Woodrow on the Bench: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog

"Jenna Blum's wonderful moving memoir, is a “girl and her dog” story for the ages!”—Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

The New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Those Who Save Us pays tribute to her beloved black Lab, Woodrow, in this beautiful memoir that recalls the last six months of his life and the ways in which he taught her to live. 

 “For anyone who’s ever loved an old dog.”

Since she adopted him as a puppy fifteen years earlier, Jenna Blum and Woodrow have been inseparable. Known to many as “the George Clooney of dogs” for his good looks and charm, Woodrow and his “Mommoo” are fixtures in their Boston neighborhood. 

But Woodrow is aging. As he begins to fail, the true nature of his extraordinary relationship with Jenna is revealed. Jenna may be the dog parent, but it is Woodrow, with his amazing personality and trusting nature, who has much to teach her. A divorcée who has experienced her share of sadness and loss, Jenna discovers, over the months she spends caring for her ailing dog, what it is to be present in the moment, and what it truly means to love.

Aided by an amazing group of friends and buoyed by the support of strangers, Jenna and Woodrow navigate these precious final days together with kindness, humor, and grace. Their unforgettable love story will reaffirm your belief in kindness, break your heart, and leave your spirit soaring.

• Coping with Pet Loss: A raw, honest, and deeply moving account of the last six months with a beloved companion, navigating the difficult journey of saying goodbye.
• The Joys of an Aging Dog: Meet Woodrow, the "George Clooney of dogs," whose charm and grace in his final days teach his owner what it truly means to be present and to love without reservation.
• Community and Kindness: Discover how a Boston neighborhood, from friends to complete strangers, rallies around a woman and her dog, reaffirming the power of compassion in moments of need.
• A Story of Grief and Healing: More than just a story about a dog, this is a heartfelt exploration of love after loss and the lessons only a once-in-a-lifetime companion can teach.
• An Uplifting Read: Prepare for a memoir that will break your heart and then put it back together, leaving your spirit soaring and reminding you of the incredible bond we share with our animals.