Birdie & Harlow: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn't Want Kids (.Until I Did)

“In this hilarious, uplifting memoir, Wolfe describes her intense bond with Harlow...as she grapples with the chaos of her 20s, marriage, and eventually new motherhood.”—Washington Post

“An engaging debut with a lighthearted memoir of her tender relationship with her dog, Harlow, and her rocky path to becoming a mother. . . . A sweet homage to a beloved pet.”—Kirkus Reviews

The funny and poignant story of one woman’s wonderfully codependent relationship with her dog – and what he taught her about chosen family and the reward of motherhood.

This touching dog memoir, Birdie & Harlow is the story of a baby and a dog. But motherhood is never quite that simple. In Taylor Wolfe’s case, it’s a long, zigzagging and winding road.

Meant to be a last-minute anniversary gift for her then boyfriend (and now husband), the highly-energetic and loud-mouthed Vizla puppy named Harlow turns out to be the best snap decision twenty-year-old Taylor ever makes—and the beginning of the most epic friendship she ever has. As Wolfe’s resistance to 9-5’s and traditional adulthood grows, Harlow becomes the perfect companion for her eccentricities in a world that thrives on conformity. Wolfe’s twenties—full of pitfalls and surprises, sad days and silver linings—led her to the realization that life is too short to spend your days in a crate (or a cubicle), that parks are meant to be enjoyed, and most importantly, she wants to be a mom. But really, isn't she one already?

A charming and touching memoir for dog lovers, Birdie & Harlow is a tribute to the many expressions of modern motherhood, to both human and fur babies alike. Taylor’s hilarious and uplifting story reminds all of us that life will surprise you and that families should come in every shape and size.

What happens when the ‘trainer-baby’ turns out to be the best teacher you’ll ever have?

• A Story of Modern Motherhood: Follow Taylor’s chaotic journey through her twenties as she resists traditional adulthood with her loud-mouthed Vizsla, Harlow, by her side, proving that sometimes fur babies come first.
• Unforgettable Chosen Family: Discover a wonderfully codependent relationship between a woman and her dog that blossoms into an epic friendship, showing that the best families come in every shape and size.
• From Dog Mom to Human Mom: A touching and relatable tribute to the many forms of motherhood, asking the question: when you love a dog this much, aren’t you a mom already?
• Navigating Grief and Pet Loss: A raw and honest look at the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a beloved pet and finding a way to move forward, making this a must-read for anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog.