Woodrow on the bench Life lessons from a wise old dog

Throughout 15 years of up-and-down relationships, writing successes, and struggles, Boston-based novelist Blum (The Lost Family, 2018) and her black Labrador, Woodrow, have been inseparable. Each day they make their way to a special bench across from Blum's apartment, where they hold court. Laptop at hand, Blum is set to work, but she is interrupted by a constant stream of Woodrow's admirers. Age has slowed his gait considerably, but neighbors and tourists still stop to give the dog a pat and swap stories. Blum recounts Woodrow's last days and the aging dog's escalating health problems, including arthritis, congestive heart failure, and unreliable bowels. In exchange for Blum's extensive caregiving, involving doctor visits, disaster cleanups, and expensive medicines, Woodrow shares lessons on living each day fully, showing gratitude, and expressing love. There was no way that this sweet book was going to end well, and anyone who has ever loved and cared for an old dog or other adored pet will find it rough going. But readers will also gratefully remember all the things that make loving old pets so worthwhile.