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

by Jenna Blum

“When I say Jenna Blum’s upcoming Woodrow on the Bench wrecked me and that I’m now sobbing eating all the chocolate, I mean it in the best way possible.”— Jodi Picoult  "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.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals, Audiobook, Biography, Biography Memoir

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2021

About the author

JENNA BLUM is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of novels THOSE WHO SAVE US (Harcourt, 2004), THE STORMCHASERS (Dutton, 2010), and THE LOST FAMILY (Harper Collins, 2018); the novella "The Lucky One" in GRAND CENTRAL (Berkeley/Penguin, July 2014); the audio course “The Author At Work: The Art of Writing Fiction” (Recorded Books, 2015); memoir WOODROW ON THE BENCH, about her last seven months with her beloved 15-year-old black Lab and what they taught her (Harper Collins, 2021); and WWII audiodrama THE KEY OF LOVE (Emerald Audio Network, 2023), available on any major podcast streaming platform.

Jenna's latest novel and first psychological thriller, MURDER YOUR DARLINGS, will be published by Harper Collins 01/13/26.

Jenna is the CoFounder/ CEO of online author platform A Mighty Blaze, and she's one of Oprah's Top 30 Women Writers. Jenna’s first novel, Those Who Save Us, was awarded the Ribalow Prize by Hadassah Magazine, adjudged by Elie Wiesel; it was a Borders pick and the #1 bestselling book in Holland. The Stormchasers, Jenna’s bestselling second novel, was a Target Emerging Authors pick, a Borders pick, and featured in French Elle. Her third bestseller, The Lost Family, was an Indiebound pick and garnered starred reviews from all four trades: Publishers’ Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, LIbrary Journal. The bestselling memoir Woodrow on the Bench was a Midwestern Booksellers’ pick and is now available in paperback.

Jenna is based in Boston, where she taught at Boston University and at Grub Street Writers for over 20 years. Jenna currently teaches fiction, novel, and social media marketing for writers via Blaze Writers Project, based in Boston and online. She speaks nationally, internationally, and online about her work and writing life. Please visit Jenna on her website, www.jennablum.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Substack, BookBub, and TikTok.

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook….read by Jenna Blum
…..5 hours and 1 minute

Woodrow - Jenna’s 14-year old black lab, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure— he became (as Jenna herself says), “a walking pharmacy”
— needing so many meds.
Having recently lost her mother to cancer - she just couldn’t lose her beloved Woodrow, too, in the same year. Jenna needed more time…. praying for one more year with Woodrow.

This story is tender…
I felt comforted and blessed getting to know Woodrow. I cherished being invited in to love him too… getting to know who Woodrow was.

The love-relationship between Woodrow and Jenna…(and even their connections/ support from the community)…. is moving - and more moving - and even more moving!!!
It’s true about the laughter and tears ….
couldn’t escape either.

My daughter lost her 17 year old dog - *Lunchbox* - less than a month ago - (heartbreaking for all of us)
A couple of days ago a new puppy - *Sardine*- came into my daughter’s life too ….
Dog memories & emotions in our family have been on high gear.

Jenna Blum’s book is heartbreaking and beautiful—
personal….intimate as can be. — a very moving tribute to Woodrow.
Filled with humor, personal history, sadness, and love. 💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Jenna journeys through the mourning process for a beloved aging dog she knows will soon depart from this life, her love, affection, and gratitude for Woodrow is apparent. Grace and compassion guide her as she navigates tough moments and comes to terms with the difficult decision ahead. A touching read that will lead you to consider your own views on the subject at hand.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nursing an elderly, large breed dog, agonizing over when the time has come to call the vet for the final time . . .

Yep.

Been there, done that.

Caring for my fifteen and a half year old Golden Retriever, Randy, was never a problem until December of 2019. There were good days and bad days, but most of them were very good. He slept a lot, still ate eagerly, and still loved going for walks, albeit much shorter walks than he previously did just a few months earlier. But, the stairs were becoming a problem. Luckily, my youngest son was able to carry him in and out on the days when even the ramp was too much to negotiate. There were a few "accidents" after he ate a bit too much Christmas turkey, but the carpet was easily cleaned, and everyone survived. In January, things got bad. Once on a walk, his legs gave out while he was pooping, and he fell into his newly made mess. I had nothing to clean him with but a plastic bag. He was humiliated, and we were all miserable. Then came the day when Randy didn't eat the McDonald's cheeseburger (sans onions, of course) that my husband brought him. The next day, he turned down sausage.

I knew it was time.

Blum, a popular novelist, had tough decisions to make about her fifteen year old Lab, Woodrow. Unlike me, she had no family living with her to help with his care. It was all on her, until she discovered that there were many friends, and even strangers, more than eager to pitch in and lend a hand. The ending is predictable - heart-tugging and devastating, but there's always that one tiny ray of hope for the future.


Jenna with Woodrow.


Jenna and Henry Higgins on the bench.

We know when we bring home these lovable balls of fur that we will be saying goodbye, yet we continue to adopt them . . . again and again.

I guess there's just something about spending your life with a pet that makes all the pain worthwhile . . .

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never met Woodrow, novelist Jenna Blum's black lab who grew to be a fixture as he aged on Boston's Commonwealth Mall, but I feel I got to know him in Blum's wise and wrenching and devastatingly beautiful memoir of his last half-year. And I mean that: this book is both devastating and beautiful, and you will never again look into your dog's -- or any dog's -- eyes and not feel the bond that can exist between a person and their pet. I read a lot in the bath, and I finished this remarkable book in the tub and added new meaning to the expression, "drunk in the bathtub eyes." But I was sober. Just inconsolable. This book is a gem. Read it. You'll love it and you'll love Woodrow, and you'll glimpse the numinous: love in all its corporeal majesty.

[Sunflowerbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me while I continue to wipe my tears off my face.... oh Woodrow!!!!

Oh Jenna Blum.... what a heartbreaking and beautiful memoir of the last time of his life. Ugh... this broke my heart in so many different ways. I have always been such a dog lover but after I finished this one I cried and just hugged my dog Galiver so hard about 20 times haha.

Together, Jenna and Woodrow built a special community together with the love that Woodrow brought to so many. This is an absolute gem and Woodrow taught me life lessons that I will not forget.

Jenna's voice is such perfection between humor and tugging at your heart strings.

I absolutely loved it!! I am so honored to have been part of this blog tour and this is a forever gem that will be on my bookshelf for life.

5 stars!!

Thank you so much to Jenna Blum and the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna has a 14 year old black lab that she adores. (Full disclosure: I also have a 14 year old black lab.) He's been with her through breakups and writing successes, but she knows that at 14 he's defying the odds for a larger dog, and is "basically Methuselah." She's surprised that usually impatient Boston drivers allow her and Woodrow to cross the street safely, as she helps him with his handled harness since his back legs don't work well anymore. Even though he has some age-related problems, he still likes sitting by his bench receiving attention from passers-by, and wouldn't say no to bacon. Jenna Blum has written a wonderful tribute to her canine companion--I would recommend this book to any dog lover. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me to review this advance copy.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an unabashed Jenna Blum fan girl. Ever since her debut novel, Those Who Save Us, she has had me under her spell. So being the obsessive person that I am, I have long stalked her on social media. And through that, I fell in love with her dog Woodrow. He was featured frequently in her posts and I could feel how much she loved him. When he sadly crossed the rainbow bridge, my heart broke for her. And when I saw she was releasing a book about him, I knew I would have to read it even if it shattered me.

And yet, I almost didn't read it when the library notified me it came in. As some of you know, we had to put one of our cats down a few weeks ago. Losing a pet is hard. It's painful. For many, including myself, they become part of your family. This one was an especially hard loss. Penelope was truly special. She was feisty and sassy. The vets were wary of her. Rightfully so. As she marched into old age, even losing a leg didn't keep her down. She doled out her love sparingly. I believe she only truly loved my sister and me.



I thought I would try this book out and if it was too hard I would stop. And while it did break me in places, I found it cathartic too so I kept reading. So much of it mirrored our final year with Penelope. When you are trying to decide if their quality of life is still good. When they have bad days and good days and you have to decide if the good days outweigh the bad. Until it's obvious they don't.

Jenna Blum has such a lovely writing style. It pulls you in. It's intimate. It's beautiful. This was a fitting tribute to Woodrow who Jenna calls the great love of her life. I felt that love in my bones. So here's to Woodrow. And Penelope. And all of the fur babies who sadly have to leave us before we're ready.

Truthfully, we would never really be ready. Can't they just go when we do?

[Susan Meissner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This gem of a memoir reminds us that good dogs show us everyday that we are meant to love each other with care and kindness…

[☮Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read three of Blum's four books and given them all the full 5 stars. I guess I need to get to that 4th book real soon.
This is her lovely tribute to a loveable dog named Woodrow who lived to the age of 15, which is equal to 105 human years. Quite remarkable.
Kudos to the narrator Ann Marie Gideon who put the same emotion into the reading as the author herself would have.

[Jenna Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best first memoir I ever wrote! 🐾❤️📚

[Diane Yannick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenna’s love for Woodrow is portrayed with honest emotion and vivid language. Woodrow, was no doubt, a special dog. BUT for me the long lead in from senior citizen to death was overworked. How many poopslosions does one reader have to hear about—or labored trips up the steps—or long good nights? There was no recognition of the privilege needed for his extensive elder care.

For me, Woodrow’s story would have been better condensed into an extended essay. I’ve had and loved dogs my entire life but never would have allowed such a long painful death or expected so much sympathy from my friends.

[Kris Verdeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed and cried my way through this beautiful story of a lovable lab and devoted pup mom. Highly recommend and relatable whether or not you are a pet owner as the book is about friendships, community, inner reflection and grief. Blum is engaging and funny and made me want to sit and sip a cocktail with her. If I'm ever in Boston, I will stop by Woodrow's bench to have a sit and think about those I've lost with gratitude.

[Cozette · Rating 2 out of 5]

My family are dog lovers. We loved and grieved when our labs died. But this dog owner is way over the top. It’s not normal and it’s not even healthy for the dog let alone the human being. I also have never approved of calling ourselves mommy and daddy. As much as we love our dogs and they are part of the family, they’re not humans and shouldn’t be treated that way. This dog owner went way beyond the point of trying to keep the animal alive. I look at is cruel, and not healthy for the human being.

[Lynda Loigman · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOODROW ON THE BENCH is about the unconditional love only a beloved pet can provide. It’s about hope and tenacity, comfort, and purpose. Together, Woodrow and Jenna built a community - a collection of people who came together because Woodrow brought out the best in all of them. I am so in awe of my Jenna Blum for sharing this story. This is a book you can’t put down and a book whose lessons you won’t want to forget.

[Ellen Margolese · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the first 3/4s of the book I found the later parts quite disturbing. While it is difficult to judge other people’s choices, especially in the abstract, it read to me as though the dog was suffering unduly because the author was unable to make the decision to let him go. I don’t want to say more because that would include spoilers but I was left feeling that despite all her love for the dog, she did him a major disservice.

[Kimberly Hensle Lowrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, heartfelt moving story. This memoir touches on the elements that define a life—friendship, love, connection, family, community, and sacrifice—through the author’s relationship with her dog. The author’s deep love for her beloved dog will resonate with every pet lover. I laughed and cried while reading this book.

[Susan McBeth (Adventures by the Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Woodrow on the Bench is a memoir about the author's last year with her aging dog, it is no spoiler alert to say what the reader can expect to happen, so you would be well advised to read with a generous supply of tissues. However, what you might not expect is that this book is also uplifting, because it is a beautiful testament to the role pets play in our lives, and more specifically, the memorable bond between Jenna "Momoo" Blum and Woodrow ("Kooks"), made unforgettable by Jenna's loving memories, keen insights, stunning writing, and tender moments that will leave you simultaneously sobbing and celebrating. Each year, I select a book that touches me in a special way, and then I purchase an entire box to give away as gifts to people who may need it the most, and this year, my choice is Woodrow on the Bench. I cannot recommend it enough; you would be sorely missing out to not add this book to your "to be read" list.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story and a beautiful tribute to a wonderful dog. This is a must read for all of you pet lovers out there. It's wonderful love story between a mama and her fur baby and it absolutely melted my heart.

There are so many lovely passages, this one especially moved me:

".. When you let people know what you're going through, help arrives when you're least expecting it, bringing you what you didn't know you needed, in forms above and beyond what you've ever imagined."

🥰🥰 WOW🥰🥰

[˖ ࣪✧ Jacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kooks and Mommoo. Ohhh!!!

“Mommoo loves you more than anybody else in the uni. Yes, she does.”

I had a yellow lab named Boomer and he was so much like Woodrow!

There were tons of similarities that those two boys shared. They both were gentle souls, loved their carrots, and unfortunately, in the end they had their “poopsplosions.”

The “bench” was in the park, across the street from Jenna and Woodrow’s apartment which is where they sat every day. This bench became the focus of the book, Woodrow’s favorite spot and the place where everyone knew where to find them.

Jenna had a plethora of support from family, friends and strangers (that even became friends) in her life with Woodrow. Jenna was blessed to have this amazing dog and he was blessed to have her as well. Even though this gutted me at times I just loved this touching memoir.

Thank you for sharing, Jenna!

[Susan Gottfried]

I cried. Of course I cried.

I've known Jenna casually for years and years now. So there's that disclaimer, along with the disclaimer that I'd lived the ending Woodrow years via social media. So I felt like I knew a lot of this going in.

Boy, was I wrong.

This is the unvarnished look at what we didn't see on social media, the indignity of old age, no matter the species. And it's tough, but Jenna's love for Woodrow and the warmth that makes her uniquely Jenna shines through. It's so easy to picture this woman I've chatted with over the years.

That said, my expectations were entirely wrong about what the book was going to be. I was expecting more of the interactions with the regulars at the bench, I was expecting something less personal to the day-to-day troubles and more focused on the external. I was expecting the lessons Jenna learned from those visitors. But that's because I loved the bench and daily stories and pictures of Woodrow on the bench. I wanted more of that! I wanted to go back to that!

Don't go into a book with expectations, friends. They're rarely if ever met.

But here, the expectations that were met were incredible writing. Jenna herself. A visit with a dog -- and I am not a dog person! -- I'd grown to love, and now I got to know him even better. And, of course, the real story behind the sugar-coated social media.

This is a quick read, but an important one. Jenna hits on a fear I too have, and it's soothing to see how her life has opened up for her.

Maybe I need a dog.

[Jennifer Blankfein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book with a dog as the main character has great appeal; dogs are people too, right? But Jenna Blum’s memoir, sharing her deep relationship with her beloved black lab struck a chord with me. Woodrow on the Bench – Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog reminds us all how we can get the most out of life, cherish each day and be kind to others. Read this beautiful book with tissues by your side and your loyal companion by your feet. If you are like me, an extra hug and some bacon will be in your future!

Woodrow and my dog, Bogey, still with us at 13 years old, look surprisingly similar. I followed handsome Woodrow through Jenna’s social media over the years, loving his regal poses in front of strikingly beautiful Boston foliage. I felt the joy he emanated from afar and ultimately experienced the sorrow in Jenna’s loss, along with so many other Woodrow fans. This book, although heartbreaking because our furry friends can’t live forever, is inspiring and beautiful… a story of a life well lived, full of love, given and received. If you are an animal lover, this one is for you! Check out Book Nation by Jen for photos of Woodrow and my pup, Bogey! https://booknationbyjen.com/2022/07/2...

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don’t have to be a dog lover (I’m not), to be completely moved by Jenna Blum’s latest book, this time a memoir of the last months of her black Lab’s life. Woven within the pages, Blum also focuses on other deaths throughout her life that she has grieved: her mother and father, relationships, and how these losses shaped her life. Anyone who has had to take care of their elderly pet (me), and who made that excruciating decision about their pet’s end of days will find some commonality along with empathy for the subjects in this short memoir. And yes, there will be tears.

[Barbara Boustead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book on preorder when it was released, but even though it had been 6 years since my own 15-year-old pup had crossed the rainbow bridge, I just wasn't ready at the time to read it. I finally took the plunge on the 9th anniversary of his passing. I felt deeply the exhaustion from middle-of-the-night bathroom accidents, the confusion, the change in pup behavior, the uncertainty about when it is time to finally let go. Grateful to Jenna for taking us on the journey with her.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written memoir about the Jenna's (the author) life with Woodrow, her aging black Labrador. Jenna did a wonderful job describing cute, funny and sad memories of her beloved dog. Some of my favorite parts of the book were:

"Kooks" was her nickname for Woodrow

Every night she told Woodrow that "Mommoo loves you more than anything in the uni, yes she does"

The fifteenth birthday party Jenna had for Woodrow by his favorite bench. For the party she provided six pounds of bacon and a case of champagne for the dogs and their owners whom she invited to the big party.

[Crystal King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful tribute to a beloved pet. I had the opportunity to meet Woodrow a handful of times in his very old age, and oh! What a sweet sweet pooch. You could not help but love him, and he was especially lucky to be loved by Jenna Blum. This is such a moving, inspiring memoir that will also have you laughing between the moments where you might fall apart sobbing. Trust me, you'll never forget this book about the "George Clooney of dogs."

[Jim Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most moving book I've read. I have been a long time (over40 years) dog owner until a few years ago when we had to have oour last dog (a golden lab) put down. We struggled with when to do it as Jenna did. This book is a must read for anyone who has or has had dogs and for whom the dogs were considered part of the family. It also hit home because I spent many months in Boston and recognized the areas she was describing.

From reading this I can picture Woodrow. Many of his traits were like our golden lab's were.

On the cover it says it is "life lessons from a wise old dog". Very accurate.

This book goes well with the book "My Old Dog". There is something special about older dogs and reading both books will show you this clearly!

[Annissa Joy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time that I heard Jenna speak about this incredible book, I knew I wanted to read it but I did not realize how much I wanted and needed to read this book until my copy arrived!!!

It is a book that tore my heart into a million pieces but the deep love in this book put my heart back together. I never had the chance to meet Woodrow but the author writes so brilliantly that I felt like he was my best friend too!!! Jenna and Woodrow had an amazing relationship and the relationships that they had with others was amazing!!

If you have ever loved a pet, this book is a must read!! It is truly a beautiful and moving story!! I loved it!!!

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning- don't read this one right after losing your 4 legged friend. Tears - which of course I expected but very helpful in my the grieving process. Beautiful book. ❤

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Jenna Blum, author of “Woodrow on the Bench” has written a captivating, emotional, memorable, compassionate, and heartfelt memoir. This is an amazing book for anyone that has lost a pet, or in the process of taking care of an ill animal. I wish that I had this book, many years when my beloved Tina passed away on Mother’s Day. Tina Zagon was my first dog, and I often wonder if I waited too long to help her end her suffering. I do know that as a piece of my heart was broken, some people would say, “Get a grip on it Linda, it’s not a person, it’s only a dog.” That same day an article in Newsday mentioned that dogs and cats were considered part of a family, and that the people were grieving. If I only could have pointed out the beautiful memoir that Jenna penned, that shows how much Woodrow, Jenna’s beloved dog connected people in the community that were dog lovers.

Jenna would take Woodrow across the street in Boston to his favorite bench, and Woodrow was a “people magnet” As Woodrow aged, cars would slow down, so that Jenna could get him across the street. Neighbors had special treats when he went to visit. Woodrow seemed to charm everyone.

This is a story of love, friendship, kindness, and lasting memories. Jenna was a wonderful “dog Mom” to Woodrow, and her memoir is such a special and thought-provoking dedication. I would highly recommend this beautifully written story.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and heartbreaking book. This is a memoir about Jenna and her beloved black lab, Woodrow. Woodrow is a very senior dog with several health issues and Jenna knows she will eventually have to make the heartbreaking decision to let Woodrow go. Having had a senior dog, Whitney, with health issues, myself, I related to and understood everything Jenna was going through. You see their good days when they don’t show any pain, and you convince yourself that it’s not time to let them go. Eventually you question yourself, “Am I delaying the inevitable for myself, because I don’t want to let my beloved dog go?” As Jenna did throughout Woodrow’s life, she learned so many things from her Woodrow, and when he was old and sick he still was teaching her things, things she will hold on to for the rest of her life. My dog taught me so many things, too. The final thing my girl taught me was about selfishness: I realized the selfishness was entirely me, trying to keep an old very sick dog, whom I loved with all my heart , with me, when clearly she was ready to go and be free of her pain.