Birdie & Harlow: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn’t Want Kids

By: Taylor Wolfe
Published Year: 2023
Publisher: HarperOne
Pages: 272

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way shape or form influenced my opinion of this novel.

Summary (Provided by Goodreads): 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. 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, Birdie & Harlow is a tribute to the many expressions of modern motherhood, to both human and fur babies alike. Taylor’s story reminds all of us that life will surprise you and that families should come in every shape and size.

First Impressions

I have followed Taylor on Instagram for at least 4 years, so I’ve always been interested in her story. When she shared she had written a book I was hesitant to read it. Then I saw the title and the cover and was like oh man, I NEED to read this. So I requested to read it early for review and was very excited.

What I thought

This book made me sob. Which I knew it was going to before I read it. But still.

Taylor is in her 30’s and is technically an Influencer since she makes a living through Instagram. However, she does so more with making little comedy skits rather than brand sponsorships, though she does those too. She used to live in Chicago, which is when I started following her. She is married and this story is about her relationship with her best friend and first dog, Harlow, and learning whether or not she wanted to have children.

I have a very close relationship with my cat and also am very unsure about whether or not I want to have children. I’ve always related to Taylor in this way, and even though I knew a lot of what was going to happen since I followed her as it was happening, she shared more details than she had on her Instagram stories.

I enjoy her style of storytelling because it’s very straightforward. She’s a little weird and anxious and doesn’t hesitate to speak openly and bluntly about these traits. I think one of the reasons I loved this book was that it made me feel seen. I related to a lot of what she had to say and especially her relationship with her pet. I haven’t read a memoir similar to this one either. I could definitely see myself re-reading this when it comes out in audio to hear her tell the story.

So, spoiler alter, the loss is her dog Harlow. I knew this was coming. I was following her when he died about two years ago. And yet, the way she wrote it ripped my heart out. It felt fresh and I had to pause halfway through this part of the book to go find my cat and give him a hug. Losing a pet sucks. My favorite quote was when she said “Your grief is a lot because your love is a lot. You don’t get one without the other, and grief does not care who or what you loved. It simply knows that you did.”