An old woman who has outlived all her friends is reluctant to become too attached to the stray dog that visits her each day. An old woman discovers an abandoned puppy that she is afraid to name--or to even love. This moving story features Gary Larson-esque "(The Far Side)" visuals that will appeal to adults as well as kids. How does an old woman who has outlived all her friends keep from being lonely? By naming the things in her life she knows she will never outlive--like her house, Franklin, and her bed, Roxanne. When a shy brown puppy appears at her front gate, the old woman won₂t name it, because it might not outlive her. Tender watercolors capture the charm of this heartwarming story of an old woman who doesn₂t know she₂s lonely until she meets a plucky puppy who needs a name--and someone to love.

AD 760,Lexile.

Reading Counts RC,K-2,4.8,2,Quiz: 08591,Guided reading level: M.

Accelerated Reader AR,LG,3.4,0.5,14431.