Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
Helpful Score: 9
This is the first of a handful of books about Jon Katz and his dogs. As always, the author's love of his dogs comes through on every page. I have to stop reading his books while at work though because they always bring tears to my eyes, as Katz never shies away from the sad parts of dog ownership. This quick read is highly recommended for any dog lover.
Cynthia L. (Honeygirl62) -
Helpful Score: 6
This is the first Jon Katz book I have read. The book is a true story about how he came to have his four dogs and his relationship with them. The first two are yellow labs and the other two are border collies, completely different from his calm labs. He tells some funny stories, especially about his one childhood dog who stole the roast off the table, but it is mostly a serious book about learning to live with border collies.
I've read this book time and again over the past few years. Heartfelt and honest writing by Jon. Especially if you've had Labs or one of the herding breeds in your life, you'll be really touched by the story. Be prepared for some sadness too, as living with animals has it's ups and down. One of my favorites by this author. Enjoy!
Helpful Score: 3
Quick and easy read. Good insight into the life and love of this man with his dogs. Love and loss and the cycle of life.
Marcia S. (busterboomer) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 96 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A dog lover can appreciate this book. The author had gotten a completely out of control border collie and some of the things it did was really off the wall. However, during a year things had changed, for the better. The author and the dogs he had changed his outlook on a lot of things. They learned from each other. A good book.
Helpful Score: 1
I did enjoy the book. I am glad that it was not me dealing with the snow and the sheep, etc. but it was interesting to read about. I did like his experiences of living in rural America. I also live in a small town, not that small tho. Jon is very good with words; I like how he tells about the experiences and his feelings.
Dianne D. (WestieMom) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 74 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I absolutely loved this book. The previous book "Running to the Mountain" was primarily about the author and how his two labs helped him get through a tough time in his life. This book is purely about how HE adjusted to the new dog(s) and how different their needs were than his labs. (Spoiler Alert) I did cry in a couple of places when his labs grew old and feeble - but the rest of the book kept a smile on my face. I can hardly wait to read the next book.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book for animal lovers.
Lois S. (Loisdesk) -
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! It was difficult to read after losing our dog of 12+ years this last December, but it also helped me process some of the things I've felt about our dog. It also made me want to go out and adopt another dog! I'm looking forward to reading more from Jon Katz.
Denise C. (teddybear) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 38 more book reviews
I was hoping to like this story more than I did. I don't think I would have read it if I had known how sad it would be in parts. One of the dogs was amusing with it's antics but still overall the story didn't hold my interest.
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
This book was sad, funny and an excellent read. This has been a good change of pace for me. Katz has a great way of writing that draws you in. His winning of Devon/Orson is a pleasure to read, adding Homer was a great move. This book should be read after Running to the Mountain and before A Good Dog, but if not you can put the pieces together without any problem. Good reads, all.
Stacey C. (lsecoville) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 5 more book reviews
I received this book and finished it that same day! A wonderful read for anyone who loves dogs, especially the intelligent border collie.
This is a great boot. Jon Katz is a wonderful author.
Cynthia M. (iritnus) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 37 more book reviews
I liked this one better than "A Good Dog" and I read it first. I cried so hard when the Labs were put to sleep, remembering my beloved cocker Lacey. A good book for dog lovers, especially ones who've owned many.
SALLY W. (thameslink) -
What a great read! A wonderful book for anyone who lives with dogs, but will really resonate with anyone who has lived with a difficult dog. Quick, satisfying read.
This is a fast and engaging read that I started and finished on a four hour flight. This book made me laugh out loud and cry quietly also (now that I think of it, probably not a good choice for such a public setting like a plane). It really is a very emotional and satisfying book for a dog person like myself. I loved it.
Sue E. (Susanaque) -
Part cautionary tale, part love story. This book reminds us that adopting a pet is a massive responsibility but one that rewards the owner with a richer and more meaningful life.
An excellent book...a tear jerker!
An excellent book...a tear jerker!
A very nice book about a man and his border collie. I enjoyed it very much
If you are a dog lover, you will understand why this book is called a love story. It's a spot-on understanding of the bond you can have with these wonderful creatures.
Jeannine S. (personaltrainer) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 9 more book reviews
great story- quick read- any dog lover will love this & will be moved by this book
Dawn L. (spontaneousreader) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 8 more book reviews
Very nice story. Would recommend.
Sheri S. (ssbookworm) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 4 more book reviews
Well written and enjoyable book for dog lovers!
Julie G. (renegadespiritcat) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 198 more book reviews
A very endearing book about life with blessed canine companions, it revolves around their quirks and challenging personalities and how those affect us and make us grow closer.
Allison W. (alliwhaley) reviewed A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me on + 12 more book reviews
This is one of my favorite dog books. I love Devon and all the trouble he causes. I also love Jon's dedication to making changes that help Devon.
Fun, overall enjoyable book, author is very honest about his triumphs and frustrations. The overall lesson is that border collies aren't for everyone! I admire Mr Katz for hanging in there and making it working it work with his dog. I think he is fortunate to have a schedule that worked for his dogs and their regime. I am the only one that sees the irony that his name is Katz (cats) and this is a book about his love for dogs!
