Product Description

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.

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66098 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-06
• Format: Bargain Price
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

About the Author
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.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
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 toobrief.

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.

Customer Reviews

Thoughts on "Sprite"
I lost an amazingly loveable Dalmation named Roosevelt in July 2008, and I think Mr. Levin's book was very helpful. While there was some sorrow during the reading, it helped to realize that many people out there feel as my family and I do about how wonderful and childlike a dog really can be...and feel the same pain as we do when they leave us.

As some others have mentioned, the content here is better than the execution of the writing. While Levin may not have the command of telling a story that some do, his attempt here to convey his joy and sorrow over Sprite will hit home with those of us who "get it" over the loss of our best friend.

Book will make you cry and laugh
I bought this book as I am a dog lover. This book will make you cry and laugh. I have read other dog books and this one is not the best of the best, but is a good one

heartwarming
As an owner of an older dog, this book had me in tears the entire time. While it's not eloquently written and rather short, it just hit me in the heart. The love this man has for this little dog is one that any true dog lover can relate to. The way he had to face Sprite's fate was very real. It's a process to face the mortality of someone you love so much. While it was a sad goodbye to Sprite, you are able to see the healing process begin for the author.