A Good Dog

I started reading Jon Katz a number of years ago when I picked up my Wife's copy of A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me. I was attracted by his adventures with a troubled Border Collie named Devon because we used to have a pretty active Shetland Sheepdog and I could relate. Boy could I relate.

Jon's latest book, A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life is the latest continuation of his adventures with Devon (nee Orson) set on on his farm in Upstate New York. But this is not just a collection of stories of life on a farm as The Dogs of Bedlam Farm: An Adventure with Sixteen Sheep, Three Dogs, Two Donkeys, and Me was. Jon delves into his relationship with Orson and how their lives both complement and complicate each other. He has a deep emotional connection with his dogs, but keeps their lives in perspective. I caught myself laughing several times, nodding my head a couple, and grabbing the Kleenex a few.

Orson is Jon's doggie soul mate. His "one". I'm not sure everybody has just one doggie soul mate. I've had four dogs in my life and every one was special in his own way. One was my best friend, one needed me, one loves me for who I am, and one drove me crazy. But they were all good dogs and every one holds a special place in my heart. Just one special dog in your life, no way.

Both Danny and I say four paws up to A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life.

(The obligitory photos of Danny boy included. I'm trying to work on my digital pictures in natural lighting situations and here are a few of the better ones.)