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Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish (Hardcover)
by Mark R. Levin
| Category:
Dog lover, Animal care & pets, Life |
| Market price: ¥ 238.00
MSL price:
¥ 218.00
[ Shop incentives ]
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Sad, beautiful, and uplifting, this book is about love, and about the joys and sorrows of a dog and his family. Highly recommended to all dog lovers. |
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Author: Mark R. Levin
Publisher: Pocket Books
Pub. in: November, 2007
ISBN: 1416559132
Pages: 224
Measurements: 7.1 x 5 x 1 inches
Origin of product: USA
Order code: BA01137
Other information: ISBN-13: 978-1416559139
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- Awards & Credential -
The New York Times bestseller. |
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- MSL Picks -
Many people who have bought this book buy multiple copies after they first read it. This is on the NY Times bestseller list and should be read because it is so very fundamental to the human pet bond that all pet lovers experience. The time is ripe for writing a book such as this because America has changed and we now clearly regard our pets the way we regard our family.
Years ago cats lived outside in the barn and dogs lived in a doghouse. Today we all live in the same house and it is full of sundries for our pets to enjoy. Today we spend more on our dog or cat's dental hygiene than we do on ourselves. When we call home we ask our husbands, wives or kids to put the dog on the phone. When we are home we find ourselves talking to them and most of us feel that they are terrific attentive listeners who understand us and often talk back to express themselves. Many pets sleep beside us and sometimes we will endure discomfort all night to ensure that they remain comfortable and enjoy sound sleep. We take them for car rides because we know how much they love to go along and because we understand how they hate to be left home alone. We book hotel rooms on the basis of whether they cater to dogs and cats. If we are not home during the day we arrange for dog walkers who we studiously interview and require references, identification and histories that are more detailed than if they were hired to take care of our sick children and parents. We kiss them goodbye as we leave for work and we anxiously look forward to the happy expressions and sounds of joy we are greeted with upon our return. When we send holiday cards we write exuberantly about these family members and include their pictures along with our own. When they become sick our friends inquire all day to find out how the patient is doing. They keep us timely, guaranteeing that we not stay out too late because we know that the dog misses us and is patiently waiting for our return and we all look forward to the day's final walk. What would our lives ever be like without them?
I have read many different types of books about pets and I can tell you that this particular story, written by this sensitive and astute author, will sell at a steady rate for years. New pet owners and those that lose their pets are not in short supply. As such the book has an inherent timeless aspect to it. In my world, as a practicing veterinarian, I recommend only on the basis of merit. That said the contents speaks to people in a way that I often have to and in many ways it does so better than I could. I often see events coming well in advance of their arrival, and I now regard this book as an important recommendation and tool that is part of the therapy that people need to heal. If you wonder why you feel the way you do about your pet, if you ask why and how your attachment has become so strong and if you wonder how you could manage if something goes wrong read this book because doing so will make all these feelings understandable. The author identifies with you and this book is as much about all of us as it is about Sprite. It will take you down the rabbit hole where your mind will meld with the authors as you grasp how much alike you both are. If you have read it you understand why it should be read. If you haven't read it go out and get it. That said you might want to go out and buy a few extra copies to give to your friends who have pets. In addition certainly keep a few copies available for that special time when this book ultimately becomes the best possible gift that you could ever give to the pet lover friends that you care about.
(From quoting Sakal, USA)
Target readers:
Dog lovers and general readers alike.
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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.
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From Publisher
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. Comfort came from family, fans, and friends, and 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.
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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 too brief.
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. |
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| View all 10 comments |
Grizel (MSL quote), USA
<2008-01-18 00:00>
I am a proud GUARDIAN of my ( 4 )found dogs
I am my dogs' GUARDIAN !
I have not read the book yet.
I want for people to know that pets
equals GOD'S angels around us.
they aRE part of our family.
As a guardian of a few dogs and cats
I am so PROUD of Mark Levin!
Thank You,Sir!
we need to rescue these angels, not buy them from a
puppy camp. Please rescue a friend from these places, they will add love to your life and make your life
worthwhile. I feel sorry for those who miss out on this unconditional love.
I am going to
get this book. I give it five stars because these
pets waiting in a cell need rescue ... all ages
and mix breeds, for they have a heart and deserve better,
thanks to Mr.Levin we may save lives.
I hope that it ignites a fire to rescue a friend from the shelters.
To those who love animals, I LOVE YOU and thanks to you also.
we spayed and nutered our pets,
Go to the Shelter,
save a pet.
please go to the shelter get that friend out of death row.
Love, Grizel |
Trujillo (MSL quote), USA
<2008-01-18 00:00>
Only a true dog lover can identify with the joy and sadness of this book. I cant remember a time in my life when I didn't have a dog (except when I was active duty in the Marine Corps). This book is truely a must buy. Your book touched so many emotions and made me think of all the dogs I've had and loved and how painful it was when I would have to let one go. I know it's almost been a year since you've lost your beloved Sprite. His presence will always be with you as all my past dogs are with me. I came across this poem which I hope will bring some comfort, and feel if your Sprite could have spoken to you he would of had this to say:
When the Time Comes...
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this - the last battle - can't be won.
You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must pass the test.
We've had some very happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes,
Please, let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close--we two--these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown
Thank you Mark for writing this book and God Bless.
Alex Trujillo (Dog lover since birth) |
Nurnberg (MSL quote), USA
<2008-01-18 00:00>
I heartily recommend Rescuing Sprite to anyone who has ever lost a dear pet and to anyone who has a dear pet.
When I lost my first dog I largely grieved alone, fearful of being ridiculed for the depth of my feelings. It was a lonely time and I wish I'd had a book like this one to help me through it. Mark Levin's descriptions of his pain and grief were heartfelt and moving. I cried my eyes out when I read this book, and ultimately I was crying for myself and my own pet losses.
This book is a treasure, it made me feel that I was not alone in my sorrow. Rescuing Sprite is for all pet lovers. |
Judy (MSL quote), USA
<2008-01-18 00:00>
Rescuing Sprite is a beautifully written story. I was riveted from the opening chapter to the last. To compare it to Marley & Me, or, for that matter, Lasie, or Old Yeller, or other dog books, is odd. These books are about different life experiences. Sprite was an older shelter dog who lives with the Levins for a little over two years. His impact on the Levin family was profound, as the author explains in exquisite and compelling detail. Marley was with the Grogan family as a pup. He didn't go through the difficult hurdles Sprite experienced. The Grogan family was much younger than the Levins. Marley affected them differently than Sprite affected the Levins. These are two completely different books, but both are well worth reading. The stories are quite different, as they must be. Yet, they describe the joy, fun, difficulty, and eventually the passing of a beloved family member - Sprite and Marley. For the life of me, I don't know why some of the reviewers, albeit a small number of them, feel compelled to diminish one story by promoting another.
As for the style of the book, it is well-written and well-edited. The author walks you through his experiences as if you were sitting there with him. It is an extremely compelling and emotional story, written just after Sprite passed away. At times it is funny. Other times it is sad. I couldn't put it down. And it's a story that sticks with me many days later. That's what most readers want from a book. That explains why it has been a New York Times bestseller since day one, and is being published in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Brazil, according to the author's website.
As Neil Cavuto said here http://search.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=66618c3b-b97d-43fe-ba87-b489d5bf50a1, Levin's writing style reminded him of Mitch Albom's style, and Rescuing Sprite reminded him of Tuesday's with Morrie. Levin has a very easy way telling a story that draws you in and makes you reflect on your own life and experiences.
Also, one of the things I like about this author is that he puts his money where his mouth is. I don't know if Grogan has given a significant part of his book royalties to helping dogs, but Levin is. The book makes clear that he will be giving a portion of his revenue to animal shelters. You can tell how touched he was by Sprite, the older shelter dog they rescued, by both his story and his actions. Like the overwhelming number of readers who've reviewed Rescuing Sprite and assigned it a five star rating, most readers won't be disappointed by the book. In fact, many will be helped by it. I loved it, which is why I felt compelled to post this review. |
View all 10 comments |
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