A Good Dog

The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life

By: Jon Katz

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author and popular talk-show personality Jon Katz has been hailed as the heir to legendary British writer and animal lover James Herriot. In this poignant and deeply personal memoir, Katz shares the story of Orson, the border collie who was his "lifetime dog".

From the very beginning, Orson was a misfit. Like all border collies, he needed to work. But since there weren't any sheep available for herding in the New Jersey suburbs, Orson instead tried to corral school buses, garbage trucks, and skateboarding kids. So Katz pulled up stakes and moved to a farm in upstate New York. There, Orson improved dramatically - until the day he started nipping people. The nips soon turned to bites, forcing Katz to face an incredibly painful decision.

Whether or not you are a dog enthusiast, this emotional audiobook will have you laughing, scratching your head in astonishment, and possibly even shedding a few tears.

Pet shop: explore our list of titles about dogs, cats, and other pets.

©2006 Jon Katz (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"A lovely memoir." (Booklist)
"[Katz's] subtle, evocative descriptions...vividly capture the fascinating, enigmatic lives of animals." (Publishers Weekly)

quality book

enjoyed the journey of growth and love brain a dog and a man and the world.

The Lifetime Dog

Those of us who have "owned" several dogs over our lifetimes usually have a favorite. The author, Jon Katz, refers to this as our "lifetime dog". Mine was Amica who always wanted to be with me, watched my every move and even snoozed next to the couch where I napped. For Katz it was Orson, a border collie totally dedicated to him but with problems.

The book, "A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life" was written by both Katz and Orson. Orson provided the experiences which Katz, a professional journalist, gave narrative. Orson did not take well to the strict training and shepherding competition before he entered Katz's life.

Orson gives Katz a reason to leave suburbia and buy Bedlam Farm in upstate New York. Katz acquires donkeys, sheep and other animals with which he and Orson can interact. But Orson prefers Katz, which is okay until the dog nips and then bites other people. Katz has Orson treated by a veterinarian, a holistic vet and even an animal shaman, but with little lasting result. Katz has to make a decision.

This book will have very special meaning for anyone who has or had a lifetime dog.

A man and a dog who just Loved Each Other too Much

Where does A Good Dog rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's right up there. Writing about the hardest moment of your life is difficult but well Jon Katz did it superbly! I am going to read all of his books now...

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Good Dog?

When he just let Orson go.

Which character – as performed by Tom Stechschulte – was your favorite?

Jon

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It did make me cry. It made me laugh, it made me cringe, it made me imagine...

It broken my heart and made me smile

As a life long pet owner,I know the highs and lows of sharing the lives of our extended familys that are shorter than our own. Animals give us the greatest of highs and the lowest of lows.Jon Katz teaches us how both of these enrich us. This is a great tribute to how powerful a man and an animal relationship can be.

Heartbreaking

You fall in love with Orson the dog and his antics. If you love dogs you will love this story.

A very heart felt book.

I am thankful for Jon Katz work and efforts to put this chapter of his life on paper. I hated for it to end. My heart felt gratitude is more than words can say. - Lina

Intensely Valuable and Real

It is undeniably apparent that Mr. Katz needed to write this book. His account of the border collie persona is right-on. Never has ths reader been moved so deeply by any book.

God read and a tug on your heartstrings!

Being brought up a ranch girl, being an animal lover, and being an admirer of well trained Border Collies, I decided to give this book a try.
it is a good read and a tug on your heart strings.

An important read for everyone who shares a life with animals

Many dog stories take place in a fantasy world. This one is one that faces the harsh truths of reality.

Great book!

This is a well wriiten, well narrated book that had me sitting in the car longer than need be to hear more. At one time, I had to pull over to keep from driving with tears in my eyes.