Izzy and Lenore

by Jon Katz, Tom Stechschulte (Narrator)

In his previous books, New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz introduced us to the delightful menagerie at Bedlam Farm, including Izzy, the unforgettable border collie rescue. Now, in Izzy & Lenore, Katz delves deeper into his connection with the beautiful, once-abandoned dog, learning yet again about the unexpected places animals can take us. Affectionate and intuitive, Izzy is unlike any dog Katz has encountered, and the two undertake a journey Katz could not have imagined without the arrival of a new companion: a spirited, bright-eyed black Labrador puppy named Lenore.

As trained hospice volunteers visiting homes and nursing facilities in upstate New York, Katz and Izzy bring comfort and canine companionship to people who most need it. An eighty-year-old Alzheimer's patient smiles for the first time in months when she feels Izzy's soft fur. A retired logger joyfully remembers his own beloved dog when he sees Izzy. As Izzy bonds with patients and Katz focuses on their families, the author begins to come to terms with his own life, discovering dark realities he has never confronted. Meanwhile, Lenore quickly dubbed the Hound of Love arrives at Bedlam. Her genial personality and boundless capacity for affection steer Katz out of the shadows, rekindle his love of working with dogs, and restore his connection to the farm and the animals and people around him.

Humorous and deeply moving, Izzy & Lenore is a story of a man confronting his past, embracing the blessings of his current life, and rediscovering the meaning of friendship, family, and faith. Katz shares an uplifting tale of love, compassion, and the rich and complex relationships between dogs and their humans.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Dogs, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Biography

Audible Audio

First published September 23, 2008

About the author

Jon Katz is an author, photographer, and children's book writer. He lives on Bedlam Farm with his wife, the artist Maria Wulf, his four dogs, Rose, Izzy, Lenore and Frieda, two donkeys, Lulu and Fanny, and two barn cats. His next book, "Rose In A Storm" will be published by Random House on October 5.
He is working on a collection of short stories and a book on animal grieving.

Reviews

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I usually go into animal stories very carefully. My emotions are pretty raw when it comes to the death of an animal in a story. So I felt pretty comfortable when Katz starts this story off with a disclaimer that 'no animals die in this book'.

However, this book still became emotional. The premise of the book is about a dog, Izzy, who after having a very rough start in life, became a partner in hospice care.

Katz relates a number of stories about patients with varying reasons for being in hospice care and how Izzy was able to help them, while in turn making changes in Katz's life too.

Emotional, heartfelt, and awe inspiring, what the love of a dog can do. Short nonfiction book well worth the read.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would be amiss to not mention that Katz says in the beginning of this book that "No dogs die." Thank you for that.

Moving on. This is the story of two of his dogs, Izzy and Lenore obviously. That is Lenore on the cover as a puppy. Izzy is a sweet-looking, intense border collie. Izzy was an abandoned dog living by himself basically on a farm in upstate New York. Katz was persuaded to take him in and gained each other's trust and friendship. Katz lives on a farm, Bedlam Farm, in upstate New York. His wife works in NYC and lives with him most weekends. He has helpers on his farm but during the week is by himself. Izzy does hospice work with Katz. Having done hospice care in my capacity as an RN, it is a fulfilling, beautiful thing, if sometimes depressing due to the nature of the job. Even Izzy is affected by his work but seems to have a calming and loving touch. He is able to bring demented patients a peace and one patient is even revived enough that he is taken off the hospice rolls (at least temporarily.)
Katz reveals his feelings of depression that shadow him as he discovers he is diabetic and his childhood memories are brought back to him. This is where Lenore comes in and literally lights up his life. Through her boundless joy, love and acceptance, and Katz' psychotherapy, he once again takes pleasure in life and realizes the good he and Izzy do for the dying.
This is a sweet, hopeful book. It won't appeal to everyone but if you have a love for dogs, have an history of depression and interest/experience working with hospice patients, this book will bring small pleasures to you. Katz is a wonderful writer with a crisp. clean style. A nice book and that is saying a lot. This one is good for the heart.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! First off, I don't know how hospice workers do it. Several of the stories made me teary eyed for sure. God bless all you loving therapy dogs!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I noted about this book was that it was very much unlike the previous Katz books I've read. For one, there was no long discussion of how he fought with a particular dog to get the poor thing under control. Most of his relationships with dogs have been fraught with tension. This was the first time he seemed to either get dogs who were relaxed or who he didn't try to train through sheer will and craziness. Maybe that's why the two dogs he focuses on in this book are so much better-behaved than his other dogs have been. And maybe it's why he hasn't shown any sign of giving them up (in all, he's given away 3 dogs for various reasons and euthanized one due to aggression issues he refused to work on). The book is billed as being about Izzy (a border collie) and Lenore (a black lab puppy) but really, if you're a lab lover, there isn't a whole lot of Lenore in this book. Most of it focuses on his hospice work with Izzy. The stories he tells about these dying folks and the way his dog connects with them are at turns heartbreaking and heartwarming. I know I said before I have a love/hate relationship with this man and his books...well, this one falls more on the "love" side of things. I ripped right through it in just about a day and loved it.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book very much; it was also a very hard read for me (for personal reasons I do not wish to go into)
I have read a couple of other books by this author and so expected dogs and other animals to play a big part, but I was not expecting the hospice aspect.
Jon and his border collie Izzy become hospice volunteers, visiting people (young and old) who are at the end stage of life. Their role is to offer comfort to the dying and their families.
If you're not familiar with hospice work, this book is a good introduction. It's very hard work, but I would think can also be very rewarding.
Have tissues handy if you read this book.

[Silod · Rating 2 out of 5]

Izzy and Lenore is a schizophrenic work, alternating between touching and strangely egotistical. The stories within the pages of this book are heart-wrenching and inspirational, but they are not well-written. There is no apparent structure or organization; the chapters are haphazard constructions with little flow between or within them, leaving the message of the work muddled. The writing is riddled with broad, sweeping conclusions that often feel out of place. In fact, the majority of Katz's writing feels oddly conclusory, even throughout the book's introduction and the beginning of each new story. It seems that, at least in this particular case, Katz was simply trying too hard to be a deep, philosophical writer. In the attempt, he instead came out sounding amateurish and a bit arrogant. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that Katz often interrupts his stories to go on lengthy tangents with the purpose of describing his depression and suffering or of repeatedly detailing the specific ways in which he feels his personal life has been changed by various experiences. These trains of thought do not mesh well with the surrounding tales of hospice work and the power of animals to soothe and heal. The switch from "this is a story about dogs and people and the amazing interactions between them" to "this is a story about me and my problems and epiphanies" will give the attentive reader whiplash.

[aCupcakeBlonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I made my way halfway through this book, I discovered I had alternately cried, laughed and awwwwed repeatedly. The warmth and friendship that seaps from this book is very effective. While listening I feel as if Jon is sitting here, telling me his story himself, like a friend coming over to share a tale. I loved how frank and open he was about his battle with depression and how his dogs helped him get through to the light. His hospice work with Izzy was what touched me the most. The stories of people at the end of their lives, be it young or old, comforted by a dog who knew how to feel and be compassionate better than any person I know. Each story was different and touched my soul in a very specific way. I can only hope someone (or some dog) that cares as much as Izzy and Jon will be there for me in my final days.

Such a warm and heartfelt tale. One that resonated with me even though I do not own a dog of my own. I can appreciate the special bond and love between a person and their beloved four legged members of the family.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note to reader at the start of this book: No dog dies in this book. Yeah. However expect to shed tears in each chapter. The dogs are wonderful and well trained. They help bring the author out of depression, and one is an active hospice dog. The hospice work with the dog, therapy, and his family help the author. Very interesting, but the reader will have red eyes and swollen eyelids much of the time.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I loved the disclaimer in the beginning saying no dogs die in this book. That always wrecks me and sometimes I might choose to read it anyway but it’s great to know about it ahead of time. This book introduced me to Izzy, whom I loved instantly, and Lenore, also irresistible and a “typical” goofy Lab. The main theme in this book involves dark places: Jon’s personal struggle with depression and his amazing involvement as a hospice volunteer with Izzy as the star. Katz’ understanding and skill with his dogs is impressive and I love that he finds in each dog exactly what their best quality and talent is — their purpose.

I always enjoy reading Jon Katz’ books.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, and I like the way Jon Katz writes, but in addition to talking about his dogs, this book covers some serious topics; volunteering for Hospice visits and dealing with depression. This made the book less 'fun' for me to read and that is why only 4 stars. Volunteering to visit those in Hospice is a very worthy undertaking, and a visit with a great dog does great things for the patient as well as the family.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy is a hospice dog, Lenore is a hyper puppy and Jon is their owner. This is a book about their journey together dealing with sickness and death with hospice patients and their families. Jon talks about dealing with his depression he calls mental illness. I laughed out loud, I cried and I embraced the courage. Beautifully told.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jon Katz is an author living on Bedlam Farm, which has a variety of animals. He is contacted about a border collie named Izzy, who has been living his life fenced in with little contact with humans. Katz adopts him and socializes him. Katz discovers that Izzy may be a good hospice dog so they enrol in the program. Izzy does indeed have a knack for comforting people who are dying but also those who are supporting people who are dying. Katz also gets Lenore, a black Lab puppy who is a sweetie. During this, Katz acknowledges that he has depression and works through it.

I love reading stories about animals. This is the fifth book I've read by this author and I liked it. I like the writing style and thought it flowed well. I found it odd that it was called "Izzy & Lenore", though, since Izzy gets more focus than Lenore.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2015/12...

[Sandra Heinzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always a sucker for animal stories, and this did not disappoint. I had never heard of Jon Katz before, but I will definitely look into reading others of his many animal books. I wish I could meet Izzy and Lenore someday, as they sound like wonderful dogs! The story was very inspiring and made me want to consider doing some dog therapy work someday, when I retire, if I get another dog. Or even just do volunteer work (without a dog)! Jon paints such vivid stories about his dogs, that I could actually imagine myself right there with them. I recommend this book. By the way, I listened to it on Audible and it was a fast listen.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet. Makes me want to do more with my life and my dogs. For anyone who balks at the ideas that dogs don't get it, dogs do have a profound impact on humans, and for anyone who doesn't understand why some humans feel closer to dogs than people, this book really makes you appreciate the special bond between human and dog. Plus, in at the beginning I appreciated how he stated no dogs dies in this book, because one of his others did, and it was so incredibly sad.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming. So admirable the palliative volunteering. Though my Lucy and I aren't palliative volunteers, I can certainly identify to a degree, as my Golden gal, certified therapy dog, Lucy and I have just retired from six years of therapy volunteer work.

I love Jon's wonderful farm with his menagerie of lovely animals. I love Jon's tenacity and courage and heart for his dedication to his palliative work all while he was struggling with his own issues.

[Elly Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2* The writing was okay, I like the subject matter, but being a dog-lover, I was startled to find some instances of what I consider abuse and these spoiled the book for me. For example, I would never put a new, very young puppy into solitary confinement after removing her from her mother and family, and let her cry all night. Would we do such a thing to an infant?
Maybe in the future I will be able to finish it, but I'm put off for now.

[Krazykat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another dog book---nuff said :) Katz's writing is way more contemplative and introspective than the others so there were a lot more tears than laughter. He describes how his dogs help him through depression but especially touching are his accounts of his therapy work with Izzy, a border collie he's rescued. In the end, it's Izzy and Lenore (a black lab pup Katz adopts) that save the author.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Katz is equally adept whether he's writing about animals or people. He imbues them all with personality and the spark that brings them to life for readers: goats, sheep, donkeys, cats, chickens, cows, pigs, and, most especially, dogs.
In this memoir, he introduces us to two of his canine companions: Izzy, a rescued border collie who becomes a gifted hospice volunteer, and Lenore, a black Lab puppy who is the embodiment of unconditional love, warm light, and boundless joy. Both came into Katz's life despite the author's initial reluctance because, as he tells us, each of them chose to be his, or more correctly, they both chose to make him their human.
This book often made me go pet my own current dogs, immensely grateful for their presence in my life. It also reminded me of guide dogs past, dogs who joined me because of what they'd been trained to do but who became so much more than just my guides. Ecko, a ninety-pound black Lab who could be scared by eight-pound Chihuahuas or sleeping bags on chairs or open-backed metal stairs, never met a hurting person he didn't want to help. Quiet and steady like Izzy, he intuitively knew what people needed and gave it to them without fanfare but also without restraint.
Stardust, my current partner, is my Lenore. She has shown me what a joy it is to see a well-trained, well-behaved dog doing her job with quiet competence. Her endless affection for me and her nurturing, maternal, compassionate spirit blesses my household, everyone in it, and everyone I encounter outside it. Even so, there is no doubt that Stardust is my dog, or should I say that I'm her person. She'll obey anyone and show them kindness, but it is me she returns to, me she looks to wherever we are, whatever we're doing, and whoever we're with. Blind people talk about falling in love instantly with their guide dogs. I don't love so easily, and after a few heartbreaks, I'm a little slow to open up sometimes. With Stardust, though, I think I felt something like that immediate pull, that instant connection. When she was first presented to me, she was joyful, affectionate, and immediately attached herself to me. Her trainers and puppy raisers commented on this, and I knew there was something special happening between us that had nothing to do with the pouch of kibble I carried for rewarding good work.
But as is true of any deep bond, the one between Stardust and me has blossomed over the years as we work, play, and live together. She is intimately attuned to me and my emotions, and I'm keenly aware of hers. She isn't exuberant or mischievous like Lenore. Her light is the soft, steady kind, her presence quiet and gentle yet magnificent. Even people who have only known and observed her working for a short time remark on her beautiful spirit. This is more than a cute puppy, even if her small, refined physique will forever make passersby think she's a guide dog in training. One only needs to watch her navigating with me in the city for a few minutes, to see her studying and analyzing and planning as we walk together, to know that she is confident, loves her work, and cares about me deeply.
I am indebted to Katz for this beautiful book and its wonderful reminder to savor every moment possible with the dogs who choose us. They will all leave us, long before we're ready to let them go.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising! Jon Katz has done it again. By sheer, brutal honesty he's dragged his success and failure and depression and slow recovery out into the light of day, and wound the threads into a gripping story. And central to it all, are the dogs who saved him--Izzy and Lenore. Izzy is a border collie with sad backstory, and their "getting acquainted" period reminded me of my early days with Izzy. My Izzy didn't throw up in the car, though. She pooped everywhere in the house, had recurring diarrhea, refused to eat, tore up the wall of the dining room, and had to be carried down the steps to go outside. She took it hard; his Izzy worse. I just love dog stories!

And Izzy eventually becomes a hospice dog--that's a story that would make the book all by itself.

Lenore is a silly little lab puppy who helps Jon recover simply by unconditional acceptance, lots of wet kisses, and just plain old bouncy puppyness.

My only (hesitant) criticism is that Mr. Katz repeats himself a bit too much. I'm surprised an editor didn't trim some of that out--but then, maybe an editor did, and this is what's left to supply continuity to his thoughts.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins with a note: No dogs die in this book. Hmm. Relieving but wth? I then investigate Katz and discover the controversies. Plunging ahead (if the man is crazy I can jump ship), I promptly fall in love with his dogs and their huge personalities.

The book mainly focuses on Izzy, a once abandoned border collie who develops an amazing ability to comfort patients receiving hospice care. Katz can’t explain how Izzy is able to bond so completely with the dying and their families though he offers some credible theories. Katz also details his bout of debilitating depression and how adoption of Lenore, a happy-go-lucky Labrador retriever puppy, contributes to his recovery.

Verdict: Katz is a little spacey but he writes well and his canine friends are worth reading about. However, I’m going to skip the book about the dog that dies.

“From the first time I heard about Izzy, I remembered the notion, common to myths in many cultures, of the animal who comes to us, in our abandonment and isolation, and takes us someplace we can’t go alone.”

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Jon Katz’s books about dogs and Izzy & Lenore was a delight! Izzy was a border collie rescue. He had been abandoned by his owners for several years. They had bought a summer home, left the dog and never returned to care for him. A neighbor fed and watered him, but otherwise he had no contact with humans. He was wild and filthy, but Jon immediately felt a bond with him and with help, transferred Izzy to his home. Lenore was a black lab puppy that he bought from a breeder who was also a friend. Jon had been suffering from depression and I’m sure a black lab puppy could certainly bring some happiness back into his life. As I read the descriptions of Lenore, I started wanting a puppy myself!
A great deal of this book was about Jon’s work as a hospice volunteer. Both he and Izzy work together visiting the homes of the dying and bring comfort and support to the families. Izzy was a natural being quiet and calm and comforting the hospice patients. The book is filled with Jon’s photos of Bedlam Farm and of his dogs.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an unexpectedly delightful book. i had purchased this book quite awhile ago, so I did not 100% remember what it was about. The author delves into his relationship with Izzy, a border collie who was found abandoned, and how he becomes a sought-after hospice care dog. Izzy's complete comfort and flawless intuition when working with the hospice patients allow the author to then focus on the other family members needing respite, or just to talk. Lenore joins us midway through the story as an ebullient, rambunctious puppy, and proceeds to steal both the heart of the author, and our hearts as well. The author discusses how his relationships with these dogs helped him through some particularly rough times in his life, as well as brought his to some realizations about himself. This was an excellent read. It was a joy to share a snapshot in the life of these two wonderful dogs.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!
This is the second of his books that I’ve read.
If you love dogs, pick this one up!
It’s a little bit strange to get used to, but what a beautiful story.
The writer actually tells of his life on the farm, as well as his dogs and how they interact with not only him, but others. In this particular case…hospice patients. Beautifully written. Endearing characters (especially the dogs…but a lot of the humans too!) And the way he came about getting each of them is in its own way just so special.
Again, this one touched me…probably being as I was a critical care nurse for many years…so it really hit home.
And of course I love dogs!!
Brought me to tears multiple times too as he tells the stories of the dogs interactions with the patients! It’s amazing how so many respond to animals when they are in the hospital.
Again…just beautiful! Loved this one!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

[loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd Jon Katz book I’ve read and I loved it as much as the others. He is a wonderful writer and each book deals with a specific aspect of his life. Hospice care is so important and becoming more so as healthcare is rapidly changing. His sensitivity to preserving the dignity of people in general as well as in the process of dying is tender but grounded. Izzy is a beautiful comforting soul and Lenore is just pure joy. Although the first books I read by Jon encompass later periods of his life, and because I follow his blog, reading ‘out of order’ so to speak is in no way detrimental to the enjoyment of this book. Each book is full, insightful, honest and hopeful. My plan is to read every book he has written.

[Jsarno49 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming book. Katz, the owner of Bedlam Farm in upstate NY, relates the story of Izzy, a dog left alone in a pen for many months, who becomes Katz's devoted companion and a very sensitive and effective hospice volunteer. Much of this book focuses on Izzy's visits with hospice patients and the many ways he is able to comfort them. On reflection, Katz thinks that dogs' ability to "love without reservations", provide an outlet for emotions, and encourage people to be contemplative make them valued hospice volunteers. The book also tells the story of Lenore, a lovable puppy, who brings solace to Katz and helps him recover from depression. Katz's love and understanding of dogs helps all of us better understand and admire qualities in our own dogs.

[CaliNativeBalboa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I'd read this non-fiction narrative of a dog lover and his dysfunctional rescues at the time our maladjusted little Vizsla/Cocker mix joined our family. Although I'm not sure how I feel about Katz as a person, he has incredible insight and empathy for misfit creatures. There's a passage where, after months of struggling with Izzy, a feral purebred herding dog, the two make a simple, yet deep connection that transforms their relationship. It gives me hope and patience for our little rebel with her annoying abandonment issues.
Even during a period of deep depression, Katz and Izzy visit dying hospice patients and bring joy and respite during their final days. Izzy and Lenore is yet another example of how animals truly add meaning and purpose to all our lives.

[Viewpoints Radio · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love our dogs to comfort us when we are sad, so wouldn't we want them also in the final moments of life? In this book, author John Katz describes how he is making a difference by taking his dog, in this case his border collie Izzy, to comfort hospice patients. Katz describes the lasting effects of having dogs in hospice with dying patients and why he believes this should be more common. We had the chance to speak with Katz about his love for dogs and helping others on our radio show Viewpoints Radio. To hear more about this topic, please check out this link! https://viewpointsradio.wordpress.com...

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more personal than any of Jon Katz's books about his dogs and about Bedlam Farm. Izzy was rescued after several years confined to a pan, and a truly crazy dog evolves into on that is outstanding in his ability to provide exactly what is needed for each of the hospice patients he encounters. Lenore is a typical Lab: ruled by her stomach, but also born to love and be loved. Best part: no dogs die in this book!

In working with these two dogs Jon learns some good lessons about himself, his depression, and his past. Self-revealing, funny, and heart warming.

[Judy Wesol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book but it deals with depressing matters. Its focus on the joy of having a dog/dogs for a companion is really what I loved about this book. That connection that you have with your dog/baby is so hard to put into words but the author does a good job. I lost my best friend/dog of 17 years last year and miss him beyond words. I swear he could look at me and see into my soul & he knew me better than any person ever has. Jon Katz gets that - he understands that connection and has also experienced it.

[Tracy Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly touched my heart in so many ways. Katz' writing really puts you in the story and I could picture the interactions, emotions and bonds that were ever-growing. I think being a dog lover made this book more appealing to me and if you're not a fan of dogs or if you don't believe they can touch hearts in ways beyond belief, then this may not be the book for you. I loved it. I also loved that it is set in Washington County NY, where I once lived and still have close ties to. And the Adirondack references were also very meaningful. I hope I get to meet Jon sometime.