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Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain
Chronicles the fierce determination of individualist Morie Sawataishi to ensure the survival of the Akita species after all but sixteen dogs were slaughtered for the Japanese war effort, an endeavor during which he moved his young family into Japan's remote snow country and embraced a radically unconventional lifestyle. 30,000 first printing.
237 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 22, 2020
I really liked this book.
This book is about Morie Sawataishi, his wife Kitako and their family. By that I mean both their children and their dogs - Akitas. Check out Wiki to see how beautiful these dogs look. There you can only see their appearance. Every dog breed has not only an appearance, but also a particular personality. Morie saved this breed from extinction. In Japan after WW2 there remained only 16 Akitas. During the war they were killed to provide fur vests for soldiers, and there simply was no food to nourish dogs when people were starving. In fact this is not the only breed almost driven to extinction by the war. During the war, Morrie kept his dog No-Name alive, at the expense of his family. After the war he worked to expand and unify the breed.
The point of breeds is to ensure that a litter is uniform. When you buy a dog of a particular breed you know in advance what you are getting, both mentally and physically. It is important to note that not only appearance is uniform, but also a mental conformity is achieved through breeding. The character of a Golden is not that of a Huskie or an Airedale or a Flat. Appearance and character are both genetically inherited. This is not to say that how you train and raise your dog isn’t equally important.
I appreciate that Morie saw the importance of shaping the breed’s mental disposition over simple physical attributes. It is a tricky balance act. First you have to strive toward creating a healthy, alert, intelligent mentality; only thereafter can you play with the color and thickness of the coat, curl of the tale, and shape of the ears! All too often breeders fixate on appearance, forgetting the importance of character, humor and spark, the spirit of the dog.
This book is much more than a typical dog breed book. It is about Morie and the family and how Morie’s love for his dogs shaped every element of family life. This is about a person who goes after his goal, and everybody else has to follow. That sounds pretty brutal and selfish, but you know in the end I believe their life was good. That is what is interesting about this book! You get to look at another’s life and judge for yourself what you think of their life. It is also about living life with a passion. It is about living life for one you love; some of us don’t have these strong passions, maybe we want to follow rather than lead. It is about learning who you really are. I think it took Kitako quite a while to realize that she was in fact living a good life. Was it really being forced upon her? Sometimes it is easier to just grumble, but do nothing to change anything. When you read this book you cannot but compare it with your own family relationships and choices. Who won in the long run? Who suffered most? Each one in the family and each reader will have a different opinion.
Is life best in the city or in the country? That is another theme.
The narration by Laural Merlington was fine. She just read the text. The thoughts presented are what engage you. OK, the Japanese names are in the beginning a little hard, but after a while you recognize who is who. I pulled out a map to find the cities Akita and Sendai.
So, you get life with a passionate dog lover, a lot to think about in terms of how people relate to each other and what life choices each of us wants to make. Very good book. Lots to think about.
This book is about Morie Sawataishi, his wife Kitako and their family. By that I mean both their children and their dogs - Akitas. Check out Wiki to see how beautiful these dogs look. There you can only see their appearance. Every dog breed has not only an appearance, but also a particular personality. Morie saved this breed from extinction. In Japan after WW2 there remained only 16 Akitas. During the war they were killed to provide fur vests for soldiers, and there simply was no food to nourish dogs when people were starving. In fact this is not the only breed almost driven to extinction by the war. During the war, Morrie kept his dog No-Name alive, at the expense of his family. After the war he worked to expand and unify the breed.
The point of breeds is to ensure that a litter is uniform. When you buy a dog of a particular breed you know in advance what you are getting, both mentally and physically. It is important to note that not only appearance is uniform, but also a mental conformity is achieved through breeding. The character of a Golden is not that of a Huskie or an Airedale or a Flat. Appearance and character are both genetically inherited. This is not to say that how you train and raise your dog isn’t equally important.
I appreciate that Morie saw the importance of shaping the breed’s mental disposition over simple physical attributes. It is a tricky balance act. First you have to strive toward creating a healthy, alert, intelligent mentality; only thereafter can you play with the color and thickness of the coat, curl of the tale, and shape of the ears! All too often breeders fixate on appearance, forgetting the importance of character, humor and spark, the spirit of the dog.
This book is much more than a typical dog breed book. It is about Morie and the family and how Morie’s love for his dogs shaped every element of family life. This is about a person who goes after his goal, and everybody else has to follow. That sounds pretty brutal and selfish, but you know in the end I believe their life was good. That is what is interesting about this book! You get to look at another’s life and judge for yourself what you think of their life. It is also about living life with a passion. It is about living life for one you love; some of us don’t have these strong passions, maybe we want to follow rather than lead. It is about learning who you really are. I think it took Kitako quite a while to realize that she was in fact living a good life. Was it really being forced upon her? Sometimes it is easier to just grumble, but do nothing to change anything. When you read this book you cannot but compare it with your own family relationships and choices. Who won in the long run? Who suffered most? Each one in the family and each reader will have a different opinion.
Is life best in the city or in the country? That is another theme.
The narration by Laural Merlington was fine. She just read the text. The thoughts presented are what engage you. OK, the Japanese names are in the beginning a little hard, but after a while you recognize who is who. I pulled out a map to find the cities Akita and Sendai.
So, you get life with a passionate dog lover, a lot to think about in terms of how people relate to each other and what life choices each of us wants to make. Very good book. Lots to think about.
March 25, 2008
This book is about a very rare subject that I happen to love and have never really found in another book--I felt like I'd discovered treasure. Many of the dog breeds we know today were created or heavily influenced by one or two eccentric, dedicated people. Usually, not much is known about them other than their names and a lot of anecdotes and myths. For this book, the author interviewed Morie Sawataishi, a man who helped save the Japanese Akita from extinction and shaped it into the dog it is now. His dogs consumed his whole life. The book is less about him than it is about his wife, and how she learned to live with and eventually respect a man who loved dogs and the Japanese wilderness more than anything else. It's beautiful, honest, and sad, and an amazing work of art.
February 1, 2009
Somewhere in chapter three, I almost put this book down. Actually, I almost threw it across the room. The style was grating--the author seemed to end every few paragraphs with an epiphany that was as subtle as an anchor; the characters were stereotypes; the language and the over-riding theme--modern world bad, old world good--simplistic. But, for some reason, I broke the "stop reading a book you don't like rule," kept on plowing through, and a surprising thing happened. The writing, the characters, and the story not only improved, they became astoundingly good. So much so that I couldn't put the book down, and I (almost) cried at the end. (I have two dogs; I'm a sucker for dog stories; I read Old Yeller in 8th grade and it sticks with me more than almost any other middle school book). When the story gets into the lives of each of the dogs, then the book really picks up steam and gets interesting. The author makes each of the Akitas into characters that I grew to love, while, at the same time, honoring the complications of the human story. Gone is the reverential tone of the first few chapters toward the protagonist--instead, he is both right and wrong, as he ignores his family to spend more and more time with his Akitas. I was nearly biting my nails to find out how this story could end in anything but tragedy. And yet, the author really does take the reader on a wonderful, complex and utterly realistic journey and earns an amazing and upbeat ending. By the end, I was so glad I had not hurled this book across the room--it's a fantastic read!
July 26, 2016
I enjoyed this book mostly because of the cultural and historical backgrounds, especially regarding what life was like in rural Japan in the 40's. Very interesting stuff. I found it ironic that this man who was instrumental in saving the akita breed was also helpful in almost eradicating the moon bears from the rural areas he loved so much.
Unfortunately, after the first half of the book, the rest kind of lost it's focus, and was unable to stand on the personality of the main character alone. While I found Morie's wife Kitako a saintly and very strong woman, I found him to be somewhat off-putting and short-sighted. Even with dogs, whom were basically his focus in life, he was short-sighted...one dog was stolen from him, another was poisoned, and a third was killed in a bear hunt. And who knows how many other dogs were hurt that weren't mentioned in the book. I understand it was a sign of the times to treat dogs in such a lackadaisical way, but he himself took great risks to keep dogs in the 40s when it was so illegal...you would have thought he would have taken better care of them.
Unfortunately, after the first half of the book, the rest kind of lost it's focus, and was unable to stand on the personality of the main character alone. While I found Morie's wife Kitako a saintly and very strong woman, I found him to be somewhat off-putting and short-sighted. Even with dogs, whom were basically his focus in life, he was short-sighted...one dog was stolen from him, another was poisoned, and a third was killed in a bear hunt. And who knows how many other dogs were hurt that weren't mentioned in the book. I understand it was a sign of the times to treat dogs in such a lackadaisical way, but he himself took great risks to keep dogs in the 40s when it was so illegal...you would have thought he would have taken better care of them.
October 6, 2012
This book promised such lovely things, according to the blurb. But it fell far short of what it promised.
If truth be told, Morie was a selfish man who cared only for himself. He was not a saint who kept the Akita breed alive for salvation reasons, his ego was so inflated that he saw the dogs as an extension of his opinion of himself. (They must be big, strong and virile).
When one of his prize dogs fell off a cliff whilst they were out on a hunting trip, Morie carried it home and left it to die a slow, painful death in the backyard - even though his own daughter was a VETERINARIAN!!!
And his blatant disregard for anyone but himself didn't just stop at the dogs. He tricked his wife into marrying him, and then forced her to live a life that she hated, not caring about her wishes or needs for a second.
Martha Sherrill's writing is superb, it's just a pity that she chose such a monster to write about.
If truth be told, Morie was a selfish man who cared only for himself. He was not a saint who kept the Akita breed alive for salvation reasons, his ego was so inflated that he saw the dogs as an extension of his opinion of himself. (They must be big, strong and virile).
When one of his prize dogs fell off a cliff whilst they were out on a hunting trip, Morie carried it home and left it to die a slow, painful death in the backyard - even though his own daughter was a VETERINARIAN!!!
And his blatant disregard for anyone but himself didn't just stop at the dogs. He tricked his wife into marrying him, and then forced her to live a life that she hated, not caring about her wishes or needs for a second.
Martha Sherrill's writing is superb, it's just a pity that she chose such a monster to write about.
April 14, 2008
Beautifully-told story of a Japanese couple who were instrumental in rescuing the Akita from near-extinction, with interesting details of rural life in post-war Japan.
November 27, 2017
Quite a fine book. Morie and Kitako marry shortly after Morie finishes his service in WWII, but they are very different people; she is a Tokyo girl, he is from the snow country. He brings his new bride first to Manchuria and then to the snow country. They live without electricity, hot water or any amenities. Babies start coming, food is scarce, Morie is drinks a lot and is gone on business a lot, and then he brings home a dog.
Morie becomes obsessed with dogs, Akitas; raises, shows and breeds them. Kitako stays; raises the kids, helps with the dogs, cooks all the time. This is not written as an ideal story, there is a lot that happens that is sad and angry and very real life. But it is a really interesting story, beautiful in its way. I recommend it.
Morie becomes obsessed with dogs, Akitas; raises, shows and breeds them. Kitako stays; raises the kids, helps with the dogs, cooks all the time. This is not written as an ideal story, there is a lot that happens that is sad and angry and very real life. But it is a really interesting story, beautiful in its way. I recommend it.
July 22, 2013
Every word of "Dog Man" is perfect and tender and memorable; this is journalism with heart and respect, and goes deep on a subject you might not have never thought you'd be fascinated by -- namely, the fate of Japan's Akita breed during WWII. Do yourself a huge favor and read it. (Disclosure: Martha is a friend. But I wouldn't give it over-the-top praise because of this. It's just really that good.)
June 16, 2020
Being part Japanese and having lived in the country on and off for 20 years, I found this book enlightening as I learned something new about my beloved Japan. I had no idea Akita's were almost extinct after WWII and did not know about life in the North of Japan. My only wish was for the author to go deeper in the lives of the villagers, it was too "journalistic" and not a novel to me. But for anyone who loves dogs and Japan, this is a must read.
October 12, 2017
I started feeling this was a three star book, then a four and finally a five. I chose it as I have a fondness for dog stories. It does however share the dog aspect with a very insightful view of life in a remote area of Japan in the 50's and onwards. Not as enthralling as other books I have given a five star rating to certainly but a bit of a surprise package.
February 27, 2017
Such a fun, interesting read. I wasn't crazy about her writing style, a bit plain and matter of fact for my taste, wished she spent more time discussing the time during the war than she did. However, the story itself really was fascinating and definitely worth the read.
December 26, 2017
hands down one of the most well written books I've ever read. great book, many great lessons. highly recommend
June 25, 2021
Really liked the book, so much so that I went back and reread parts again when I finished reading it. Also, I couldn’t put it down and read until 3:00 am to finish it. The summary of the book and other reviewers will put down more details of the book, but I will talk about what I loved about the book.
I loved learning the history, and before this book didn’t know that most Akita were killed off during WWII because people were starving, and why waste food on a dog, and because the military paid a bounty on the fur so they could use it in vests and jackets. When I previously saw Japanese pilots in movies with fur lined hoods, I didn’t realize it could have come from dogs. This book is about someone (Morie) who was instrumental in helping to save and develop the breed.
What I also loved about the book is how completely they showed Morie’s perspective, but also how completely they showed the perspective of his wife Kitako and family who had to live with someone so obsessed with dogs.
The main thing I loved about this book was they way it made you want to get an Akita, and the way the author wrote of them. Here is a couple of quotes I liked:
“Akitas have an unusual look on their faces, a gaze that seems penetrating and vigilant. Unlike most dogs, Little Guy and Fox and Shiro don’t seem to be waiting for guidance, or food, or affection; they seem to be taking keen note of the world and waiting for the next big thing to happen.” – Martha Sherrill, ‘Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain’
“The old writings about snow country dogs say the color of their fur should be subtle, almost plain. The aim was to reflect the feelings of nature, of colors fading softly, the way a wheat field burns in autumn or snow melts into clear water.” – Martha Sherrill, ‘Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain’
I loved learning the history, and before this book didn’t know that most Akita were killed off during WWII because people were starving, and why waste food on a dog, and because the military paid a bounty on the fur so they could use it in vests and jackets. When I previously saw Japanese pilots in movies with fur lined hoods, I didn’t realize it could have come from dogs. This book is about someone (Morie) who was instrumental in helping to save and develop the breed.
What I also loved about the book is how completely they showed Morie’s perspective, but also how completely they showed the perspective of his wife Kitako and family who had to live with someone so obsessed with dogs.
The main thing I loved about this book was they way it made you want to get an Akita, and the way the author wrote of them. Here is a couple of quotes I liked:
“Akitas have an unusual look on their faces, a gaze that seems penetrating and vigilant. Unlike most dogs, Little Guy and Fox and Shiro don’t seem to be waiting for guidance, or food, or affection; they seem to be taking keen note of the world and waiting for the next big thing to happen.” – Martha Sherrill, ‘Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain’
“The old writings about snow country dogs say the color of their fur should be subtle, almost plain. The aim was to reflect the feelings of nature, of colors fading softly, the way a wheat field burns in autumn or snow melts into clear water.” – Martha Sherrill, ‘Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain’
May 15, 2024
I started reading this book over the winter and then took a semester long break until today when I finished it. I remember when I started reading it I thought the writing style and how the author wrote about Morie like a god and was bashing modern life (boomer-like) was annoying. I liked how each part of the book was a different dog though and I liked how it kept being interwoven with other parts of their life, especially Kitako and their kids. By the end of the book, I kinda didn't like Morie at all because of how he treated his family but he salvaged himself at the end. But also after I finished reading I saw that the book was dedicated to Kitako which made me realize that I think this was a story about her too (even though the book is called dog Man) which is cool
July 21, 2025
I have an Akita so I wanted to know more about the revival of the breed post-WWII.
I know it was supposed to tell the story of the man and family who saved this breed but I wanted more of the Akita breed characteristics to be featured. I am clearly biased but they (and other "primitive" breeds) have distinct personalities different from many other breeds and cannot be handled by just anybody. I wanted more of that. The development of the temperament is as important as the physical body and what makes Akitas (imo) stand out as a breed.
I know it was supposed to tell the story of the man and family who saved this breed but I wanted more of the Akita breed characteristics to be featured. I am clearly biased but they (and other "primitive" breeds) have distinct personalities different from many other breeds and cannot be handled by just anybody. I wanted more of that. The development of the temperament is as important as the physical body and what makes Akitas (imo) stand out as a breed.
March 26, 2025
Audiobook 🎧
As an Akita owner I loved learning about the history of the breed even I don’t see Morie as an all around hero. Whether it was for ego or love of the breed (very likely a mix) he did a lot for Akitas. His personal life was interesting and his wife put up with much more than I imagine many would. Would recommend to any lover of the breed but honestly not overall to anyone else
As an Akita owner I loved learning about the history of the breed even I don’t see Morie as an all around hero. Whether it was for ego or love of the breed (very likely a mix) he did a lot for Akitas. His personal life was interesting and his wife put up with much more than I imagine many would. Would recommend to any lover of the breed but honestly not overall to anyone else
September 30, 2025
for akita owners, this book is a must read!
March 8, 2011
Because I enjoy living with dogs I often read books where they figure prominantly. I enjoyed reading this book which is about a Japanese man who brings the Akita breed back from near extinction in the snow country of Japan. But I appreciated it even more for the detailed discussion and discriptions of his family life, the northern part of Japan and, most of all, the portrayal of courage and ingenuity of his wife. I wondered all through my reading just how Martha Sherrill collected the facts and information. Good read.
June 20, 2013
A few individuals are able to channel their energies to a worthy lifelong cause. Morie Sawataishi is one such. During World War II the Akita style of dog was almost extinct. From his first puppy, he and his wife have worked to establish standards for and preserve this fiercely loyal Japanese breed while maintaining a simple lifestyle in the mountains of Japan. A wonderful story even though at times it reads like a school book report. Despite this flaw, it is a compelling and inspiring tale.
January 12, 2014
An enjoyable biography about a man who helped preserve and promote the Akita dog breed. I frequently felt bad for Morie's family as he so obviously felt more love and dedication to the dogs than to them. Overlooking that, Morie is an amazing man and I liked reading about his life.
March 21, 2020
Loved this book. A long-term Akita owner and lover, this well-told story both filled in some blanks about this wonderful breed, and reminded me of why I am so enthralled with them. Writer paints a vivid picture of the characters and their dogs. Made it easy to “see” them come alive. Heart-warming.
April 25, 2023
People who love Japan or who love dogs will really like this book. There are some stories that could be taken as animal cruelty as we understand it now, so is something to take into account not forgetting the context of the book. Still, a very interesting account.
May 2, 2011
Dog Man tells the story of one person's devotion to and passion for the Akita dog which was almost at extinction at the end of WWII in Japan.
October 29, 2015
I really liked this book! It was recommended to me by one of my co workers. You don't have to be a dog lover to enjoy this book.
August 20, 2017
Warning to sensitive readers: dogs die in this book. i really didn't like those parts & it made me sad.
plenty of other good reviews to read. learned a lot.
plenty of other good reviews to read. learned a lot.
August 3, 2017
It was enjoyable in many ways, and I am glad I read it, but it was not about the dogs as much as I would have liked.
December 2, 2017
B. A biography of a dog lover (Akitas) and his family.
November 14, 2019
I was about to give up on the book around chapter 3 but glad I pushed through. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next.
July 13, 2022
Love Akita's, love this story.
September 26, 2024
Morie Sawataishi marries and moves with his new cosmopolitan wife to the Akita region of northern Japan where he works as an engineer building and managing a power plant. Having grown up in the area he was drawn to the dogs that seem to roam at will around but exhibit loyalty and strength. Morie notices the dogs have randomly bred with other breeds and worries the snow dogs are becoming extinct. He sets about finding and breeding for what he considers the desired traits of the breed.
Throughout the book, author Martha Sherrill discusses her visits and conversations with Morie and his wife Kitako and the hardships the family faced due to his obsession with the dogs, During WWII everyone suffered food and supply shortages for daily survival, but northern rural regions suffered in significant ways as food had to be grown and stored for the brutal winter months. Morie’s family experienced these shortages on a greater scale since food from the table was fed to the dogs to keep them healthy. Morie refused to sell any dogs, in spite of financial difficulties, but would gift a special dog to a friend or another breeder to help them. This certainly let to resentment from his wife and children. Morie follows old cultural traditions that his wife struggles to understand at times. After the war the dogs became known as Akitas and were very popular with American GI’s returning home and an American version of the breed evolved.
While Morie’s attempts to recapture the essence of the Akita might be noble, at times it seemed to be more important than his family and seemed to provide more enjoyment and happiness for him than spending time with his family. Kitako suffers greatly and has an incredible difficult life in primitive conditions. Sometimes it is difficult to reconcile her suffering and sacrifice with Morie’s obsession. Ironically, after breeding the dogs, showing many winning Akitas, judging competitions, and sacrificing for the dogs, the very traits he most desired in the dogs diverged from Morie’s ideal to the whims of other breeders. Morie’s lifelong source of joy became a business for many other breeders.
The Dog Man takes the reader on a journey through mountainous remote villages of Japan while providing insight into the culture and hardships faced by people living in this remote area while providing a history of the Akita dogs. Sherrill crafts a well-written story exploring one man’s love for the snow dogs and the creation and evolution of the Akita as a breed.
Throughout the book, author Martha Sherrill discusses her visits and conversations with Morie and his wife Kitako and the hardships the family faced due to his obsession with the dogs, During WWII everyone suffered food and supply shortages for daily survival, but northern rural regions suffered in significant ways as food had to be grown and stored for the brutal winter months. Morie’s family experienced these shortages on a greater scale since food from the table was fed to the dogs to keep them healthy. Morie refused to sell any dogs, in spite of financial difficulties, but would gift a special dog to a friend or another breeder to help them. This certainly let to resentment from his wife and children. Morie follows old cultural traditions that his wife struggles to understand at times. After the war the dogs became known as Akitas and were very popular with American GI’s returning home and an American version of the breed evolved.
While Morie’s attempts to recapture the essence of the Akita might be noble, at times it seemed to be more important than his family and seemed to provide more enjoyment and happiness for him than spending time with his family. Kitako suffers greatly and has an incredible difficult life in primitive conditions. Sometimes it is difficult to reconcile her suffering and sacrifice with Morie’s obsession. Ironically, after breeding the dogs, showing many winning Akitas, judging competitions, and sacrificing for the dogs, the very traits he most desired in the dogs diverged from Morie’s ideal to the whims of other breeders. Morie’s lifelong source of joy became a business for many other breeders.
The Dog Man takes the reader on a journey through mountainous remote villages of Japan while providing insight into the culture and hardships faced by people living in this remote area while providing a history of the Akita dogs. Sherrill crafts a well-written story exploring one man’s love for the snow dogs and the creation and evolution of the Akita as a breed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews