In this simple story, Elder's (senior editor, New York Times) only child longs for a dog for years, but his busy New York City parents constantly refuse. Eventually, Elder and her husband relent when she is diagnosed with cancer and has to undergo chemotherapy, hoping that a dog will give the boy something positive to look forward to. Huck, a toy poodle, eventually joins the family and immediately becomes a much-beloved member. After Elder's recovery, the family takes a celebratory vacation, leaving Huck with trusted relatives, but the dog gets loose and wanders for days in the unfamiliar suburbs. Fearing the worst, the family manages to marshal the entire Ramsey, NJ, community to help find him. Thanks to the efforts of neighbors and strangers, Huck is found. VERDICT Despite the spoiler in the title, this story is told with page-turning, heart-stopping intensity and heart-wrenching emotion. It is likely to restore one's faith in the goodness of humanity. Most lost-dog stories are fictional; this is real. Dog lovers and other patrons looking for a heartwarming memoir will be most satisfied.—Florence Scarinci, Nassau Community Coll. Lib., Garden City, NY