A lot of people have a Saturday morning ritual --- city dwellers probably more than most. New Yorker Martha Teichner certainly did. It was her habit to walk her bull terrier to the Union Square farmer’s market, where the dog “shopped” for goods that she was especially fond of. That tended to attract quite a bit of attention.

One July morning, Martha runs into a fellow dog walker, Stephen, with whom she had spoken before and exchanged dog stories and pleasantries, but they had never quite gotten around to names. He tells her of his friend, Carol, who also has a bull terrier, an aging one with medical issues. Martha starts to tune out as he tells her that Harry is going to need a new home soon because Carol has cancer. Is there any chance she might consider taking him when that time comes? Wait, what? Yes, Carol is dying. Would Martha at least agree to meet Carol and Harry? That’s how Stephen planted the seed of a new friendship.

"WHEN HARRY MET MINNIE will bring tears to your eyes --- happy ones and sad ones, ones that come from knowing this is how life is meant to be."

For many of us, the idea of taking on a senior dog plagued with problems might seem overwhelming. But then again, the furry old guy will be devastated, losing his lifelong human friend. Is it fair to compound his misery by simply casting him away? Martha abhors the idea that Harry might be euthanized when Carol passes away. At least she can do a meet and greet. So that’s what they all do. Now, bull terriers aren’t the easiest dogs to train, live with and generally have around, but people who love them do so with an uncommon passion. When Martha sees Harry for the first time, her heart melts. However, the initial meeting between Harry and Minnie comes off as less than enthusiastic. Still, the women declare it a success.

Over the following weeks, their meetings continue. Stephen brings Harry and Carol over. Harry spends a few hours at Martha’s place without Carol. Then, finally, a sleepover. A little later, they decide that Martha should have a pet cam so she can leave the two dogs alone and watch from afar. More success. All the while, though, Carol’s cancer is growing ever more invasive. Her energy is waning. Has Martha made up her mind yet about taking Harry?

This is a book not just about friendships but about the hard parts of life, and people helping people --- putting aside one’s own comforts to lessen the hardships of another. It points out how drawn we are to caring for one another. The friends in Carol’s life show their honest, deep love for this woman. Martha only just met her and knows her for an achingly short period, but wishes she had been there all along. Their friendship kindles quickly and burns fiercely, made more intense by their four-legged best buddies. Harry and Minnie form their own kind of bond, also deep and intense. For everyone in the story, the memories they make carry them through the toughest part of life --- death.

WHEN HARRY MET MINNIE will bring tears to your eyes --- happy ones and sad ones, ones that come from knowing this is how life is meant to be. Nothing is forever. The bad comes with the good. In the meantime, be thankful for the kindness of others and the incredible connections we make.