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28th out of 237 books
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440 voters
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A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me
by
Jon Katz (Goodreads Author)
Sometimes, change comes on four legs.
In his popular and widely praised Running to the Mountain, Jon Katz wrote of the strength and support he found in the massive forms of his two yellow Labrador retrievers, Julius and Stanley. When the Labs were six and seven, a breeder who’d read his book contacted Katz to say she had a dog that was meant for him—a two-year-old border co...more
In his popular and widely praised Running to the Mountain, Jon Katz wrote of the strength and support he found in the massive forms of his two yellow Labrador retrievers, Julius and Stanley. When the Labs were six and seven, a breeder who’d read his book contacted Katz to say she had a dog that was meant for him—a two-year-old border co...more
Paperback, 240 pages
Published
May 6th 2003
by Random House Trade Paperbacks
(first published February 19th 2002)
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DISAPPOINTED!
I feel cheated. Ripped off.
At the beginning of the book, Katz has two Labradors he loves. He writes rapturously of their perfect, content life together.
Then a breeder friend starts nagging him to adopt a troubled, difficult border collie.
I go through this every time I see a homeless animal. I want to adopt the rabbit on Craig's list, whose owners have realized they're not good caretakers. I want to take home the dog I saw at adopti...more
I feel cheated. Ripped off.
At the beginning of the book, Katz has two Labradors he loves. He writes rapturously of their perfect, content life together.
Then a breeder friend starts nagging him to adopt a troubled, difficult border collie.
I go through this every time I see a homeless animal. I want to adopt the rabbit on Craig's list, whose owners have realized they're not good caretakers. I want to take home the dog I saw at adopti...more
view all 7 comments
I really enjoyed this book. The author has written books about his 2 labradors and a border collie breeder gets in touch with him to say that she has a dog that he would be great for. He meets Devon off the plane, opens his crate to leash him and he comes out like a missile having the airport police chasing him. That sets the tone for his new life with a livewire. He has to exert alpha male status over the new dog and the book traces his path. He takes on a new puppy during the course of the yea...more
Jennifer
rated it
Recommends it for:
doglovers
Recommended to Jennifer by:
Elisabeth
Shelves:
read-2010
A small slip of a book that explores a year in the life of writer, Jon Katz--a year that involves four dogs. As the year begins, Katz is living a peaceful existance in New Jersey with his two white labs, Julius and Stanley (apparently their earlier adventures are chronicled in another book). Even for labs, these two dogs are super mellow and easy-going and they and their needs fit seamlessly into Jon's writing life. After a morning walk, they sleep by his feet as he types on the computer, etc...more
Gail Burns
added it
I just finished reading the most wonderful book on Border Collies and would recommend it. It includes the subject of getting another pet and all the resultant emotions around this, plus the writer Jon, has caught the nature of Border Collies so perfectly. His writing reminded me so sharply of my darling Jess and rounded out for me, her personality as it differs from some other breeds of dogs. Why Borders aren't generally cuddly even if they are very social - he describes the way Borders go th...more
Overall, I liked this book and the story of Katz's four dogs. I've got to say I don't totally agree with the training tactics used in the book; but it's supposed to be viewed as more of a light-hearted story than a training book. I did fall in love with each of the dogs, however I had a hard time liking the author. For example, I didn't like the way he would refer to his wife - it always came across like she was a bitch. I also understood the frustrations he experienced with his dogs but did...more
What a feel good read! Jon Katz is able to write about the highs and lows of dog ownership, or should I say cohabitating, without making it too sweet. The best statement in this book is when he says that his dog, Devon, changed him from a dog owner to a dog lover.
The book starts out with Jon content with his life. He has two awesome Labs, whom everyone in the neighborhood loves. He decides to do something crazy and mix it up with a crazy Border Collie who has serious issues. He doesn...more
The book starts out with Jon content with his life. He has two awesome Labs, whom everyone in the neighborhood loves. He decides to do something crazy and mix it up with a crazy Border Collie who has serious issues. He doesn...more
Recently I saw the film version, this is one of the few of Jon's books that I had not read, so I decided to go for it. I really enjoyed reading how Jon and Devon came to be. Naturally, the film version was only "based on" the book, so I was surprised to read about Jon's problem with his legs and walking - that is a very important part that should have been in the film - it makes the story even more remarkable that he was able to do the sheep herding lessons due to the situation.
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I enjoyed this book and think the author has a nice, friendly writing style, but it's hard for me to get past the fact that he keeps buying bred dogs. Despite seeing his dogs lead short lives because they are bred and suffer from hereditary problems associated with overbreeding, he keeps buying bred dogs. Come on, Katz. Hit up a shelter. They'll live a lot longer, you'll be saving a life, and you'll be setting a great precedent for all your readers to follow. You're exactly the kind of person wi...more
Patty
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2010,
autobiography,
dogs,
family,
humor,
inspirational,
impressionism,
memoir,
new-jersey,
new-york
Although Katz's book Running to the Mountain wasn't my absolutely favorite book, it did inspire me to get this book out of the library. I sat down this evening to start the book and ended up finishing it. This was excellent.
All dogs, like people have their own personalities. Julius and Stanley had been Katz's dogs for awhile. He and they had adapted to each other. For reasons that only an animal lover might understand, Katz decided he needed a third dog - Devon. Add another per...more
All dogs, like people have their own personalities. Julius and Stanley had been Katz's dogs for awhile. He and they had adapted to each other. For reasons that only an animal lover might understand, Katz decided he needed a third dog - Devon. Add another per...more
Jon Katz tells a wonderful story in "A Dog Year" about living with his dogs and acquiring a border collie named "Devon" who is slightly out of control. Every dog is different as are humans, but in this novel, getting to know Devon was an experience all in itself. It had me laughing, it had me crying, it had me right from page one! In times like today when life can have so many ups and downs, there is nothing like the companionship of a dog whose gives you love unconditiona...more
Anyone who was a fan of Marley and Me should try one of Jon Katz's books. Katz has a series of books sharing his dog stories is hilarious, beautiful, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking ways.
The first of Katz's books that I read was A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me. Katz has two old yellow labs that have grown accustomed to a lazy way of life. A life that Katz himself has grown comfortable with. One day, however, a friend calls Katz and tells him that she found a do...more
The first of Katz's books that I read was A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me. Katz has two old yellow labs that have grown accustomed to a lazy way of life. A life that Katz himself has grown comfortable with. One day, however, a friend calls Katz and tells him that she found a do...more
Nate Thomas
1-31-08
8-3
A Dog Year
The book is called a dog year and its about the author named Jon Katz he is an author and he sometimes writes all day and then he adopts this dog named Devon. Devon is a border collie and he gets into trouble, and he is afraid of people leaving him. Jon lives in New York and Devon likes to have exercise and he can’t because he doesn’t have the space and so he tries to run away every chance he gets. When he runs away he tries to herd ...more
1-31-08
8-3
A Dog Year
The book is called a dog year and its about the author named Jon Katz he is an author and he sometimes writes all day and then he adopts this dog named Devon. Devon is a border collie and he gets into trouble, and he is afraid of people leaving him. Jon lives in New York and Devon likes to have exercise and he can’t because he doesn’t have the space and so he tries to run away every chance he gets. When he runs away he tries to herd ...more
The movie was a disappointment. I decided to look at the book to see why they ever made the movie. The movie doesn't follow the book rather it lamely takes bits and pieces of the story without the reason and sense behind things. I Devon in the book was believable and the relationship with the breeder and author also believable. Also unlike the book the movie did not include any disclaimer about how to choose a dog and really train and properly care for a dog. The book is a good read and Jan...more
Well written, lazily read. Not quite as much fun as his more recent Dog Days, but just as touching. Good if you're looking for something light and heart warming. Katz's ability to understand and connect with his animals is pretty remarkable; and to convince this cat person that dogs have their place? Well, let's just say that's no small feat.
Enough with the bred dogs. Learn your lesson already and get a dog from a pound. Then you won't have to put them to sleep when they're much younger than most dogs because of diseases caused by overbreeding or put them to sleep because you can't control their behavioral issues. Shame on you, Jon Katz. Use your money and fame for some good.
Want to get away from the sappy dog books but still want to read about dogs? This is the book for you. Katz's journey with his rescue Border Collie is not the typical fluff dog books are made of. His writing is both analytical, emotional, heartfelt without swimming in syrup. A great read for any dog lover.
I loved all of Jon Katz's books. He had a really great style of writing, and made his life sound like the greatest life in the world. He's a great storyteller. His books are sad, funny, exciting... they have everything. Perfect book for animal lovers about the life of a bunch of dogs and their owners on a farm.
Yes, another dog book but I really like this author. Covers one year in which he loses two dogs and gains two new ones. The best parts are when he tries to establish who is the boss with his new border collie, Devon. As usual with this author, the book is about much more than dog ownership. Loved it!
This book is absolutely delightful. If you have ever been fortunate enough as well as challenged to live with a smart dog, you will relate and laugh... a lot. It's true, charming, very funny and best of all ..... the dog does NOT die in the end... no Old Yeller tears in this book.
Pretty good. Definitely touching and dog stories are tough not to love. I didn't love the writing style but just because it wasn't my thing doesn't mean you wont love it. It was a quick and easy read that keeps you flipping pages and sometimes that's all we need, right?
This book made me very dog-sick, if that's possible. But I never felt wrapped into the story. In fact, I didn't feel like the story had a real structure. The characterization of the dogs was nice, but overall, I wasn't very impressed. It was a quick and light read.
I love Jon Katz's writing and this was the very first one I had read of his books. I was hooked instantly! One must own or be close to someone who owns a Border Collie to appreciate their wit and antics... I have 2 and they are never failing to amaze me!
A very sweet book. As an owner of two Border Collies (not simultaneously, who would be crazy enough to do that?!?) I can truly relate to the author's adventures. But anyone who has had a dog will laugh and cry reading this book. A short gem.
Amanda
added it
Moving and wonderful for any dog lover. This book is the chronical of one man and the 4 dogs that touched his life in many different ways. A touching story of the animals that become our pets, friends, companions and eventually, family.
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There were parts that I liked but I got upset at the authors complete lack of forethought for the safety of his dogs. There were so many situations that he brought on himself by complete lack of judgement and I just got fed up with it.
We have three dogs. Two of which are boarder collies. One of which was adopted later at the age of two. This book really hit home on all aspects. Boarder Collies are extremely challening but very loving and affectionate.
"Terms of Endearment" for dog lovers. Tells the story of one year in the author's life, including sad farewells to old dogs and hilarious efforts to cope with the author's new highly spirited Border Collie. Outstanding.
An honest, loving autobiographical story that allows a peep into the life of the writer as new farmer. The characters are endearing rather than mushy or overly sentimental yet the harsh life of a farmer is fleshed out.
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Readers Also Enjoyed
Jon Katz is an author, photographer, and children's book writer. He lives on Bedlam Farm with his wife, the artist Maria Wulf, his four dogs, Rose, Izzy, Lenore and Frieda, two donkeys, Lulu and Fanny, and two barn cats. His next book, "Rose In A Storm" will be published by Random House on October 5.
He is working on a collection of short stories and a book on animal grieving.
More about Jon Katz...
He is working on a collection of short stories and a book on animal grieving.
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