Janet Elder (1) (1956–2017)

When Janet Elder was diagnosed with breast cancer, she and her husband promised their twelve-year-old son Michael that they would get him a puppy as soon as she was better. They realized that life is too short to deny their son something he so desperately wanted, but they also knew that she would be in no condition to care for a puppy for a while.

True to their word, they got Michael a red toy poodle, whom he named Huck and whom they all immediately fell in love with. They couldn't imagine a life without Huck in it. Then, while they were on a much-needed vacation and Huck was staying with Janet's sister in New Jersey, the unthinkable happened. Huck ran away. The family immediately returned to start looking for their dog, and they found unexpected help throughout the small town of Ramsey, New Jersey.

This was a heart-warming story, but, being honest, I didn't find it very unexpected. I think being from a small town (it's not even technically a town) and living my whole life in a couple of small towns within half an hour of home skewed my perspective a little. I would have been more surprised if the people they came across didn't offer to help. Pretty much every business in the small towns I know have a community board to post lost dog signs and business cards. That said, this was a reminder not to take that for granted. Huck and his family live in New York, and they were amazed that perfect strangers spoke to them, helped them look, and let them post Lost Dog signs.

That's really about all I have to say. Huck sounds like a very sweet dog, and animal lovers of all kinds will enjoy this tale of "hope and happy endings."… (mehr)

Leading busy, full lives in Manhattan with their son Michael, Janet and Rich didn't feel they had time for a dog despite Michael's nearly life-long campaign for one. But when Janet is diagnosed with breast cancer, she and Rich agree that a dog would be a comfort and diversion to Michael during this difficult time, and poodle puppy Huck joins the family and they all fall in love with him.

But when they take a Florida vacation to celebrate the end of Janet's cancer treatments, Huck runs away from Janet's sister's home in Ramsey, NJ. The family fly back and start a physically and emotionally demanding search that brings them in touch with the nicest and most helpful folks in Ramsey and neighboring towns. Rich, a New Yorker, can't believe or fathom the kindness of strangers. And it is one of these angel strangers who actually do help re-unite Huck with his family.

Janet, despite her curt and cold cancer diagnosis, and ongoing treatment, focuses on the positive, hopeful and wonderous parts of life - family love, dog love, and incredible kindness and friendship. Makes you want to move to Ramsey, NJ! Very sweet and readable.… (mehr)