In 1998, constitutional lawyer and nationally syndicated broadcaster Mark R. Levin and his family adopted a half-Border Collie/half-Cocker Spaniel from a local animal shelter. They named the dog Pepsi.

Six years later, Levin’s wife, daughter and son persuaded him to add a second dog to their household. They named the Spaniel mix Sprite.

During the next two years, Pepsi and Sprite were inseparable. The Levin family loved both dogs, but because Sprite’s health deteriorated and he required frequent veterinary services, the primary focus of Levin’s book is on Sprite and how his beauty and grace inspired not only Levin and his family, but also friends, neighbors — even Levin’s radio audience, who all came to know and love Sprite.

On Nov. 21, 2006, Levin decided to share his thoughts about Sprite, Pepsi and the meaning of Thanksgiving with his audience. Sprite and Pepsi were in Levin’s office as he spoke. Levin explained that “As I looked at them, the words and emotions just started to flow as I spoke, at times my voice breaking up.”

Levin told his listeners that Sprite was “going downhill fast. He’s a wonderful dog. You people who have dogs know what I’m talking about. And just a terrific personality. Sweet as can be. And he was diagnosed with a tumor in his head.”

Levin said that Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. “So, as I sit here and look at his face, I give thanks for the........

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