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A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me
Sometimes, change comes on four legs.
In his popular and widely praised Running to the Mountain, Jon Katz wrote of the strength and support he found in the massive forms of his two yellow Labrador retrievers, Julius and Stanley. When the Labs were six and seven, a breeder who’d read his book contacted Katz to say she had a dog that was meant for him—a two-year-old border collie named Devon, well bred but high-strung and homeless. Katz already had a full canine complement—but, as he writes, “Change loves me. . . . It comes in all forms. . . . Sometimes, change comes on four legs.” Shortly thereafter he brought Devon home. A Dog Year shows how a man discovered much about himself through one dog (and then another), whose temperament seemed as different from his own as day from night. It is a story of trust and understanding, of life and death, of continuity and change. It is by turns insightful, hilarious, and deeply moving.
In his popular and widely praised Running to the Mountain, Jon Katz wrote of the strength and support he found in the massive forms of his two yellow Labrador retrievers, Julius and Stanley. When the Labs were six and seven, a breeder who’d read his book contacted Katz to say she had a dog that was meant for him—a two-year-old border collie named Devon, well bred but high-strung and homeless. Katz already had a full canine complement—but, as he writes, “Change loves me. . . . It comes in all forms. . . . Sometimes, change comes on four legs.” Shortly thereafter he brought Devon home. A Dog Year shows how a man discovered much about himself through one dog (and then another), whose temperament seemed as different from his own as day from night. It is a story of trust and understanding, of life and death, of continuity and change. It is by turns insightful, hilarious, and deeply moving.
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
172 people are currently reading
5009 people want to read
About the author
Jon Katz
56 books467 followers 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.
He is working on a collection of short stories and a book on animal grieving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
July 10, 2007
DISAPPOINTED!
I feel cheated. Ripped off.
At the beginning of the book, Katz has two Labradors he loves. He writes rapturously of their perfect, content life together.
Then a breeder friend starts nagging him to adopt a troubled, difficult border collie.
I go through this every time I see a homeless animal. I want to adopt the rabbit on Craig's list, whose owners have realized they're not good caretakers. I want to take home the dog I saw at adoption day at the local pet store. But I don't, because even though those animals deserve loving homes, I already have three cats, and they deserve their fair portion of my attention, and I don't have the resources for another animal right now.
Also, I believe adopting a pet is like getting married or having a child. It's in sickness and health, for richer or poorer.
Katz agrees to adopt Devon, the border collie, the first of a lot of decisions I have a hard time with.
His beloved labs get swept to the background as he fights for dominance with Devon. He makes half-hearted references to his wife's reluctance to be part of his dog life.
And then one of the labs gets sick. I've been in this position with our elderly cat, and we had him euthanized when he was too sick to enjoy life. Katz makes the decision right away, without studying treatment options. What really made me angry was that he didn't let the dog adjust to the realization that he was dying. As soon as the dog couldn't run and play *all day long*, he had him put to sleep. There were no signs the dog was in constant pain, and damn, he should have had a chance to retire a bit, adjust to life with less activity.
Soon after this, the breeder starts pestering Katz about a puppy. And Katz, though he has his doubts (and so does his wife) goes and gets the dog because Oprah Winfrey says he should. Really. He's on Oprah's show to promote another book, and during the commercial break, he mentions the puppy. Oprah says, as the cameras come back on, that he should "make himself happy" and get the dog. Fuck me. This is how he makes the decision? Lets someone with no knowledge of the situation tell him to get the dog to make *himself* happy? Ugh. I felt sick.
I did a little research on Katz before reading any more. Turns out that "A Dog Year" has a happy ending, but later Katz writes a book about his decision to put Devon to sleep because of behavioral problems.
I'm not in his shoes, I've never been in this situation with an animal. But I just don't trust his judgment. I mean, was it a good idea to encourage the dog to chase trucks, even from behind a fence? No, I can't read any more because I don't think I have anything to gain from this man's perspective. He talks about how much he loves the dogs, but it has no resonance with me. What I really want to do is find a rabbit or a guinea pig who needs something to chew on.
I feel cheated. Ripped off.
At the beginning of the book, Katz has two Labradors he loves. He writes rapturously of their perfect, content life together.
Then a breeder friend starts nagging him to adopt a troubled, difficult border collie.
I go through this every time I see a homeless animal. I want to adopt the rabbit on Craig's list, whose owners have realized they're not good caretakers. I want to take home the dog I saw at adoption day at the local pet store. But I don't, because even though those animals deserve loving homes, I already have three cats, and they deserve their fair portion of my attention, and I don't have the resources for another animal right now.
Also, I believe adopting a pet is like getting married or having a child. It's in sickness and health, for richer or poorer.
Katz agrees to adopt Devon, the border collie, the first of a lot of decisions I have a hard time with.
His beloved labs get swept to the background as he fights for dominance with Devon. He makes half-hearted references to his wife's reluctance to be part of his dog life.
And then one of the labs gets sick. I've been in this position with our elderly cat, and we had him euthanized when he was too sick to enjoy life. Katz makes the decision right away, without studying treatment options. What really made me angry was that he didn't let the dog adjust to the realization that he was dying. As soon as the dog couldn't run and play *all day long*, he had him put to sleep. There were no signs the dog was in constant pain, and damn, he should have had a chance to retire a bit, adjust to life with less activity.
Soon after this, the breeder starts pestering Katz about a puppy. And Katz, though he has his doubts (and so does his wife) goes and gets the dog because Oprah Winfrey says he should. Really. He's on Oprah's show to promote another book, and during the commercial break, he mentions the puppy. Oprah says, as the cameras come back on, that he should "make himself happy" and get the dog. Fuck me. This is how he makes the decision? Lets someone with no knowledge of the situation tell him to get the dog to make *himself* happy? Ugh. I felt sick.
I did a little research on Katz before reading any more. Turns out that "A Dog Year" has a happy ending, but later Katz writes a book about his decision to put Devon to sleep because of behavioral problems.
I'm not in his shoes, I've never been in this situation with an animal. But I just don't trust his judgment. I mean, was it a good idea to encourage the dog to chase trucks, even from behind a fence? No, I can't read any more because I don't think I have anything to gain from this man's perspective. He talks about how much he loves the dogs, but it has no resonance with me. What I really want to do is find a rabbit or a guinea pig who needs something to chew on.
January 31, 2011
Enough with the bred dogs. Learn your lesson already and get a dog from a pound. Then you won't have to put them to sleep when they're much younger than most dogs because of diseases caused by overbreeding or put them to sleep because you can't control their behavioral issues. Shame on you, Jon Katz. Use your money and fame for some good.
January 11, 2013
I read this book after seeing the film of the same name starring Jeff Bridges. There is a great deal left out, understandably, but both were enjoyable. As a former border collie owner myself, I enjoyed the stories of Devon and Homer attempting to herd things, as well as pulling seemingly impossible stunts while their owner was away.
I'm not sure this is a book for people not completely enamored of dogs -- in particular, for border collie owners who understand and embrace their quirks. In that respect, even some of the more unpleasant bits of the training experience get a sympathetic nod.
However, it could also serve as a cautionary tale to those interested in owning a border collie. Their high intelligence can sometimes be a nightmare, and not everyone is geared to handle that. But Katz made this abundantly clear in his writing.
There was apparently a bit of controversy concerning some things Katz chose to do after this book was written -- namely, how he chose to handle Devon (later renamed Orson) when he took to biting people. However, as I was not aware of this before the fact, I was able to read this without any dark pall hanging over me.
I'm not sure this is a book for people not completely enamored of dogs -- in particular, for border collie owners who understand and embrace their quirks. In that respect, even some of the more unpleasant bits of the training experience get a sympathetic nod.
However, it could also serve as a cautionary tale to those interested in owning a border collie. Their high intelligence can sometimes be a nightmare, and not everyone is geared to handle that. But Katz made this abundantly clear in his writing.
There was apparently a bit of controversy concerning some things Katz chose to do after this book was written -- namely, how he chose to handle Devon (later renamed Orson) when he took to biting people. However, as I was not aware of this before the fact, I was able to read this without any dark pall hanging over me.
January 25, 2011
I enjoyed this book and think the author has a nice, friendly writing style, but it's hard for me to get past the fact that he keeps buying bred dogs. Despite seeing his dogs lead short lives because they are bred and suffer from hereditary problems associated with overbreeding, he keeps buying bred dogs. Come on, Katz. Hit up a shelter. They'll live a lot longer, you'll be saving a life, and you'll be setting a great precedent for all your readers to follow. You're exactly the kind of person with the time and resources to make a huge impact on the lives of shelter dogs and could end the senseless killing of over 4 million dogs each year who don't have someone to take them. Instead, you contribute to the problem. You've got a gift and talent, use it for good.
June 9, 2011
Jon Katz tells a wonderful story in "A Dog Year" about living with his dogs and acquiring a border collie named "Devon" who is slightly out of control. Every dog is different as are humans, but in this novel, getting to know Devon was an experience all in itself. It had me laughing, it had me crying, it had me right from page one! In times like today when life can have so many ups and downs, there is nothing like the companionship of a dog whose gives you love unconditionally. A wonderful story that I would recommend to anyone who has ever had the love of a dog or is even thinking of having one.
June 18, 2009
I absolutely love Jon Katz! This book was sooooooo good! I laughed out loud, cried aloud (even sobbed). I felt like I was right there with him through his trials and tribualations with his beloved boys ( the labs and border collies).
This book is incredible for dog lovers! and apparently it is going to be made into a movie according to the cover. Believe me, i will be first in line to watch it!!!!!
I have read "the Dogs of Bedlam Farm" and am now about to start 'A Good Dog". I have no doubt i will be reading the rest of his books!
This book is incredible for dog lovers! and apparently it is going to be made into a movie according to the cover. Believe me, i will be first in line to watch it!!!!!
I have read "the Dogs of Bedlam Farm" and am now about to start 'A Good Dog". I have no doubt i will be reading the rest of his books!
December 24, 2014
An excellent little book about a year in the life of an author and his four dogs (two of which are rescues). Poignant (at times) and funny (at other times), the author really captures the love he has for these animals and the love they have for him. This book strengthened my own love for dogs. I look forward to reading other nonfiction "dog' books by Mr. Katz.
February 24, 2016
I thought I would love this book. I didn't. I thought I would identify with the author having had a puppy myself and knowing the trials and tribulations of having a puppy can be. I didn't.
I thought his choices were reckless and his two original dogs suffered because of it
I did sob in places but had no love for this book.
I thought his choices were reckless and his two original dogs suffered because of it
I did sob in places but had no love for this book.
January 27, 2012
Anyone who was a fan of Marley and Me should try one of Jon Katz's books. Katz has a series of books sharing his dog stories is hilarious, beautiful, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking ways.
The first of Katz's books that I read was A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me. Katz has two old yellow labs that have grown accustomed to a lazy way of life. A life that Katz himself has grown comfortable with. One day, however, a friend calls Katz and tells him that she found a dog that he should adopt. The dog in question is a two-year-old border collie rescue. After some thought, Katz decides to adopt the border collie, Devon. It is clear from the beginning that Devon is quite different from the laid back labs Katz is used to. Devon is full of uncontrollable energy that leaves Katz questioning if he can keep Devon. Through several hilarious tales of Devon's hyperactivity and clear intelligence, Katz realizes that something has to change if he's going to keep this new border collie in his life. Katz begins learning more about border collies in general and works to understand Devon a bit better.
As is true with so many dog stories, this tale is just as much about the owner as it is about the dogs. Katz realizes that he has to change his mindset, and in many ways his life, rather than trying to simply change Devon. Wonderfully written, this is a story I would recommend to any dog lover.
The first of Katz's books that I read was A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me. Katz has two old yellow labs that have grown accustomed to a lazy way of life. A life that Katz himself has grown comfortable with. One day, however, a friend calls Katz and tells him that she found a dog that he should adopt. The dog in question is a two-year-old border collie rescue. After some thought, Katz decides to adopt the border collie, Devon. It is clear from the beginning that Devon is quite different from the laid back labs Katz is used to. Devon is full of uncontrollable energy that leaves Katz questioning if he can keep Devon. Through several hilarious tales of Devon's hyperactivity and clear intelligence, Katz realizes that something has to change if he's going to keep this new border collie in his life. Katz begins learning more about border collies in general and works to understand Devon a bit better.
As is true with so many dog stories, this tale is just as much about the owner as it is about the dogs. Katz realizes that he has to change his mindset, and in many ways his life, rather than trying to simply change Devon. Wonderfully written, this is a story I would recommend to any dog lover.
September 12, 2014
On average this book was good but not spectacular. An a easy read, I found myself sometimes enthralled in the story and other times checking how many more pages were in the chapter in hopes that the story would move on faster. Despite the enthralling parts I could never quite get past the authors impulsive decision to take on more dogs at the urging of a manipulative breeder several states away. He was so cavalier about inviting his new dog with him on a cross country trip to Minnesota while he taught a class, all the while leaving his wife and two labrador retrievers at home in New Jersey. These and many more decisions (such as jumping in the icy pond, etc.) left me feeling annoyed.
November 5, 2019
4 out of 5 stars
This is a non fiction book on Jon Katz and his year with a new dog called Devon. We start off with some of the authors history with dogs he has had growing up which I really enjoyed. As a fellow pet owner and someone who has grown up with animals I found it so relatable. When Jon gets encouragement to get Devon he has no idea what he is letting himself in for. Devon literally bowls him over and takes his family on a big adventure. There are already two labs at home and I found it very interesting to discover how much the breed of the dog can have such an impact on their personality. I would say that if you love pets she especially dogs that this is very good.
This is a non fiction book on Jon Katz and his year with a new dog called Devon. We start off with some of the authors history with dogs he has had growing up which I really enjoyed. As a fellow pet owner and someone who has grown up with animals I found it so relatable. When Jon gets encouragement to get Devon he has no idea what he is letting himself in for. Devon literally bowls him over and takes his family on a big adventure. There are already two labs at home and I found it very interesting to discover how much the breed of the dog can have such an impact on their personality. I would say that if you love pets she especially dogs that this is very good.
January 7, 2017
'Devon' - I really enjoyed reading it, I could picture every scene in detail. It had upside down emotions, but I liked how it ended in a happy way.
February 9, 2018
I love dog stories, and this one made me laugh and cry. However, I didn't care much for the writer. Nothing I can really pin down, just could not feel anything for him, one way or the other.
June 23, 2024
A good quick read which I mostly enjoyed. Written at a time when the ‘alpha male’ school of dog obedience training was still being used, so I didn’t agree with some of the author’s attempts to train the unruly Devon. I’m pleased that he became less of a follower of these now discredited methods during the course of the year. 4.5 *, very moving in parts.
May 26, 2021
I read this in a day. A terribly accurate tale of what it means to love a dog; in humor, adventure and sadness. Reminded me a lot of Marley and Me, which I also adored.
January 21, 2010
A small slip of a book that explores a year in the life of writer, Jon Katz--a year that involves four dogs. As the year begins, Katz is living a peaceful existance in New Jersey with his two white labs, Julius and Stanley (apparently their earlier adventures are chronicled in another book). Even for labs, these two dogs are super mellow and easy-going and they and their needs fit seamlessly into Jon's writing life. After a morning walk, they sleep by his feet as he types on the computer, etc.
Into this calm and placid situation comes Devon, a cranky, highly intelligent, and slightly disturbed border collie that Katz's friend, Deanne (a breeder in Texas), convinces him is a good idea. Katz might be Devon's last chance at a stable home and maybe Julius and Stanley can help the dog adjust. From the moment that Devon escapes from his crate in the Newark Airport terminal and leads his new owner and countless airline staff on a merry chase (luckily this is pre 9/11), Katz knows that his life is about to change. As the memoir continues, we watch the struggle between man and dog--for Katz to convince Devon that he has found a home and can be trusted and for the dog to see Katz as alpha. From the sidelines of the fray, Julius and Stanley watch and wait. To see how the fourth dog enters the situation, you'll have to read the book.
A good read if you love dogs and a "must read" if you have any inkling of adopting a border collie. Their high intelligence is both an asset and a burden since as Katz puts it, if you don't give them something to do (a job), they will find things to do that you might not like so much. I pretty much know that I couldn't handle a dog like this, but I'm content to watch (and read about them) admiringly from the sidelines.
Into this calm and placid situation comes Devon, a cranky, highly intelligent, and slightly disturbed border collie that Katz's friend, Deanne (a breeder in Texas), convinces him is a good idea. Katz might be Devon's last chance at a stable home and maybe Julius and Stanley can help the dog adjust. From the moment that Devon escapes from his crate in the Newark Airport terminal and leads his new owner and countless airline staff on a merry chase (luckily this is pre 9/11), Katz knows that his life is about to change. As the memoir continues, we watch the struggle between man and dog--for Katz to convince Devon that he has found a home and can be trusted and for the dog to see Katz as alpha. From the sidelines of the fray, Julius and Stanley watch and wait. To see how the fourth dog enters the situation, you'll have to read the book.
A good read if you love dogs and a "must read" if you have any inkling of adopting a border collie. Their high intelligence is both an asset and a burden since as Katz puts it, if you don't give them something to do (a job), they will find things to do that you might not like so much. I pretty much know that I couldn't handle a dog like this, but I'm content to watch (and read about them) admiringly from the sidelines.
January 31, 2008
Nate Thomas
1-31-08
8-3
A Dog Year
The book is called a dog year and its about the author named Jon Katz he is an author and he sometimes writes all day and then he adopts this dog named Devon. Devon is a border collie and he gets into trouble, and he is afraid of people leaving him. Jon lives in New York and Devon likes to have exercise and he can’t because he doesn’t have the space and so he tries to run away every chance he gets. When he runs away he tries to herd the car because he’s a sheep dog.
Jon takes him up to a cabin he owns in the country so that Devon could get exercise they play fetch, they go swimming and Devon runs away for about a day and then realizes that he cant live without Jon and so he comes back to him.
I’m giving this book a four out of five because this book was not the best I have read but it is a good adventure book. It was fun to read because my aunt has a border collie and its fun to learn how Devon acts and how he gets into trouble. It’s a good book if you like dogs and you enjoy them. I think people should read this book.
1-31-08
8-3
A Dog Year
The book is called a dog year and its about the author named Jon Katz he is an author and he sometimes writes all day and then he adopts this dog named Devon. Devon is a border collie and he gets into trouble, and he is afraid of people leaving him. Jon lives in New York and Devon likes to have exercise and he can’t because he doesn’t have the space and so he tries to run away every chance he gets. When he runs away he tries to herd the car because he’s a sheep dog.
Jon takes him up to a cabin he owns in the country so that Devon could get exercise they play fetch, they go swimming and Devon runs away for about a day and then realizes that he cant live without Jon and so he comes back to him.
I’m giving this book a four out of five because this book was not the best I have read but it is a good adventure book. It was fun to read because my aunt has a border collie and its fun to learn how Devon acts and how he gets into trouble. It’s a good book if you like dogs and you enjoy them. I think people should read this book.
March 12, 2017
You know Katz is a gifted writer when he shows you the strengths and shortcomings of 4 very different dogs. He gives of them a distinct voice in the stories he chooses to tell about his beloved companions. I found myself wondering multiple times how many hours had he pondered which special story he wanted to tell to endear you to his beloved companions. I am grateful for his selections. In the end, I felt his joy and his heartbreaks along the way - a journey I am glad I didn't have to endure for an entire year, but one that I am still glad that I took.
April 10, 2008
Yes, I cried when his old dog died. Very sweet story of this guy and his dogs. The author has two sweet, obedient, bonded Labs that he adores and who adore him. He then takes on another dog, who is of a very different temperament. I like how Katz is honest about some of the mistakes he made with the new dog, and how he felt about him. It's not all sweet feelings here. Enjoyable book for folks who like animals.
May 30, 2017
I love Jon Katz and I love his books...this one is no exception. He does an incredible job describing how enmeshed our dogs are in our daily lives. He has funny/sad/quirky stories that explain how dogs help us get through life's challenges while we're helping them make sense of our world. Jon Katz does an amazing job depicting how canines are not just involved in, but are integral to, our existence on this planet.
January 9, 2008
I bought this book for my husband after our beloved cairn terrier passed away at 13 years of age and it brought tears and healing to him. I read it after him and was also deeply affected by its kindhearted and very real struggle with grief and a new, difficult dog. After reading this, we went to the SPCA and got another dog - this completed the cycle on so many levels.
July 7, 2009
I loved all of Jon Katz's books. He had a really great style of writing, and made his life sound like the greatest life in the world. He's a great storyteller. His books are sad, funny, exciting... they have everything. Perfect book for animal lovers about the life of a bunch of dogs and their owners on a farm.
October 27, 2008
Breaks my heart every time. The first time I read this book, I had to hide in a stall in the Denver airport for the last 30 pages or so because I was crying so hard. Beautiful and true and not maudlin like many books addressing the same themes.
November 26, 2008
We have three dogs. Two of which are boarder collies. One of which was adopted later at the age of two. This book really hit home on all aspects. Boarder Collies are extremely challening but very loving and affectionate.
December 20, 2019
Interesting! A man with two yellow Labs decides to take on a "crazy" Border Collie, and then adds another puppy Border Collie to the mix. He has had a lot of different dogs, and he, obviously, is a tried-and-true dog person.
April 12, 2009
Really touching story. Any animal lover would enjoy this book. Jon Katz does a great job of revealing his faults, curiosities and his joys where his dogs are concerned.
June 10, 2017
If you love dogs, you will enjoy this lovely little book. Adopting a dog is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly.
September 18, 2018
We can learn so much from our furry friends family
Love, trust , compassion
Love, trust , compassion
December 3, 2021
Great book and one of my top favorites. Rather not give things away, but just the story part around a favorite ball is better than some others whole books with dogs.
August 9, 2025
I loved this book - who wouldn’t? It is about dogs!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews