Book 2: Rescuing Sprite

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

Who wrote it: Mark R. Levin

Whom I borrowed it from: Queens Library (Jamaica)

What is it about:

1st half -- Plain factual descriptions of all the essential characters:
Dad, Mom, Daughter, Son, Dog 1 - Pepsi, Dog 2 - Sprite;

2nd half -- An emotional account of preparing for Sprite's last days.

What went through my mind:

- The 1st half read more like newspaper / reports than a story.
The writer wrote in a somewhat distant tone like an observer,
which doesn't engage me very well.

- The 2nd half was a lot better, because it became more personal.

Being vulnerable is an essential quality of a writer,
& i think it took Levin a while to get into that mode.

- This book is not about rescuing Sprite.
It's about the owner beating himself up
for not being able to do so.

Key lessons:

Death creates a sense of deep sorrow & emptiness
in everyone who has lost a beloved someone.

When you can't get out of the pit,

be reminded of how much unconditional love
you've been blessed with,
and that you've given a happy life to your beloved one.

- Kiki (my 15-yr-old Basset Hound) : (((

I'll always cherish you...

Favorite Quotes:

1) "... an important lesson dogs teach us...
Career and financial goals are important,
material acquisitions are necessary,
but taking stock in life's little pleasures
is the most satisfying experience of all." (Pg. 60)

2) "For those of us who have older dogs,
it's a continuous mental exercise to block the
inevitable end of the relationship..." (Pg. 109)

What came out of this:

* Dream: Maybe one day we'll read a book all about Kiki.

* Caution: Don't beat myself up too badly
when Kiki's time comes : (

Why Should you read it, too?

If you have a pet, it'll help prepare you for the inevitable.