Mark R. Levin may be a nationally syndicated broadcaster and a constitutional lawyer, but what many people don't know is that he is also a dog lover. In Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish, Levin relays his relationship with his dog Sprite, whom his family adopted as a companion for their other dog, Pepsi.

Although Levin originally did not want to add another pet to the household, he quickly fell in love with the sweet shelter dog. The rest of his family was enamored with Sprite, too, including Pepsi. The two dogs became very close and taught each other tricks such as getting into the garbage.

The Levins were originally told that Sprite was only several years old, but after some complicated medical issues, they learned their new companion was actually nearing old age.

Rescuing Sprite describes the anguish Mark and his family experienced as they shuttled their beloved dog to numerous veterinarian appointments, watched his health decline and finally decided to put him to sleep.

Throughout the ordeal, Levin spoke to his friends Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity for support and also reached out to listeners of his talk show. Rescuing Sprite includes several letters from listeners who were touched by Levin's sorrow over Sprite's faltering health and eventual death.

Rescuing Sprite is a tear jerker, no doubt about it. But it also is a very honest, emotional portrayal of how people relate to their pets and experience grief. Although some readers may be put off by the author's conservative talk show, Levin steers clear of politics and sticks to describing Sprite's life and death. Rescuing Sprite can be quickly read in one sitting, but dog lovers may want to sit and savor it, or reflect on their own experiences with their pets.

- Ashley