Dog Days

This is my third Katz novel and I have enjoyed every one. They are books for the soul. Having dogs, I can relate more than most to some of the references to the dogs and their behavior on the farm. I too, have encountered the Border Collie Snobs as I herd with my sheepdog outside of their rules. The book is a joy to read, an easy one to get into and I feel like I am right there on the farm with all of the menagerie. The narrator is also very good, which is so important with audio books. I am grateful that we are all able to share Jon's life on the farm for just a few hours, and in that short time, he lets us know what is important.

So many are critical of Jon Katz and how he lives his life with his dogs. I too have been critical of him at times and I probably will be again. However, Dog Days was an enjoyable book for me. I'm living a similar life as Jon Katz, raising sheep, training Border collies to work them and I enjoy reading about his trials and tribulations and share his humor in many situations. He appears to be a very honest man and does what he feels to be the right thing, I respect that.

If you like to read about life on the farm, then you'll enjoy this book.

For anyone who has ever had a special relationship with a dog, Jon Katz is a treat. He gives us a deeper understanding of man's best friend, and aptly describes a life centered around dogs. Until one has lived with a dog and interacted with them 24/7 (as I have) can they begin to understand the intensity with which a dog can and will bond to a human being, and how that bond changes the human in question. Dogs have been bred over centuries to be the working companions of humans with little regard to the consequences. With a deep understanding of the needs of the breeds he loves, Katz honors every dog who crosses his path with the right sort of life, even if he is not the right person with the right situation for the dog. The reader who loves dogs will enjoy this book.

If there is one criticism I have of Katz, it is this: He backs away from expressing his love of the canine in favor of describing his knowledge and skills with discipline and training. This leaves the reader wondering if his admiration for his "pack" is truly love or if it is actually clinical interest, fodder for his writing. Katz often seems like the aloof man with the cookies who is available for the odd ride in the pickup or vet visit.

That said, if you are after amusing tales of farm animals from someone both confused and bemused by his relationship to sheep, cows and donkeys, and of course dogs, add this one to your reading list.

Jon Katz speaks about life on his farm. He does so in a bit of a rambling fashion, talking about incidents (these parts I love) and often going on about generalities and his own take on life. The latter two topics keep reappearing and by the end I found them rather annoying, as he likes to tell us the same things several times, rephrasing the same message over and over again. I really enjoyed hearing about the farm and especially the dogs, but the parts I liked make up about 20% of the total running time. So 5 stars for the 20%, and one for the remainder... or a "felt" 3 stars over all.

excellent,can't wait for the next title by this author