Dog Days: Dispatches from Bedlam Farm

by Jon Katz

In Dog Days , Jon Katz, the squire of Bedlam Farm, allows us to live our dreams of leaving the city for the country, and shares the unpredictable adventure of farm life. The border collies, the sheep, the chickens, the cat, the ram, and one surprisingly sociable steer named Elvis all contribute to the hum (and occasional roar) of Bedlam. On timeless summer days and in punishing winter storms, Katz continues his meditation on what animals can selflessly teach us–and what we in turn owe to them. With good neighbors, a beautiful landscape, and tales of true love thrown in, Dog Days gives us not only marvelous animal stories but a rich portrait of the harmonious world that is Bedlam Farm.


Praise for Dog Days :

“Anyone who has ever loved an animal, who owns a farm or even dreams of it, will read Dog Days with appreciation and a cathartic lump in his or her throat.”
–The Washington Post

“Katz proves himself a Thoreau for modern times as he ponders the relationships between man and animals, humanity and nature, and the particularly smelly qualities of manure.”
–Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Katz constructs the perfect blend between self-revelation and his subtle brand of humor.”
–The Star-Ledger

“City-dweller-turned-farmer Katz . . . returns with further adventures from his animal-filled upstate New York sheep farm. Charming.”
–People

“The perfect summer book . . . You will not be disappointed.”
–The Philadelphia Inquirer

“A new twist on the American dream.”
–The Christian Science Monitor

“Thoroughly enchanting.”
–The Dallas Morning News


From the Trade Paperback edition.

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

273 pages, Hardcover

Published June 26, 2007

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

[Lilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice memoir about living in the country with animals! I really enjoyed this book when I read it a few years ago. If I had more time, I would read it again.

[Ellis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. The dogs were awesome, and the pictures were great, but this guy is no James Herriott. His writing was repetitive and just not all that interesting in a lot of places. I want to read about your kick-ass dogs, not the Grunt-and-Grumble-whatever.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book an unequivocal 5 stars for the first half, but the last 1/3 to 1/2 kind of sucked, even though it was very well read. The narrative wandered which I wouldn't have minded if it hadn't been so long & repetitive. It might have been me, but after telling about a dog, the blacksmith, or a particular part of the farm for the first half of the book, why reintroduce them with the same words? I'm not likely to forget either since they've been mentioned many times already. This generally seemed to happen at the beginning of a chapter which made them seem like after thoughts that were tacked on to fill pages. Even the subject matter was often just a bare expansion on what had already gone before. I hate that.

I was quite surprised to find a suburbanite making so many rational decisions about stock - treating it as such. Kudos. The author certainly knows more than I do about the care & training of Border Collies, too. (I know just enough to never get one since I don't have the time or stock to properly work them, but watching someone else's work is sheer joy.) I think he's crazy with his dog-talkers, the way he treats his Lab breeder, & some of his building projects, but his heart is certainly in the right place. Sanity is overrated, anyway.

He makes a good point about people not researching dogs properly before buying them. (I hate that. My dog, Lily, is a rescue from such a situation.) He seemed so knowledgeable that I don't understand why he was surprised when he mentioned how Iggy didn't have any problems joining his pack. Iggy was an uncut male & his other 3 dogs were bitches. Surely the only surprising thing would be if there were many issues.

All in all, I was impressed with his drive & way of writing about his farm. I doubt I'll read another of his books, though. I think he covered the subject as well as he can & got repetitive enough. He's described living with four dogs enough & I certainly don't need to read the story of Orson. He told enough of the story here & I've been through it myself. Yeah, shooting your own dog sucks, but sometimes it has to be done, unfortunately. Depressing.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what I'd think of Dog Days because I'm kind of picky with the dog books I read. I ended up enjoying this and not picking up anythng else while I was reading this. If we had the option of half stars I'd give it a 3.5 for sure. And I'm definitely more eager to read more of his books, especially the two or three I already have stashed somewhere.
Katz isn't your average dog owner. This is the reason I recommend it to "open-minded" dog lovers and owners. I wasn't really what you'd call an open-minded dog lover before this book though. So, one could say it's changed me. Katz has a lot of great ideas on how to get along with dogs (as well as other animals) and how to make sure your dog has a great life. I was intrigued with his thinking that a dog may just have a better life somewhere else. So many of us think that it's a horror to give a dog up - even if that dog maybe wasn't getting the best life. Granted, most dog lovers would give a dog up for a better life in certain circumstances but from all that I've seen those circumstances would need to be severe. Katz thinks just the opposite and he's so in tune with his animals that he can pick up on the little things that most of us miss.
I still disagree with some of what he subscribes to but he's so obviously an animal lover and he so obviously takes such good care of them that it doesn't even bother me. There are things he can do that I could never, ever do. I couldn't shoot a dog for instance. There are times when he's had to do just that on his farm. That brings to me to mentioning that he's totally updated my view of farms. I live near dozens of farms, the minute I leave my development I drive by many. But I never stopped to think of all that goes on on any of those farms. Dog Days is interesting in many aspects.
I think anyone very rigid in their beliefs of dog ownership would maybe not like this but anyone else could probably appreciate it. I loved the few pictures he stuck in too! Those really brought the animals to life for me. I know I'd love to meet Elvis and Jeanneatte and Jesus! Not to mention all of the dogs. And Clem reminded me to much of the yellow Lab I lost this time last year - that was a special plus for me. Thanks Suzanna!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began with 'A Dog Year' several years ago and it will always be on a short list of favorite books for me. 'Dog Days' is the continuing story of Jon Katz and his life on Bedlam Farm(with several other books in between). He continues to adjust to now a variety of animals, but with special emphasis on his dogs and their roles in his life and on the farm. He is very open about his struggles in life and how animals have played a strong role in life changes he has made. It in no way makes me have any desire to live on a farm, but it is fascinating to read about!!

This is the only author I've ever emailed, after reading 'A Dog Year.' He promptly and graciously replied. 'A Dog Year' is also an HBO film that I have not yet seen.

[Sfdreams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Jon Katz for many years. I REALLY enjoyed his suburban dectective series--I wish he still wrote mysteries. But his nonfiction dog books give me a glimpse into his life. And it almost makes me want to have my own small farm. (But I know I am too lazy to all the work it takes to keep a farm going, and would need lots of $$$ to hire others to do it for me!)

I read this book in two days, then gave it to my 85 year old father, who read it in about the same time frame.

This book in particular made me re-think how I feel about my own animals. Specifically, that no matter how much you may love an animal, it may be better for that animal to live with someone else, no matter how hard it is on you.

There are two cats that are living with us that I am considering trying to relocate for their own sakes. One is a formerly feral cat, whom I completely adore, but is stalked and hounded by other cats in my household. She basically lives in my bedroom. I am now thinking that perhaps I should find her another loving home where she is the queen of all. The other is a recent addtion, a stray kitten that we were not able to find her owners. She is constantly growling at all the other animals (in fact, that's usually how I know where she is!) The problem is, she's not all that loving to people (maybe why she was lost and starving in the first place?) and would be hard to place. Plus, I don't believe in outdoor cats--it's just a too hard and dangerous life.

I will say that I don't totally agree with Jon's views on animals--I am more like his "Farm Goddess" who loves and respects ALL animals. I believe that we are all ONE, including all animals and other life (why I am vegetarian/vegan)and would never consider an animal a "number". (In the book, he mentions that when you call a vet, the vet asks if the animal has a number or a name; the inference being that animals with numbers are property and animals with names are a part of the family.)I hope that someday Jon will see his sheep as "names" and not numbers.

[Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This is the first Jon Katz book I have read. After reading this book, I will seek out books written by him. I picked out this book only as a lark, but happy I selected it. I agree with Katz philosophy about dogs - that they are animals, companions and soul-mates, but they are not human. Katz does a good job in communicating his love for his dogs, Rose, Izzy, Pearl and Clem. Each dog, two of them working dogs, have their own characteristics, personalities, and abilties. I enjoyed reading about the other animals on Katz's upstate New York farm. Throughout the book, Katz writes about the interactivity among these farm animals (sheep, cows, donkeys, chickens, cats and dogs). Katz communicates the awesome responsibility of providing food and shelter for his farm animals. But, it goes further than that - Katz writes about each animal knowing its place on the farm and (in their own way) communicating with other animals to bring about a farm that has its own beat, its own personality, its own identity, and its own being. Katz not only writes humorously about animals, but he also offers the reader hilarous observations of his farmer friends. This is a good book, and I recommend reading it!

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give Dog Days 5 stars because I like the way Jon Katz writes and I enjoy his insights. In this one, I also like his descriptions of farm life. There is enough about his dogs to love the book. Rose, his farm dog focused on his work with the sheep. Izzy, the new dog and his training. Clem the lovable one who needs to be lifted into the truck, and Pearl the perfect one. Love hearing about them so much that I will read his next book 'Izzy and Lenore' after this one.

Also discussed are the other members of the farm, cows, donkeys, and of course the sheep. I found them interesting to, but maybe a pure dog fan might go, more dogs, less other stuff. And there is other stuff in the book that maybe some might find not as interesting. The grunt and grumble sort of person may not like the chapter about them. Some people may have different thoughts on the topic of names and numbers regarding livestock. I liked it all and the way Mr. Katz tells it.

[Jora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced, detailed, interesting, and emotional. I appreciated Jon Katz's honest opinion of dealing differently with medical problems in his animals depending on the type of animal. For example, he wouldn't spend nearly as much money or time healing one of his sheep as his dogs. I totally get that.

But this was one of those books without a real ending. It had some mild closure, but no firm conclusion. So overall, worth reading. You will probably enjoy it, but it might not be your favorite book ever.

[SoulSurvivor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another installment in a relaxing series for animal lovers.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I have read a Jon Katz book. I loved this book, although I know even more about dogs than I did when I first picked up a book by him years ago. While my heart belongs to Shelties, I now have 2 Australian Shepherds and our Lab. I have gone to see the Meeker Sheepdog trials, can't even tell you how many hours of training my Aussies have had for agility, now Nosework, and the overflowing bins of agility ribbons the Aussies have. I have seen so many BC's at agility trials, and I know the likelihood of me ever owning one is slim. Maybe when I don't have a young child or other responsibilities, but for me, that breed is so much. I smile at the many times he references the aloofness of Rose, and it's because I have one or both Aussies snuggled up to me or on me. I know Labs, I never knew Labs until I met my husband, I see their appeal. Our current Lab is so laid back, loves everyone, is the only dog I truly trust to put up with young children, and takes the intensity out of herding breeds. He does nosework and loves it. He's not been trained for hunting, his retrieving instinct isn't strong, fine with me, I don't need a ball obsessed dog, but he's so loving, I wish we had time to train him as a therapy dog, his temperament is the essence of Labs as I am learning. But my Aussies have a d work ethic, a shut off, an intense desire to bark and protect in the house, (it's annoying, but I love them and will learn how to better train the next ones)
But what I loved about this book is while having a farm with a few animals sounds idyllic, it's a tough life. I started watching Dr. Pol a few years ago, you get a new appreciation for anyone with large animals, how much work it is, and the difference between owning animals and loving animals. I am also a true believer that not every dog can be saved. (Yesterday I saw the worst dog attack I have ever seen, and at a NW trial where the dogs and owners are so vigilant and respect the 10 foot bubble that agility competitors don't understand), and I couldn't help but think we have turned a page on what may not always be best for a dog, and yet, seemed to have skipped a page.
I just love reading about the successes and failures that Katz has with his animals, but especially his BC's. I love his BC snob references (OMG yes, they so exist), I love how Rose could very likely be an amazing competitor at Meeker, yet, just working her for the pleasure of working her is more than enough for both of them. I do truly love his books, and with each passing year and each new dog and new experience I can relate on some level to what he's talking about.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is written by an ignorant man. He buys MULTIPLE border collies, without any experience and ends up having his "heart dog" killed because he couldn't be arsed to take the time to properly train and manage him. If he worked with a behaviorist, I could respect his decision, but he didn't. He was treating a working animal like a pet, when the temperaments are completely different. He also throws one of the dogs with the sheep to teach itself--a recipe for disaster.

If this were about plants or equipment, then I would rate this much higher, but as a guardian to living creatures this man failed in his duty to educate himself or find a good support base to work from.

The reason i didn't give this two starts is that in addition to the above, his writing style is very self-involved and tends to wander around without ever touching on anythign resembling a point or purpose. If you like that kind of writing you may enjoy this. I did not.

[Deborah D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful stories helping the reader get to know the different animals as individual animals - rather than just the donkeys, the lab, the (former) bull etc.

I felt so much compassion for the journey toward a decision Mr. Katz needed to make for the welfare of his lovely youngish Lab, Clementine.

I realized I used to live near the area Bedlam Farm is located...many ears ago!

Every one of his named animals are shared with the reader - so many insights into quirks of 'personality'...relationships with the vets, farrier, builders and other characters are more prevalent in this book than the others I have read.

[Del · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read 2 of Katz's other book, and it has been good reading about his growth as a human because of his animals. This book focuses less on the dogs, and more on his animals in general. The theme of the book is "do right by the animal." I read this book at a great time, after giving away my "lifetime" horse because I wasn't doing right by her. This book emphasized that my wants, wishes and dreams are not more important than those of the animal. This is a great book for animal lovers . . .

[Ryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for elderly people and the sweet old person inside all of us. It is a pretty boring book.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute easy quick read. If you are an animal lover this is for you.

[Gaynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Katz is living my dream ... working his dogs on his farm of sheep, donkeys and chickens, and coming to the rescue to help find lost animals or round them up.
He also talks quite honestly about the not so pleasant realities of caring for and being responsible for the health and well being of multiple animals.
Katz often talks about the relationship between humans and animals and the attention we receive in exchange for some food and security. Also about the challenges and foibles of border collies ...
A sometimes heartwarming, sometimes sad, but always interesting, read.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is a collection of essays about the people and animals of Bedlam Farm: dogs, donkeys, cattle ...

I read A GOOD DOG years ago, maybe when it first came out. You don't need to have read that one, but there are many references to Orson, the "dog before" and the powerful effect he had on Katz's life.

Some of the essays in DOG DAYS made me sad. Others made me angry. Because of that, this will probably be the last of his books that I will read. But isn't that the mark of a good writer: to stir emotions in his reader?

[Gail Henshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book about Jon Katz's life on Bedlam Farms, with emphasis on his dogs. His border collie is fantastic at herding his sheep and is teaching another younger border collie (?) as well. He has an older dog with physical issues, and a natural therapy dog who he re-homes, not because he doesn't want it, but because he felt like the dog would have a better life elsewhere.

[Todd Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dog Days is a series of stories about the animals author Jon Katz keeps on his gentleman's farm in upstate New York. I appreciated his grounded, practical approach to animals that minimizes romanticism. However, it felt like he ran out of things to say and several of the essays felt like he was grasping for something to write about.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting look at life on the author's farm. I love animals, and have 1 big, yellow,, almost 14 year-old lab (we lost his sister in April), so I could relate to some of his stories about the responsibilities, joys, and sorrows of being a pet owner.

[Susan Edge-Gumbel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, which was given to me by a good friend, also a dog lover. It reminded me somewhat of the James Herriott series. I now want to see the movie based on the book. Previous to reading it, I was unfamiliar with the author but plan to read some of his other titles.

[Mum · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover described Mr Katz as the heir to James Herriot. I couldn’t disagree more. His writing style and his expressed attitude towards animals and other people have none of the warmth that made James Herriot’s stories such a joy to read.

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly sweet novel about life on a farm, over-run with all types of fur babies and all that goes with it.

[Cathy Sites · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay book. A bit slow and meandering on topics. Love the animals on the farm and could easily feel joy in their presence as the author does too.

[Gabs Roman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed bits of this but other bits were very meh.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir of modern farm life combined with literary endeavors but did not agree with the more “Woo-woo” themes which were evident with a bit of dog worship.

[Marseydoats · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet read. I'm glad that big goofy Elvis got to have a good home. I wish there had been more photos though.

[Paula Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

More great stories from the farm.

[Fairport Public Library]

February 2009, Carol K, NonFiction