A DOG YEAR by Jon Katz is more than a tale of two Labrador Retrievers, two Border Collies, and the people with whom they share their lives. It's a story about the intimate bond between a man and his dogs written in an honest, straightforward style that will both touch and break your heart.
Julius and Stanley, the two noble beasts that grace the back cover of the book, will enchant even the stodgiest reader, while Border Collies Homer and Devon delight with their wild antics. The contrast between the two large white trundling labs and the small black and white whirling dervishes sings from the pages of this short book, which readers will undoubtedly share with friends, family, and anyone who will listen to sections read aloud.
A DOG YEAR chronicles 12 months of Katz's life in the type of clean, clear voice that sets this author apart from the pack. There is no baby talk here and no "how-to" sections, though readers may want to take notes. Stories on nearly drowning while playing catch with Julius and Stanley in upstate New York come to mind. What readers will find hidden --- or buried --- in chapters amid humorous anecdotes are nuggets of wisdom from a true dog lover. Multiple daily walks, imported dog food, piles of dog biscuits, pig ears, and dog beds show readers how Katz dotes on his dogs. But what touched me most was learning how the four dogs dote on him.
Spinning a web of human emotions that range from rage to sheer joy, Katz captures the essence of what it's like to love dogs that can outwit and out-love their human companions. This is a book for dog lovers and their unfortunate, dog-less counterparts. It is about growing and changing, losing and gaining, and realizing that enjoying every moment --- whether it's gazing at a mountaintop or sneaking a whole roasted chicken from the fridge --- is what life is about.
--- Reviewed by Heather Grimshaw, a freelance writer and book reviewer who specializes in literary news as well as health and wellness writing.
Click here now to buy this book from Amazon.
© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
