Ein Engel auf vier Pfoten: Roman

by Jon Katz, Gabriele Zigldrum (Translator)

Rose ist eine treue, hingebungsvolle Hirtenhündin, die ihre Aufgaben ernst nimmt. Sie hütet die Schafe und bewacht auch die anderen Tiere auf der Farm, allen voran ihren Besitzer Sam, der seit dem frühen Tod seiner Frau Katie allein lebt. Als ein Jahrhundertblizzard die Gegend verwüstet und Sam schwer verletzt wird, muss Rose ihren ganzen Mut zusammennehmen, um ihn, die Tiere und die Farm zu retten.

Genres: Animals, Fiction, Dogs, Relationships, Adventure, Audiobook, Book Club

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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

[RM(Alwaysdaddygirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars.


🇺🇸🦋



I will do a short review within two weeks.

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

A heart warming and sometimes heart breaking story of Rose and Sam. Rose is a Border Collie Shepard mix and Sam is a farmer. They are quite the duo.

This novel is seen mostly through the eyes of Rose and how she works the animals on Sam's farm. Thing move along quite nicely until a blizzard hits and Sam is evacuated. Rose refuses to go along. Now you might think this is the heartbreaking end to the story, but it is not.

If you are an animal lover, especially a dog lover, you will enjoy this story. Katz has written a number of stories relating to his dogs and his homestead - Bedlam Farms.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put this book among the top classic dog books of all time. I place it as one of my top favorites. The summary of the book and others will give you the details of what the book is about, I will try to talk about what I love about it. I wish my writing skills were up to speed as the author to be able to eloquently say this is a great book that I feel every lover of classic dog books should read.

The book switches from Sam’s human perspective to that of Rose the dog’s perspective. and does both with great insight. I agree with what others have said, that no one seems to speak the language of canines better than Jon Katz. He at times takes the dogs thoughts perhaps a little too far, on what the dog sees in other animals or in what lies at the end of life but I want to believe and just enjoy.

The challenges and ways the dog overcomes them are masterful. As Katz lays out the thinking of the dog, you work it out with Rose at the same time and you feel like you are in the passenger seat on the whole trip. As the snow piles up as well as the challenges Rose is faced with, you will not want to put the book down.

My only difference in opinion in the way the author takes the story is how he gets the dog out of the last big challenge. I would have preferred the challenge or the solution was different and something Rose could have solved on her own. I won’t give that part away by giving specific details but would be interested in seeing what others think. It was not enough for me to knock it out of my small list of favorite dog books.

This book is written so well, I will want to read it again. Here is a couple of examples of writing that I really enjoyed:

This was her place, in front of her sheep, guarding the flock, keeping them safe to the end. This was her work, her destiny, the point of her. Katie flashed into her head, her calm, sure voice. Rose, too, felt calm and sure.
To get them to pasture, to give them time to eat, to protect them. To keep them from ravines and gullies into which they could fall, streams in which they could drown, woods in which they could wander and become lost. To get them home before dark. She did this for them, and to serve the humans her kind served, who had worked with her line all the way back through time.
She kept them safe. She would do that now, whether Sam was here or not, whether it was possible or not. – Jon Kantz, Rose in a Storm


Had Sam been in the farmhouse and looked out, he would have been amazed to see this solitary dog, covered in a coating of white, staring up the hill, giving eye to the wind, the snow, the coyotes, to life and the world, to her choices and her duty. He would have marveled at her responsibility, her loyalty, and her bravery. Rose had never run, never backed down, never failed to get it done. He had said that about her so many times – he bragged about her like she was his child, although never in her presence. It would have been patronizing, even insulting, to praise Rose so much to her face. Work was her reward.
But there was no one to see this dog on the hill, and no human would ever know what was about to happen there. – Jon Kantz, Rose in a Storm

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Katz has devoted most of his writing to his animals on the farm he lives. I have read several of them. "Rose in a Storm" is about his real life dog border collie Rose. Although this is in fiction form. The story is around Rose who looks over the farm and animals that reside there. She is wondering what happened to Sam her owner's wife Katie{ she does not understand that Katie died} it is winter time and a storm is coming. a big blizzard. Rose has to chase off coyotes and other dangers. she also helps an old stray dog referred to as the "wild dog" who once lived on a farm nearby and ran away years ago when his owner died. Sam her owner has an accident where he is taken away to a hospital and Rose is left to manage the farm and blizzard and dangers that go with it.
I liked this book very much. I enjoyed that it was seen through the eyes of Rose the border collie dog. anyone who likes to read about Dogs may like this touching book. Jon Katz is good at getting into the thoughts a dog may have.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic blizzard hits the Adirondacks of New York, including widower Sam's farm. As the storm gets worse Sam and working farm dog Rose, who Sam has had since she was a puppy will have to rely on each other more than ever if they want to survive the blizzard and come through it alive, and protect the other animals who live there and the farm both Sam and Rose call home. A heartwarming story of man and man's best friend. It will bring joy to your heart and tears to your eyes. I read mostly mystery so this is not what I would normally read, but am glad I gave this one a try. Recommend to anyone who loves dogs. 5 stars.

[Carolw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing story about an amazing dog. Although Jon Katz usually writes non-fiction I loved his fiction story told from both a human’s perspective and a dog’s perspective. It shows a glimpse of what a working dog on a farm feels and does in a horrible and desperate snow storm. It shows the relationships between man and animals and the relationships between different species of animals. I definitely have a greater respect for working dogs.

[Sallie Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This the first time I’ve read anything written by Jon Katz. A novel about a working dog. The story moves back and forth between Sam the farmer and Rose the dog’s points of view. Rose is a border collie, a working dog, and boy does she work. When a blizzard blows in plus plummeting temperatures her work is really cut out for her. What an amazing tale of human and canine endurance. A really good dog book!

ATY Goodreads Challenge - 2025
Prompt #27 - a book set in winter

[Kathy Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel so fortunate to have received an advance copy of this book. It is a book I could relate to. I read it with my faithful black lab at my feet. Having worked at a free-range veal and lamb farm which employed a couple of sheep dogs, I could easily envision Rose as she went about her work on the farm. Jon Katz does a great job of putting the reader into the story. His descriptions are so vivid, one can almost feel the strength of the wind and imagine the effort necessary to manage a farm during a blizzard. Even though the story line takes place under harsh conditions, happier times are interwoven into the book adding to the enjoyment of the book. I have often tried to figure out what goes on in a dog’s mind, but have given up trying to put human thoughts into a dog’s behaviors. Mr. Katz’s interpretation of Rose’s antics is logical and pleasing. I wish I had this book to read during this past winter when I was housebound by the blizzards - it is the kind of book that you want to read beginning to end in one sitting.

[TheIron Paw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally finished it - I got too emotionally involved and has to stay away from it for several days. Where this book really shines is providing an insight into how the world must appear from the perspective of a dog, without excessively anthropomorphizing the view, though some amount is necessary to enable us humans to understand it. For example Katz describes the dog's view of the farm and her thought processes as an "image" (implying visual image)- we humans would be hard pressed to understand an image based largely on scents, as a dog's most likely would be. While the plot may be a bit heavy handed, a number of the incidents I have seen earlier in Katz's non-fiction work (e.g. Dogs of Bedlam Farm)enhancing the believability of this.

This book will appeal immensely to those who love dogs for what they are: dogs. It will appeal less to those who prefer to see dogs in anthropomorphic terms (e.g. themselves as "mommy" to the dog).

As an aside - I wonder if "Flash" is a reference to Footrot Flats dog.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Exceptional Book...written by Jon Katz, a gifted writer, that takes you into the world of Rose, a border collie/shepherd mix. The bond between Rose and her owner, a farmer, and the raw world of nature that is theirs, is vividly portrayed. The story flows with the rhythms and events of the natural world, from skittish sheep, driven by fear, to hungry coyotes.
A major blizzard disrupts the farm in multiple destructive ways, bringing a snow driven struggle for survival to this powerful story.
An extra dimension is provided throughout by Katz's informed knowledge, from both research and direct experience with his own dogs -- Rose, Izzy, Lenore and Frieda -- when he takes you into Rose's mind and reveals the canine soul.
Not for kids, but excellent for adults and young adult readers, I found this gripping book to be totally engaging.

[Amber Eats Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting which is unheard of lately. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Rose, a border collie, who protects a farm during a massive snow storm. I think the author did a great job of getting us inside Rose’s thoughts without it feeling forced or gimmicky. I have also read Saving Simon by the same author which is a nonfiction work. Both books were wonderful!

[Dawn Emsen-Hough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read about Rose, a working border collie. This is a story of survival during an horrific storm as told through the eyes of both the dog and her owner. While I really enjoyed the book, I thought the ending was rather odd - somewhat abrupt and unfinished. But all said, thoroughly enjoyed the book - one that will leave you marvelling at the intelligence loyalty of this stunning breed.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

My mom loved this book! I read five chapters and quit. I'm a dog lover but can't do books narrated by dogs.

[Wanda Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers…summary for my own benefit. Rose was a border collie living on a farm with her owner Sam. Sam had lost his wife Katie to illness. Rose had loved Katie and never stopped looking for her not understanding where she had gone. Sam had become very attached to Rose who was a working dog on the farm. Rose and Sam worked the livestock with mutual understanding, and Sam couldn’t imagine running the farm without Rose. During a terrible snow storm, Sam is injured and is taken to a hospital for three days. Sam tries to take Rose with him but she refuses to go. The storm worsens and she spends three days defending the farm and the animals from coyotes and foxes. Rose does an amazing job of protecting and feeding the animals against all odds. Several animals were lost to the extreme cold and lack of food and water but most survive. An old wild dog that Rose had seen in the fields many times approaches the farm looking for shelter from the storm, and Rose allows him to come to the barn. The two dogs end up bonding and it is revealed that he is actually her father. When Rose is finally exhausted and can no longer hold off the hungry coyotes from attacking the animals, she is attacked. As she goes unconscious, a huge wolf shows up and kills a coyote and scares off the others and then disappears. In the beginning of the story, Rose used to go into the woods and play with a wolf puppy, so I assume it was that now adult wolf that saved her. Sam comes home to find Rose near death being guarded by the old wild dog. After quite a while at the vet and several surgeries later, Rose comes back to the farm. Sam has had the old wild dog vetted and he is much healthier now and lives out his life on the farm with Sam and Rose. Rose is bred and at the end of the story is about to have her puppies and goes to where she used to love to sit with Katie to have her puppies and imagines Katie there with her. A heartwarming story.

[Shaunna Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite it’s simplistic title, this book is beautifully written in a classic style compelling me to stop, reread it, and reflect on the writing. Through this lovely book, we can see the world through the mind of a wise farm dog. One can learn more about wilderness, conservation, and nestle within the quietness of the woods, adjusting to animal instincts and ancient primal memories as if they are our own heartbeat. I reread this book during a snowstorm in rural Missouri. Between the weather outside and the storm surrounding Rose, this tale swept me up. I love it and want to include many Jon Katz books in my library.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This beautifully written book was sooo good! Rose, a border collie is a phenomenal dog, who works on the farm with her owner, Sam. A horrific blizzard hits the area and the things thi working dog does is nothing short of amazing.

I knew Border Collies were working dogs, but I guess I didn’t fully grasp all they do. The author does a wonderful job of telling this story through Rose’s eyes, allowing the reader to better understand her duties, along with her hard work.

This book will stick with me for a long time. Definitely one I would re-read again.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread Rose in a Storm because I have recently discovered Donald McCaig’s books both fiction and nonfiction mostly about Border Collies. These are two of my favorite contemporary dog writers though I found McCaig’s nonfiction more interesting than his novels about dogs. McCaig takes a swipe at Jon Katz in The Dog Wars in what frankly sounds like a jealous reaction to the success of Katz’s books some of which feature Border Collies.

Jon Katz began as an amateur Border Collie owner, but his fascination with the Border Collie and dissatisfaction with his urban life led him to buy a farm and eventually acquire sheep and many other animals. As McCaig states he has never entered a Border Collie Trial, but Katz just wants a dog to help on his farm. He never pretended to be a Border Collie expert. He also writes about, Labs, roosters, donkeys and a giant steer all who come to live on his farm.

In Rose In A Storm Katz shows that he does understand the Border Collie personality- she lives to work and she isn’t really a pet. She is an indispensable partner on Sam’s farm who rises to the occasion when an enormous snow storm hits the farm and Sam must be hospitalized.

There are a few stretches in this novel - how Rose befriends the Wild Dog and how she solves the major crisis of the novel, but the story is gripping and shows the real life of farmers and their travails.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katz has his strengths, but there's a separation of species that irks me when he's describing the human/dog bond. In "A Dog Year," I felt such impatience in Katz toward a dog he adopted knowing the dog was troubled. In "Rose," I felt so annoyed that the farmer felt keeping a distance between himself and Rose implied they worked better that way. Also understand that the majority of farms operate on a shoestring, but would a solo farmer in a farming area really take no steps to augment group communication with a blizzard rolling in? Sam just seemed stubborn and short-sighted. And some of the things Katz wrote into Rose's ability to accomplish seemed a stretch too unlikely. Herding breeds are amazing independent thinkers, but it got pushed a bit too far. And it was twisted to have Rose bred after the injuries and lengthy recovery she'd suffered. Really? Nice reward, to stress her body in all new ways. Ugh. The Flash subplot was my favorite, a "found" dog finding new comfort, stability and love. But, again, a rather typical Katz disconnect. One dog rewarded, another put to more work....

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a fictional book, it's clearly based on his farm, and Rose of course, the amazing dog that was literally born to work. I almost found this book to be one big deterrent of ever wanting to or becoming a farmer, even one with a small farm, almost as a hobby farm, the first 3/4 of the book was just struggle upon struggle, that it was almost hard to read. By the last 1/4 of the book you are ready for survival, for a win, for something not crappy to happen to Sam and Rose, just to feel more lighthearted and not so heavy from reading it. Not my favorite of his, but as always, Rose is the hero, Rose is amazing, Rose is remarkable, and of course, if you ever thought having a farm sounded idyllic or something fun, you are reminded of all that can go wrong. Maybe just have the land and dogs and forgo the actual farm animals.

[Phair · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard to read this book through the rivers of tears. Tragic, joyful, exhausting, energizing, hopeful, fatalistic, just plain beautiful. The life of a working farm dog seen through the dog's eyes. The author did not over-anthropomorphize the dog's thought processes but made them seem, well, dog-like and real. There was a touch of magical realism or mysticism (really get out your box of Kleenex here all you animal lovers) but it did not make the book seem less realistic. I have seldom read such a purely emotional roller coaster of a book. I'm still crying as I write this.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this through Goodreads First Reads giveaway and was very pleasantly surprised to be engrossed in the story (as I would never classify myself as a lover of dogs). Both heartwarming and heartrending, the story is a pleasant diversion.

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and powerful, especially since I read most of it this morning, after experiencing our own terrible storm (thunder and tornadoes) last night. An amazingly well told story from the dog's perspective.

[Maureen Mullis · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story about a farmer and his dog (Rose) as they deal with a severe storm on the farm. It's told from both the point of view of the farmer as well as from the point of view of the dog. Pretty good, but a rather strange ending. If you like dogs you might like this book.

[Sharman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, touching story of a working dog, a farm and a blizzard. Loved it.

[Kristen Schrader (Wenke) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of one small farm's survival during a blizzard, as told from the dog's point of view.
Great for animal lovers.
1 star taken away for the deus ex machina resolution to the conflict.

[Kenya Starflight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book that manages to transport you, to the point where you can smell or feel the book's setting. Rose in a Storm may not be a masterpiece, but I almost felt the cold and the sting of snow as I read this, and sensed the urgency of the characters. And getting into the mind of its canine main character, without said canine being humanized to an absurd degree, is no small feat either.

Rose has lived on the farm with Sam as long as she can remember, and knows it's her job to protect the animals and keep them in line. She knows Sam is slowing down, and she senses that life on the farm has changed since Kate, Sam's wife, died... but she's still determined to do her job. When a terrible blizzard sweeps over the farm, it threatens the way of life Rose has always known, and puts everything she has fought for in jeopardy. But Rose is nothing if not determined, and she won't let snow, cold, or the coyotes closing in on the farm turn her away from what she needs to do.

Jon Katz's prose is fairly workmanlike -- it does its job of telling the story without a lot of artistry in the writing. That's not a terrible thing, however. Not every story needs magnificent writing to shine, and he does a great job of conveying the setting of the farm and the deep cold of winter. And it's obvious that he's familiar with animal behavior, as almost every scene featuring animals felt authentic and real. "Almost" because there were some odd scenes that seem to feature a doggie afterlife that stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit...

I appreciate Rose being portrayed as, well, a dog, and not as a human in fur. Many books featuring canine protagonists try to make them doglike but still give them human characteristics, resulting in either anthropomorphizing them or in getting overly cutesy in their depictions. Rose's mannerisms feel authentic and real, and her internal thoughts aren't humanized but feel like an actual dog's would. Her bond with Sam and Kate was well-done as well, heartwarming without being saccharine or sentimental.

Rose in a Storm may not give all the warm fuzzies that dog books like A Dog's Purpose or The Art of Racing in the Rain do, but it's still a good read. And it's nice to have a dog book where the dog is authentically portrayed.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars; it started pretty strong, but then threw in some unnecessary things like dream-sequences that didn't add anything to the story (we're talking about Rose and Sam here, we don't need to speculate/fantasize about how dogs first got domesticated, that's unneeded distraction). Sam the farmer seemed surprisingly last-minute in his storm preparations (usually you get a big-storm warning days ahead of time and start prepping the farm immediately, no? What's this waiting-til-the-snowfall-starts stuff?). The point of view bounces between him, aging, tired, and preoccupied after the recent death of his wife, and Rose the working dog, who doesn't understand why Kate is gone but is determined to keep the farm going--Rose's parts don't have her 'talking' like a Disney animal, it's more seeing how she perceives and processes things from her dog perspective. Rose is one of those workaholic working dogs who doesn't want cuddles, she wants to constantly be doing something, and Sam recognizes this and doesn't try to housepet-ify her, so readers looking for a snuggly dog-love story might be put off, but readers who know hardcore working dogs may recognize the dynamic. Some readers may not like seeing some of the harsh realities of farming (working dogs getting knocked around by livestock, animals being killed by predators, etc.) but this is a largely unsentimental portrayal of farm life, with admiration for the partnership of determined working animals--though with a few of those annoying fantasy-like bits sprinkled here and there. (Disclaimer: I love fantasy fiction, but these bits just didn't seem to fit the story and made it feel a little fanfic-y)
Not the best book ever, but recommended for readers wanting an adult-level animal story.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book although there were aspects of it that were a bit far fetched. I liked having the story told from the dog's perspective. I found it a little odd that the dog didn't enjoy being petted and getting attention or treats from the farmer (never met a dog like that, even working dogs) and one of the thoughts running through my mind throughout the book was how bad this dog must smell and what a matted mess her coat must be. I've always had long coated dogs so ....
Because I chose this book for my turn at book club, I researched the author. We always state what the author's background is, other books published, etc during our introduction of the book. I was disheartened to find out that many border collie people hate him. It seems that he acquired a border collie without knowing much about the breed and that, coupled with a laissez faire "training" of the dog, ended up resulting in bites to a few people. Instead of consulting a trainer or giving the dog to a border collie rescue so it could be rehomed with knowledgeable owners, he had the dog put down. So, as much as I enjoyed this book, I won't be reading any others of his.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about Rose, a working dog on a farm, told from the dogs viewpoint!
Rose lives with Sam the farmer, and helps herd the sheep, keep coyotes away, keep an eye on the family, etc.
Sam’s wife Katie gets sick and Rose can “smell” it. She stays by her side day and night…but then Sam takes Rose away before Katie dies…and Rose is left wondering what happened to her? (Similar thing happened with us when my 15 year old dog died. I took him away before our younger dog saw him. Never should have done that. He looked for him for days…)
So Rose continues doing her job, but then a huge storm comes…and Sam gets hurt. He wants to take Rose with him, but she won’t come. Instead she mans the farm during the storm…and what follows will have you hanging on the edge of your seat…rooting for Rose.
Beautiful insights on what she might be thinking, as well as how strong her instincts are to protect!
I love dogs, and I thought this book was a winner!
Heartwarming, and yet jarring in many scenes as well.
Warning: Some content may be difficult for young ones… but this is life in the wilderness.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.

[Julie Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Books written from an animal's point of view can be treachly or cute, but they can succeed as in the marvelous Three Bags Full, a mystery from the point of view of sheep. In Rose, we see the world through the eyes of a working farm dog. Rose does not do treats or petting, she lives to work. Which is a good thing for her human Sam, who is trying to keep his farm going after the death of his wife, Katie. Rose and Sam share a bond as they care for the sheep, cows, chickens, goats, and donkey on the Massachusetts farm. But one day a very bad snowstorm threatens to defeat them both. Rose uses her canine wits and instincts and saves Sam, as well as an old wild dog who chose to run wild after his own human died years before. The book is not a cute attempt at an adult version of a child's book, but rather a grasp of how the amazing working dogs do their job on a farm. The last part of the book is the author's retelling of the grief he felt after a companion died. Great for dog or animal lovers.