, and he died. We don't get a feel for his quirks, for his personality. We get an overly long gut-wrenching treatise on the decision to end his suffering, and an overblown period of guilt that they didn't do more to save him.
I'm certainly not a heartless person. I've loved, and lost dogs (and a cat or two). I have buried children. I know the pain of loss, but Levin's problem is not making us care about Sprite the way we did about Marley. In the end the book seems overly maudlin and, quite frankly, self-serving. I'm not sure why it was a best seller except, perhaps, that people like me who gobble up books like this thought we might be discovering another "Marley."
We weren't.
Don't waste your time on this book.
But Mark R. Levin (radio talk show host and author of the best-selling book, "Men in Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America") gives it all the warmth of a book about the Supreme Court. "Marley" tells the same story, but John Grogan does it with such style that we love Marley and we weep at his demise.
Levin gives us nothing to love. It's a dog, everybody worshipped him, and he died. We don't get a feel for his quirks, for his personality. We get an overly long gut-wrenching treatise on the decision to end his suffering, and an overblown period of guilt that they didn't do more to save him.
I'm certainly not a heartless person. I've loved, and lost dogs (and a cat or two). I have buried children. I know the pain of loss, but Levin's problem is not making us care about Sprite the way we did about Marley. In the end the book seems overly maudlin and, quite frankly, self-serving. I'm not sure why it was a best seller except, perhaps, that people like me who gobble up books like this thought we might be discovering another "Marley."
We weren't.
Don't waste your time on this book.
February 1, 2009
Rescuing Sprite Saving Levin
By Rosemary Biggio
Mark R. Levin prominent radio talk show host, president of Landmark Legal Foundation, attorney, top advisor and administrator to President Reagan’s cabinet, author of the New York Times bestseller Men in Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America and self proclaimed “dog lover” intentionally leaves the reader feeling that the bond between man and his best friend is more than mutual, “in the end, we humans are the lucky ones.”
The publication of Levin’s book (Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover’s Story of Joy and Anguish. Pocket Books: N.Y. 2007.pp.216.) follows exactly one year on the heels of John Grogan’s Marley and Me, which was released in movie theaters this holiday season. Grogan’s humorous retelling of the adventures of his miscreant pup, Marley, fits the Disney tradition of The Shaggy Dog. Although Rescuing Sprite is less comic, it is more emotive.
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. (Levin,3)
Six years after adopting Pepsi, Levin’s wife conspiring with his children cajole him into rescuing another mixed breed which they name Sprite. Pepsi and Sprite become inseparable brothers. Sprite is described as a beautiful, gentle tempered dog that always enjoyed sniffing a good breeze. After two years it was determined that Sprite was older and less healthy than originally thought. From the diagnosis of a nerve tumor to
Sprite’s passing, the joys and sorrows of the family are poignantly recounted. Although the disease disfigured and disabled Sprite’s body, his spirit grew more graceful and beautiful. The book ends with a beginning as they welcome Griffen (father and son put the stopper on fizzy soda pop names) into the Levin clan.
Biggio Rescuing Sprite 2
Particularly notable in the book are the photos by daughter, Lauren, and
sympathetic email from friends and fans. Mark Dean in an email recounts the following old American Indian legend:
In ancient times, when man and animals communicated as
equals a crack in the earth erupted. Man was on one side
and the animals were on the other. The crevice grew wider
and wider separating them and just before it became too
large to traverse, the dog alone jumped over the chasm so
that he could stay with man. (Levin,126)
Dogs are communicators and teachers. In their silence they offer us peace and understanding. In their behavior, they teach us life’s most basic lesson of unconditional love. In their suffering they teach us what Hemingway called,” grace under pressure”. If there is a Rainbow Bridge, which this reader believes, Sprite and all of our beloved canines will be waiting for our leap of faith.
Mark R. Levin will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to animal shelters.
By Rosemary Biggio
Mark R. Levin prominent radio talk show host, president of Landmark Legal Foundation, attorney, top advisor and administrator to President Reagan’s cabinet, author of the New York Times bestseller Men in Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America and self proclaimed “dog lover” intentionally leaves the reader feeling that the bond between man and his best friend is more than mutual, “in the end, we humans are the lucky ones.”
The publication of Levin’s book (Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover’s Story of Joy and Anguish. Pocket Books: N.Y. 2007.pp.216.) follows exactly one year on the heels of John Grogan’s Marley and Me, which was released in movie theaters this holiday season. Grogan’s humorous retelling of the adventures of his miscreant pup, Marley, fits the Disney tradition of The Shaggy Dog. Although Rescuing Sprite is less comic, it is more emotive.
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. (Levin,3)
Six years after adopting Pepsi, Levin’s wife conspiring with his children cajole him into rescuing another mixed breed which they name Sprite. Pepsi and Sprite become inseparable brothers. Sprite is described as a beautiful, gentle tempered dog that always enjoyed sniffing a good breeze. After two years it was determined that Sprite was older and less healthy than originally thought. From the diagnosis of a nerve tumor to
Sprite’s passing, the joys and sorrows of the family are poignantly recounted. Although the disease disfigured and disabled Sprite’s body, his spirit grew more graceful and beautiful. The book ends with a beginning as they welcome Griffen (father and son put the stopper on fizzy soda pop names) into the Levin clan.
Biggio Rescuing Sprite 2
Particularly notable in the book are the photos by daughter, Lauren, and
sympathetic email from friends and fans. Mark Dean in an email recounts the following old American Indian legend:
In ancient times, when man and animals communicated as
equals a crack in the earth erupted. Man was on one side
and the animals were on the other. The crevice grew wider
and wider separating them and just before it became too
large to traverse, the dog alone jumped over the chasm so
that he could stay with man. (Levin,126)
Dogs are communicators and teachers. In their silence they offer us peace and understanding. In their behavior, they teach us life’s most basic lesson of unconditional love. In their suffering they teach us what Hemingway called,” grace under pressure”. If there is a Rainbow Bridge, which this reader believes, Sprite and all of our beloved canines will be waiting for our leap of faith.
Mark R. Levin will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to animal shelters.
March 2, 2011
I love books about dogs. Fiction, non-fiction; it doesn't matter.
Sprite was a beautiful dog. I have no doubt that he was sweet and loving and that knowing him and loving him enriched the lives of the Levin family. Having lost dogs in my life that I loved dearly, I'm sure that writing about Sprite was very cathartic for the author. Mark Levin says in his acknowledgments that many people didn't think that he could tell Sprite's story, because it was so different from anything he'd ever written. Unfortunately, they were right.
Horribly written. Maybe I'm just a literature snob, but reading it was painful. I had to force myself to finish it, and not because of what was happening in the story, but because it was like reading a book that had been written by a 5th grader with no real life experience. Levin reports things as they happen with little personal insight and comes off as somebody who has lived a charmed and painless existence up until Sprite.
I didn't think it could get any worse, but then the author introduces us to his "best friends" Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. Ugh. Up until that point, I had wondered how such a poorly written book had found a large traditional publisher.
I hate to give a book a bad review. Any time an author sits down to write, he/she is putting themself all the way out there. But this is one book I wish I'd passed on. Mark, don't quit your day job.
Sprite was a beautiful dog. I have no doubt that he was sweet and loving and that knowing him and loving him enriched the lives of the Levin family. Having lost dogs in my life that I loved dearly, I'm sure that writing about Sprite was very cathartic for the author. Mark Levin says in his acknowledgments that many people didn't think that he could tell Sprite's story, because it was so different from anything he'd ever written. Unfortunately, they were right.
Horribly written. Maybe I'm just a literature snob, but reading it was painful. I had to force myself to finish it, and not because of what was happening in the story, but because it was like reading a book that had been written by a 5th grader with no real life experience. Levin reports things as they happen with little personal insight and comes off as somebody who has lived a charmed and painless existence up until Sprite.
I didn't think it could get any worse, but then the author introduces us to his "best friends" Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. Ugh. Up until that point, I had wondered how such a poorly written book had found a large traditional publisher.
I hate to give a book a bad review. Any time an author sits down to write, he/she is putting themself all the way out there. But this is one book I wish I'd passed on. Mark, don't quit your day job.
April 29, 2009
i just loved this book and couldn't put it down. i cried! i don't usually cry, but when it comes to pets, i have quite a spot in my heart for them.
In 1998, Mark Levin 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.
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. But 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 good-bye. Crushed and consumed with grief, Mark turned to family, friends, and fans for help. But new hope came when the Levins least expected it.
In 1998, Mark Levin 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.
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. But 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 good-bye. Crushed and consumed with grief, Mark turned to family, friends, and fans for help. But new hope came when the Levins least expected it.
May 1, 2008
As a dog lover, I both enjoyed and hated this book. Translation: the sad parts really suck, but the rest was great!
November 15, 2015
I appreciate that Mark Levin and his family loved their dog Sprite and suffered when the dog became ill and they made the decision to have him put to sleep.
As a book, it becomes somewhat repetitive as Mark tells us many times how much he loves Sprite and how he is suffering both the potential loss and then the actual loss, and how he second=guesses the decisions he made in regards to Sprite's health care and the decision to put the dog to sleep. Mark agonizes, I sympathize. That doesn't make it a great book. It is simplistic in its grammatical construction and short on substance. The substance is Mark Levin has a broken heart. As someone who has suffered a broken heart over the accidental death of one of my children, well I understand a broken heart and that it does not act logically nor respond to the dictates or logic of others. But there are only so many ways to say I am bereaved, and only so long that your heartbreak will hold the attention of the reader. So I sympathized but found my attention drifting as I wondered about his good friend Rush Limbaugh, and I pondered the ethical pros and cons of putting an animal to sleep.
I only caught a couple of Rush Limbaugh's shows back in the 1990's. I remember his slying saying that there was a new dog in the White House and up came a picture of Chelsea Clinton who must have been about 13 at the time. I thought that was so cruel that I never watched another of his shows and I haven't liked him since, although I read another book where a good friend of his talks about how kind and thoughtful Rush Limbaugh was to him in his time of need. I can't remember who that was now. No matter. So I am willing to concede that Rush Limbaugh can be a good friend, despite his cruelty to a young teenage girl on National Television.
i felt the pain and guilt of Mr. Levin in putting Sprite to sleep. How easy we use that euphemism, "put to sleep". i can't judge, but i hope that decision will not be mine to make, ever. I'm pretty sure I would not choose to put to sleep. When I was a young child our cat was nearly cut in half by the fan belt of our car. My dad was going to shoot him but we all screamed so much that my mom rushed him to the vet. Eight hours of surgery and weeks of recovery saved his life. He lived until I was in college when he finally died a natural death from cancer. i just don't know that we have the wisdom to know when life should be ended.
These were some of my thoughts while reading about dear Sprite, his good friend Pepsi, and the Levin family who loves their dogs.
As a book, it becomes somewhat repetitive as Mark tells us many times how much he loves Sprite and how he is suffering both the potential loss and then the actual loss, and how he second=guesses the decisions he made in regards to Sprite's health care and the decision to put the dog to sleep. Mark agonizes, I sympathize. That doesn't make it a great book. It is simplistic in its grammatical construction and short on substance. The substance is Mark Levin has a broken heart. As someone who has suffered a broken heart over the accidental death of one of my children, well I understand a broken heart and that it does not act logically nor respond to the dictates or logic of others. But there are only so many ways to say I am bereaved, and only so long that your heartbreak will hold the attention of the reader. So I sympathized but found my attention drifting as I wondered about his good friend Rush Limbaugh, and I pondered the ethical pros and cons of putting an animal to sleep.
I only caught a couple of Rush Limbaugh's shows back in the 1990's. I remember his slying saying that there was a new dog in the White House and up came a picture of Chelsea Clinton who must have been about 13 at the time. I thought that was so cruel that I never watched another of his shows and I haven't liked him since, although I read another book where a good friend of his talks about how kind and thoughtful Rush Limbaugh was to him in his time of need. I can't remember who that was now. No matter. So I am willing to concede that Rush Limbaugh can be a good friend, despite his cruelty to a young teenage girl on National Television.
i felt the pain and guilt of Mr. Levin in putting Sprite to sleep. How easy we use that euphemism, "put to sleep". i can't judge, but i hope that decision will not be mine to make, ever. I'm pretty sure I would not choose to put to sleep. When I was a young child our cat was nearly cut in half by the fan belt of our car. My dad was going to shoot him but we all screamed so much that my mom rushed him to the vet. Eight hours of surgery and weeks of recovery saved his life. He lived until I was in college when he finally died a natural death from cancer. i just don't know that we have the wisdom to know when life should be ended.
These were some of my thoughts while reading about dear Sprite, his good friend Pepsi, and the Levin family who loves their dogs.
January 12, 2011
I have never read any of Mark Levin's other books. I don't listen to his radio show. While at the store, I picked up this book due to its cover and title and was reading the back when my husband walked up and saw me doing so and got excited. He is a Mark Levin fan. All of this bumped up my interest but also made me apprehensive - was I going to be sucked into a book about a dog with political undertones? I am not into political reads. I am barely into non-fiction reads. I bought it anyway and decided to give it a try.
It took me 24 hours to read this book and I can now report that not only was it not even slightly policital - it was a sweet and touching story about a man, a man's family, and their dogs. As a dog and animal lover myself I could relate to so many moments in this book. I found myself laughing out loud and tearing up quite a bit. I have nursed several sick pets in my lifetime, I have lost beloved pets of all kinds, and I have had to euthanize one when I was in my mid-twenties. Not only did I relive all of those happy moments with those pets while reading this book - I felt like I obtained a closure I never knew I had not received at the time.
If you are an animal lover, this book is a fun and simple read that will touch your heart.
It took me 24 hours to read this book and I can now report that not only was it not even slightly policital - it was a sweet and touching story about a man, a man's family, and their dogs. As a dog and animal lover myself I could relate to so many moments in this book. I found myself laughing out loud and tearing up quite a bit. I have nursed several sick pets in my lifetime, I have lost beloved pets of all kinds, and I have had to euthanize one when I was in my mid-twenties. Not only did I relive all of those happy moments with those pets while reading this book - I felt like I obtained a closure I never knew I had not received at the time.
If you are an animal lover, this book is a fun and simple read that will touch your heart.
November 16, 2009
This book was really bad. I finished it because I wanted to like it. I wanted to feel a connection to this dog. And while he sounds like a sweet dog, he sounds just like any other dog too! There was nothing that made me laugh out loud or cry or anything like I did with Marley & Me. This author just wasn't good. I feel like he started writing about his experience with Sprite to get his own feelings out when the dog died - kind of a sense of therapy for him. Then he decided to turn it into a book, and I don't know how he got a published to agree to it. It reminded me of a child's classroom essay - similar to the papers my 5th grader currently writes. I did cry when Sprite was put to sleep, but geesh - who cares how badly written it is, of course I'm going to cry when a dog dies! This book was really, really bad. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't like it.
April 30, 2022
This is one of those instances when I probably should have better researched a book before impulsively purchasing it for $.50 or $1 at a used book sale...
I am an animal lover extraordinaire and that is why I bought it. I've owned it for years and finally got around to reading it.
I knew nothing about the author or the book before reading it. As I read I couldn't help but feel as if the author was overwhelmingly emotional. Not that I don't understand the emotional ramifications of losing a furry child. Of course I do. I remember well with love the lives of my various fur-bearing companions throughout my 66 years. But Levin is obviously a VERY emotional person. (Or else he wants to portray himself that way, though I believe his emotional persona is genuinely over the top...) I remember my jaw dropping as I read of his best buddies, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. Then he throws Laura Ingraham in there as well. Now, don't get me wrong. I am grateful to discover that these people in their private life are capable of being kind and caring friends, as well as good (at least I trust they are...) fur-child parents. That is good information to have when I wonder if they are capable of caring about others at all. After reading Levin's Wikipedia article I better understand my reaction to his writing.
This is definitely a tear-jerker of a book. (At least it was for me...) As I recalled my own furbabies from this lifetime. (I also admit I kept adding to his glorification of "dogs" that felines are just as companionable, loving, and kind...) Though I admit I kept thinking...this guy could really benefit from some therapy. He was obviously (and he admitted it) depressed after Sprite's death. I fail to understand why people who can afford therapy do not get it. But that's just me.
It was good for me to learn that these politically extreme pundits with no obvious respect for the needs of the general populace (e.g. no compassion in public policy) and spokespeople for the elitists actually have strong feelings for their furbabies.
I am an animal lover extraordinaire and that is why I bought it. I've owned it for years and finally got around to reading it.
I knew nothing about the author or the book before reading it. As I read I couldn't help but feel as if the author was overwhelmingly emotional. Not that I don't understand the emotional ramifications of losing a furry child. Of course I do. I remember well with love the lives of my various fur-bearing companions throughout my 66 years. But Levin is obviously a VERY emotional person. (Or else he wants to portray himself that way, though I believe his emotional persona is genuinely over the top...) I remember my jaw dropping as I read of his best buddies, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. Then he throws Laura Ingraham in there as well. Now, don't get me wrong. I am grateful to discover that these people in their private life are capable of being kind and caring friends, as well as good (at least I trust they are...) fur-child parents. That is good information to have when I wonder if they are capable of caring about others at all. After reading Levin's Wikipedia article I better understand my reaction to his writing.
This is definitely a tear-jerker of a book. (At least it was for me...) As I recalled my own furbabies from this lifetime. (I also admit I kept adding to his glorification of "dogs" that felines are just as companionable, loving, and kind...) Though I admit I kept thinking...this guy could really benefit from some therapy. He was obviously (and he admitted it) depressed after Sprite's death. I fail to understand why people who can afford therapy do not get it. But that's just me.
It was good for me to learn that these politically extreme pundits with no obvious respect for the needs of the general populace (e.g. no compassion in public policy) and spokespeople for the elitists actually have strong feelings for their furbabies.
April 6, 2019
É um livro que se lê com gosto... Li em 3 dias.
A história flui com leveza e apela à nossa sensibilidade. Confesso que me emocionei no capítulo em que Sprite morre. É comovente o amor que esta família tem pelos seus cães.
Recomendo a leitura deste livro a todos os que gostam de cães.
A história flui com leveza e apela à nossa sensibilidade. Confesso que me emocionei no capítulo em que Sprite morre. É comovente o amor que esta família tem pelos seus cães.
Recomendo a leitura deste livro a todos os que gostam de cães.
October 18, 2021
I'm a sucker for books about people's pets. It kind of cleanses the mental palate after reading current events.
July 1, 2010
I'm a dog lover, but this book isn't so much about rescuing the dog as it is about Mark Levin's feelings about rescuing the dog. Maybe I'm a little on the stoic side, but I was pretty uncomfortable with the extreme emotion Levin pours out onto the pages of his book. I'm also of the opinion that a dog ought to be allowed to be a dog and not treated like another child in the family. Dogs aren't humans like we often forget. I say let them chase deer here and there. There is no danger in them getting killed by a kick, because deer will outrun them any time. I also say let them run unhindered by a leash in a fenced area or a solitary walk on an uninhabited mountain where they will likely roll in something or chew on something revolting. They are dogs after all. That's what they like to do! And above all. . . .have a lot of fun with them. Dogs are great for lifting the spirits with their unconditional love which they show so enthusiastically any time you come home. It's really something to smile about. (Not that you shouldn't have a few good cries when they die.) Dogs do give their owners much joy. It's just too bad Mr. Levin seems so terribly depressed about the whole thing. I wonder if he is suffering from depression. After I read this book I need something to make me laugh.
December 3, 2011
Call me a curmudgeon, but I didn't like this book. I mean--what's not to like? It's about an abandoned dog who is rescued and adopted and the dog eventually dies. It has all the elements I would normally love - animals, pathos, tear-jerking finales.
But Mark R. Levin (radio talk show host and author of the best-selling book, "Men in Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America") gives it all the warmth of a book about the Supreme Court. "Marley" tells the same story, but John Grogan does it with such style that we love Marley and we weep at his demise.
Levin gives us nothing to love. It's a dog, everybody worshipped him, and he died. We don't get a feel for his quirks, for his personality. We get an overly long gut-wrenching treatise on the decision to end his suffering, and an overblown period of guilt that they didn't do more to save him.
I'm certainly not a heartless person. I've loved, and lost dogs (and a cat or two). I have buried children. I know the pain of loss, but Levin's problem is not making us care about Sprite the way we did about Marley. In the end the book seems overly maudlin and, quite frankly, self-serving. I'm not sure why it was a best seller except, perhaps, that people like me who gobble up books like this thought we might be discovering another "Marley."
We weren't.
Don't waste your time on this book.
But Mark R. Levin (radio talk show host and author of the best-selling book, "Men in Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America") gives it all the warmth of a book about the Supreme Court. "Marley" tells the same story, but John Grogan does it with such style that we love Marley and we weep at his demise.
Levin gives us nothing to love. It's a dog, everybody worshipped him, and he died. We don't get a feel for his quirks, for his personality. We get an overly long gut-wrenching treatise on the decision to end his suffering, and an overblown period of guilt that they didn't do more to save him.
I'm certainly not a heartless person. I've loved, and lost dogs (and a cat or two). I have buried children. I know the pain of loss, but Levin's problem is not making us care about Sprite the way we did about Marley. In the end the book seems overly maudlin and, quite frankly, self-serving. I'm not sure why it was a best seller except, perhaps, that people like me who gobble up books like this thought we might be discovering another "Marley."
We weren't.
Don't waste your time on this book.
July 22, 2012
This is a love story of a family and their dogs. Written by national talk show host and attorney Mark R. Levin, he shares his love of dogs, particularly his rescue dog, Sprite.
Already sharing their home with Pepsi, a 6 year old mixed breed, the family decides to adopt a second dog from the local shelter. They fall in love with the adorable Sprite, believing him to be between 3-6 years old. He fits right in with the family, he and Pepsi becoming inseparable.
Weeks after adopting Sprite, he has an emergency and must be rushed to the animal hospital. This is followed by another incident shortly thereafter. The Levin family realizes Sprite is much older than originally believed, perhaps ten years or more! But this does not matter; he is family, and he needs them.
The next few years are spent loving Sprite and caring for him. The Levin family, including Pepsi, is forever changed by Sprite and his gentle spirit. Friends and listeners of Mark Levin's show are touched by Sprite's life and struggle.
We are reminded by the Levin family's story with Sprite of how much animals add to our lives, and how much we can learn from them, from their simple wisdom. This is a beautiful story that will stay with you, especially if you have had the joy and anguish of rescuing an elderly dog, as I have had. It is indeed special.
Already sharing their home with Pepsi, a 6 year old mixed breed, the family decides to adopt a second dog from the local shelter. They fall in love with the adorable Sprite, believing him to be between 3-6 years old. He fits right in with the family, he and Pepsi becoming inseparable.
Weeks after adopting Sprite, he has an emergency and must be rushed to the animal hospital. This is followed by another incident shortly thereafter. The Levin family realizes Sprite is much older than originally believed, perhaps ten years or more! But this does not matter; he is family, and he needs them.
The next few years are spent loving Sprite and caring for him. The Levin family, including Pepsi, is forever changed by Sprite and his gentle spirit. Friends and listeners of Mark Levin's show are touched by Sprite's life and struggle.
We are reminded by the Levin family's story with Sprite of how much animals add to our lives, and how much we can learn from them, from their simple wisdom. This is a beautiful story that will stay with you, especially if you have had the joy and anguish of rescuing an elderly dog, as I have had. It is indeed special.
January 27, 2015
I'm a dog lover through and through and lost one of my best friends in the past year. So this book sounded like it had all the elements of a story I would enjoy. However, I have to say I think it was one of the worst books I've ever read. If you want to read a book where the back cover summary is repeated over and over and over, this is the book for you. Horribly simplistic and unreaslistic that someone would shoulder the blame for the health issues besought on this poor dog, to me the author seems to be seeking praise and attention for having to deal with everyday issues of being a pet owner. He also seems to put much more emphasis on his dogs vs. his family and espcially his own parents - in the book it was an afterthought that he visit his ailing father when he happened to be in town. Focused entirely too much on the author and mundane happenings encountered by every dog owner on a daily basis (ie, the dog loved to put his snout up in the breeze, or the dogs would give a welcome bark to every delivery person, or the dogs sat by me at dinner every night), I really struggled to even get through the book. Very disappointing - and for the life of me I can't figure how it has so many good ratings. Have you people never read Marley & Me or The Art of Racing in the Rain???
Read
April 8, 2008This book is basically the story of Mark Levin's experience with adopting a dog (Sprite) from a shelter. Sprite turns out to be much older than the Levins are first told. He is a joy of a dog to have and Mark has many questions that cannot be answered about Sprite's past. Many hard decisions have to be made about Sprites health. I cannot say much more about this book except it's just not the kind of book that I can rate with stars so maybe I could just say it's for anyone who is considering adopting a dog from a shelter. Also it opens a window into the life of Mark Levin ( a radio talk show host ) if anyone is interested in what kind of person he is. Personally, I found out that he has a very big heart which may not be what some who listen to his show think of him as having. Especially when he tells people to "shutup" and calls them a "big dope". I found out that Mark and I have some big differences but one thing we have in common is that we both love dogs.
May 14, 2012
I just didn't like this book as much as I wanted to. I couldn't get used to Levin's writing style (or lack of) or his constant reminders of his job, friends, etc. I've had dogs all my life, mostly rescued, and know I could tell a much better story about our blind dog, Samantha; our wandering Siberian, Tasha; ever patient Panda, our Malamute, and my long-haired Chihuahua, Tico, who woke me from a deep sleep by jumping on my chest and face to alert me to the gas leak in my first apartment. But I'm not a writer, don't purport to be one and think Levin should stick to his day job.
5/11/12 - so I read this again and it's still another book about a wonderful dog, beloved by his family, neighbors and friends, and whose life ends all too soon. With the animal shelters full to overflowing and breed rescues being inundated with new dogs every day, it's too bad not everyone loves their dogs instead of considering them disposable.
5/11/12 - so I read this again and it's still another book about a wonderful dog, beloved by his family, neighbors and friends, and whose life ends all too soon. With the animal shelters full to overflowing and breed rescues being inundated with new dogs every day, it's too bad not everyone loves their dogs instead of considering them disposable.
July 10, 2011
This book, although a quick read, is so intense I read it slowly to absorb all the pain and joy this author had to share. For anyone who has owned a pet of any kind can so relate to this story. To own a pet is to make a silent promise to love and care for it for as long as its time on earth. Then to unselfishly end its pain and suffering and say goodbye. This is the joy and pain this author wrote for us. Granted he went into a depression wondering if he did the right thing, but he is a human and we always second guess what we do. This is life; this is ownership of a pet. This is the joy and pain of pet ownership. This is something we do over and over again. For those that have never owned a pet or believe they are only animals and mean nothing but accessories to life will never "get it"! To them I say you haven't lived until you have a furry (feather, scaled, or finned) member in your family. You just don't know what you are missing.
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