Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish

By Mark R. Levin

In l998, Mark and his family welcomed into their lives a half-Border Collie/half-Cocker Spaniel they named Pepsi. Six years later, his wife and two children persuaded Mark to adopt a dog from the local shelter, a Spaniel mix, the most beautiful dog they'd ever seen. They named him Sprite. Their lives would never be the same.

Sprite and Pepsi became fast friends; they did everything together. The Levin family fell in love with Sprite. But on Hallowe'en night, three weeks after joining the family, their beloved dog collapsed and had to be rushed to the vet. It was the first of many such visits and a long journey for the Levin family, filled with joy and anguish.

Sprite's health deteriorated, even as his spirits remained high and his gentle nature continued to inspire the family and the local community.

Towards the end of last year, 2006, the Levin family said their last emotional goodbye. Consumed with grief, Mark turned to family, friends and fans of his radio show for help.

Then new hope came when the Levins least expected it...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Release date: Sep 4, 2008
• ISBN: 9781847396013

Mark R. Levin

Mark R. Levin, nationally syndicated talk radio host, host of LevinTV, chairman of Landmark Legal Foundation, and the host of the Fox News show Life, Liberty, & Levin, is the author of eight consecutive #1 New York Times bestsellers: Liberty and Tyranny, Ameritopia, The Liberty Amendments, Plunder and Deceit, Rediscovering Americanism, Unfreedom of the Press, and American Marxism. Liberty and Tyranny spent three months at #1 and sold more than 1.5 million copies. His books Men in Black and Rescuing Sprite were also New York Times bestsellers. Levin is an inductee of the National Radio Hall of Fame and was a top adviser to several members of President Ronald Reagan’s cabinet. He holds a BA from Temple University and a JD from Temple University Law School.

Reviews for Rescuing Sprite

[timbazzett · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I'm a sucker for a good dog book. Unfortunately, RESCUING SPRITE is not a very good one. I don't doubt the depth of Levin's feelings or his grief at losing a beloved dog, but his telling about it is just too over-the-top maudlin, not to mention redundant and filled with "padding," to make what might have been a decent magazine piece or essay into a full length book. And learning that Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are two of his best friends really soured me on the book. If you want to read a really affecting dog book, read MERLE'S DOOR. Not this one. Nope.- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER

[nightprose · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[fjumonvi · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Everyone who has had the good fortune to love and be loved by a dog has a story. I kept waiting to learn why the author's story of Sprite warranted a book, but I never discovered what made Sprite more special than other dogs, even the family's other dog, Pepsi. Actually, the book is as much about Sprite's family as the dog. Meaning no disrespect to Sprite, there are better dog stories out there. I must admit, however, that I cried when Sprite died, and that I shall more frequently be hugging my own elderly canine.

[carolee888 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

My main criticism is that I would like more about Sprite, less about his career. It was easy to read and went fast. If I tried to compare to Dewey, the library cat, it is far behind in stories of humor, compassion and what makes this animal different than others. I took a few notes as I went and when I look at them, I realize that Sprite was no different than my dog, Honey when came to love and support when times were unbearable. The author told of his experiences when he was recovering from a medical illness and both Sprite and Pepsi would snuggle up close to him. But this is what I have found-dogs do that! They can be so caring that it is hard to believe but even my cockatiels notice when something is bothering me and they act differently.What I craved for was more attention paid to Sprite. What made him different from other dogs? He was different from Pepsi, he ate slowly while Pepsi gulped his food down and he was different on walks. What was the special difference that characterized Sprite that made the author fall so deeply in love with him? The author feels in love with Sprite so much that he was extremely depressed when nothing could be done for Sprite. But what was it? I wish the author dug deeper to find why Sprite was so different for him than Pepsi? If he could have found that and express that in his book, it would have been a remarkable book. I stuck the book out, it was not boring but it seemed to lack depth. In the last pages, I was crying so if you decide to read this book, bring your facial tissues for the ending. I think there are better dog books out there so I will not recommend this book.

[laura_corbett_11 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As a dog lover, I thank the author for telling his story. I could relate to the laughter & tears involved in being a compassionate, responsible dog parent. As a reader, the book was a quick read, but wasn't the best written dog book that I have ever read.

[bookish59 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sweet and touching memoir of the Levin's family wonderful dog Sprite.

[debherter · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very sweet dog tale.

[clamairy · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

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.