The Dogs Who Came to Stay: 8

When a pregnant dog turned up in their backyard, the two middle-aged bachelors agreed that there was no place for it in their lives. Then the dog, which had dug a hole under the toolshed, gave birth to seven puppies. The author and his friend Ed, both of whom teach at Princeton, accepted responsibility temporarily, even though the mother was a feral animal, wary of humans. With infinite patience, the pair won her trust and acceptance. Meanwhile, the two men were captivated by one of the pups, Remus (they named the mother Lupa). They found homes for the other pups and settled down to a life centered on Lupa and Remus. They took the dogs with them everywhere-to France on the QEII, to restaurants, to visit friends. In the end, writes the author of this irresistibly endearing memoir, Lupa taught him about love. (Oct.)