Mark was my pet sitter during my little Donnie’s final months. My little 15yo chihuahua’s health took a sudden turn in his 15th year and he battled kidney and dental disease. Little dude was a fighter and although he struggled to start the day, he would be full of energy and curiosity by midday when I’d have to be at work. I wanted him to have joy and play in his final days and as practically a godsend, Mark saw to it that Donnie was loved and nurtured when I couldn’t be there. Mark is a tall and strong man with hands that could cup Donnie like a bocce ball. I imagine he could handle a dog of any size or temperament. But for Donnie, he was so gentle, tending to Donnie with cooing affection and a delicate touch. Donnie got exercise, beach walks, he chased sea gulls and hung out at the dog park; he got his medicines on time and even slept on Mark’s lap. I received updates on Donnie’s day, his activities and successes, and pictures that allowed me to feel at ease with him being in someone else’s care. I had to say goodbye to Donnie not long ago, and it’s been the hardest thing to process, but I am comforted by knowing he was loved and looked after as I would have done, anytime when I couldn’t be the one looking after and loving him. Thank you, Mark, for filling Donnie’s final days with a bucket list of fun activities and treating him as your own.