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Soul of a Dog: Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm
Do animals have souls? Some of our greatest thinkers—Aristotle, Plato, Thomas Aquinas—and countless animal lovers have been obsessed with this question for thousands of years. Now New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz looks for an answer. With his signature wisdom, humor, and clarity, Katz relates the stories of the animals he lives with on Bedlam Farm and finds remarkable kinships at every turn. Whether it is beloved sheepdog Rose’s brilliant and methodical herding ability, Mother the cat’s keen mousing instincts, or Izzy’s canine compassion toward hospice patients, Katz is mesmerized to see in them individual personas and sparks of self-awareness. Soul of a Dog will resonate with anyone who loves dogs, cats, or other animals—and who wonders about the spirits that animate them and the deepening hold they have on our lives.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2008
63 people are currently reading
1239 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 128 reviews
June 22, 2023
I like Jon Katz's writing and his stories of his dogs and the farm, but this book was not as much fun as the other ones. He tries to tie his stories in this book with the question of do animals have a soul, but that thread just wasn't strong enough for me. It actually seemed to detract from enjoyment of the nice stories about his animals.
If you like his writing, it is more of the same and enjoyable enough. If you haven't read any of his books, read 'A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four dogs, and Me' and then read 'The Dogs of Bedlam Farm: An Adventure with sixteen sheep, three dogs, two donkeys, and Me.' Those were great books. I absolutely loved his Fiction book, 'Rose in a Storm' even though I think the ending could have been a little better. I think Mr. Katz should write more fiction as the well of stories on his dogs and farm animals are getting to be a bit of same ole' to me...
If you like his writing, it is more of the same and enjoyable enough. If you haven't read any of his books, read 'A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four dogs, and Me' and then read 'The Dogs of Bedlam Farm: An Adventure with sixteen sheep, three dogs, two donkeys, and Me.' Those were great books. I absolutely loved his Fiction book, 'Rose in a Storm' even though I think the ending could have been a little better. I think Mr. Katz should write more fiction as the well of stories on his dogs and farm animals are getting to be a bit of same ole' to me...
June 6, 2020
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars on this one. This book was at times too philosophical for me. Like many ancient philosophers, and those that rely solely on the bible without much consideration for room for interpretation and modernization of society (not the author, he's not that way) but others in the book are, it irks me. It's hard to imagine I suppose that animals would ever become something more than a working animal, but we all know they have. I know many people that believe in Jesus Christ and therefore think they deserve to go to heaven, but are truly not nice, despicable human beings that do not belong where the better ones are going. I like to think that all of my dogs are with my dad. I like to think my dad was waiting for Elke and he and all the other dogs are doing all the things they love to do without all the work. Animals are too kind not to be in a place that accepts them for the amazing, intuitive creatures they are.
As usual, I love the stories of each animal on his farm, however this book has definitely made me feel different about getting goats if I ever move somewhere that I could have goats if I shall want them.
As usual, I love the stories of each animal on his farm, however this book has definitely made me feel different about getting goats if I ever move somewhere that I could have goats if I shall want them.
January 10, 2014
I love it when liberal arts city folk move to the country, acquire animals, discover love, and then feel the urge to get philosophical about it all. The books they write are wonderful.
In this case, the deep question at the root of the book is: Do animals have souls? Katz has obviously done some of his own soul-searching on the subject. He ponders what it would mean for animals to have souls: he ponders why the question matters so much to some people. In the end, his conclusion is an intriguing one: Animals either have souls, or don't, independent of how much human angst is spent on the subject. Animals are what they are.
This is a much stronger conclusion than I was hoping for. I was worried he was going to conclude for or against souls definitively. Which was worrisome to me, as I can't recall any quantitative, scientific study proving humans have souls, and there's certainly a high degree of debate about at what point in development humans are issued souls.
On one hand, this is an extremely interesting debate. It we take it as read that humans have souls, it makes sense that other animals would as well. There are very few things, evolutionarily, that separate us from non-human animals.
On the other hand, this is really a question of faith. I believe that I, and all humans, have a soul. I can't prove this, any more that I can prove love exists. On this basis, and this basis alone, I believe that other creatures have souls. I'm especially sure of mammals and birds. I don't know where the line is. Do frogs have souls? Or snakes or lobsters or beetles? What about tuna? Do cephalods have souls? What if I can only recognize souledness in animals that think relatively like me, and cephalopods have them, they're just too alien to me for me to understand?
With all that in mind, I can forgive the length to which Katz thrashes around philosophically. It's a very deep question. And it touches on the question of animal intelligence. What frustrated me is his immovably anthropocentric viewpoint. At several points, he concludes that we need animals to have souls more than they themselves need to have souls. And that animals "don't think like us" and so may not have souls.
Even more frustratingly, this line of thinking got a Disney song stuck in my head (always the mature response to a philosophical debate): "You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you." Just because they don't think like us, doesn't mean they don't have souls.
He also talks about his dogs "becoming the dogs [he] needed them to be." I'm sure to some point that's true, but it's also a dangerously egocentric way to think. Dogs aren't blank slates when they come to us. They're hard-wired for aspects of their personality and intelligence, and, if I'm to be believed, they already have a soul, regardless of who owns then or how they're treated.
The other part of this book that required some deep thinking on my part was his discussion of the morality of our interaction with pets. He frequently disparages people who treat dogs like children or treat them "better than humans." I will agree that treating dogs (or any animal) like human children is dangerous, unhealthy, and unfair to both human children and the animals.
But the "treating dogs better than humans" link smacks of the argument "Why are we spending all this money on dogs when there are hungry humans?" implying that we can take care of the animals only once we've saved all the people. He brings this up as he's discussing the dog rescue movement, snidely writing that it "says something" about our society that there's no parallel rescue network for humans.
To counter the last argument first, there are rescue networks for humans. All sorts of government programs, church outreach programs, non-profits, you name it. It's just that, logistically, it's way easier to rescue a dog, so the networks aren't as well meshed together. You don't have to worry about what the dog wants, for instance. It's much easier to take a dog away from bad owners than it is to take a child away from bad parents, which is as it should be. It's also much easier to care for a dog once you have it than it is to care for a baby, a child, a teen, an adult, or a family.
This book made me think very deeply. It made me laugh, and cry, and while I didn't agree with everything he said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and will seek out some of the sources he references.
In this case, the deep question at the root of the book is: Do animals have souls? Katz has obviously done some of his own soul-searching on the subject. He ponders what it would mean for animals to have souls: he ponders why the question matters so much to some people. In the end, his conclusion is an intriguing one: Animals either have souls, or don't, independent of how much human angst is spent on the subject. Animals are what they are.
This is a much stronger conclusion than I was hoping for. I was worried he was going to conclude for or against souls definitively. Which was worrisome to me, as I can't recall any quantitative, scientific study proving humans have souls, and there's certainly a high degree of debate about at what point in development humans are issued souls.
On one hand, this is an extremely interesting debate. It we take it as read that humans have souls, it makes sense that other animals would as well. There are very few things, evolutionarily, that separate us from non-human animals.
On the other hand, this is really a question of faith. I believe that I, and all humans, have a soul. I can't prove this, any more that I can prove love exists. On this basis, and this basis alone, I believe that other creatures have souls. I'm especially sure of mammals and birds. I don't know where the line is. Do frogs have souls? Or snakes or lobsters or beetles? What about tuna? Do cephalods have souls? What if I can only recognize souledness in animals that think relatively like me, and cephalopods have them, they're just too alien to me for me to understand?
With all that in mind, I can forgive the length to which Katz thrashes around philosophically. It's a very deep question. And it touches on the question of animal intelligence. What frustrated me is his immovably anthropocentric viewpoint. At several points, he concludes that we need animals to have souls more than they themselves need to have souls. And that animals "don't think like us" and so may not have souls.
Even more frustratingly, this line of thinking got a Disney song stuck in my head (always the mature response to a philosophical debate): "You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you." Just because they don't think like us, doesn't mean they don't have souls.
He also talks about his dogs "becoming the dogs [he] needed them to be." I'm sure to some point that's true, but it's also a dangerously egocentric way to think. Dogs aren't blank slates when they come to us. They're hard-wired for aspects of their personality and intelligence, and, if I'm to be believed, they already have a soul, regardless of who owns then or how they're treated.
The other part of this book that required some deep thinking on my part was his discussion of the morality of our interaction with pets. He frequently disparages people who treat dogs like children or treat them "better than humans." I will agree that treating dogs (or any animal) like human children is dangerous, unhealthy, and unfair to both human children and the animals.
But the "treating dogs better than humans" link smacks of the argument "Why are we spending all this money on dogs when there are hungry humans?" implying that we can take care of the animals only once we've saved all the people. He brings this up as he's discussing the dog rescue movement, snidely writing that it "says something" about our society that there's no parallel rescue network for humans.
To counter the last argument first, there are rescue networks for humans. All sorts of government programs, church outreach programs, non-profits, you name it. It's just that, logistically, it's way easier to rescue a dog, so the networks aren't as well meshed together. You don't have to worry about what the dog wants, for instance. It's much easier to take a dog away from bad owners than it is to take a child away from bad parents, which is as it should be. It's also much easier to care for a dog once you have it than it is to care for a baby, a child, a teen, an adult, or a family.
This book made me think very deeply. It made me laugh, and cry, and while I didn't agree with everything he said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and will seek out some of the sources he references.
April 25, 2010
This is second book I've read and really enjoyed by Katz. In this book he describes varioius animals he lives with on his farm in upstate NY. he ponders whether or not they have souls and also briefly touches on humans' changing relationship wtih animals etc. What I like about Katz is his obvious deep love and respect for his animals, without romanticizing them. He makes the case that we should respect them for their dog-ness, cat-ness etc and that we do animals a disservice by anthropomorphizing them. (hope I spelled that right) I thought his chapters on Rose, the border collie and Mother, the barn cat were especially insightful and touching.
August 27, 2009
Another thoughful dog book from Jon Katz. More introspective than his other books, Soul of a Dog examines human-animal relationships as observed on Bedlam Farm and its environs. Izzy's work in hospice, Rose's work with sheep, and even Henrietta the hen's personality traits are represented in well written and insightful essays. And as always, Katz turns a keen eye on himself and his foibles as he chronicles his life on Bedlam Farm.
September 12, 2016
A visit to Bedlam Farm and everything that goes on there. A mindful connection to the people and animals.
January 20, 2021
Reading “Soul of a Dog” is my introduction to Jon Katz. The stories of the various animals are interesting and heart warming, however, I felt like I was reading a book of short stories. Katz’s thoughts on whether or not animals have a soul was central to the theme of the book. He quoted Aristotle and strove to disprove Aristotle’s beliefs that animals do not have souls. Aristotle wrote that animals (and children) were not able to determine right from wrong and thus existed on a different plane. Thomas Aquinas established that animals, lacking reason, don’t have an immortal soul. While I enjoyed reading about the animals and reflecting on the special pets that have been a part of my life, I did not embrace the philosophical reasonings.
December 16, 2020
Jon Katz's straightforward style and his love of animals make his writings thoroughly enjoyable. He poses the question, do animals have souls, and he explores the question through essays on his many animals, especially his dogs. He also refers to theologians and consults with a minister friend. Having survived a harsh winter night alone with his animals, Katz writes, "The Trappist monk and author Thomas Merton ... called these moments 'journeys of the soul'. I've come to believe that our encounters with certain animals can at times mark journeys of the soul; they may even accompany us on them." I couldn't agree more.
May 22, 2017
The title is ill chosen, since each chapter focuses on a different animal or group of animals at Bedlam Farm: Elvis the steer, chickens, goats, cats, sheep, burros. Of course, the most interesting is Rosie, the workaholic border collie and Katz's "right hand" on the farm. The story includes the author's own soul searching as he struggles with depression, so he is actively trying to figure out what a soul is. I didn't agree with all of his conclusions, but it makes interesting reading.
August 24, 2011
Really? 4* average? I need to become an author then because I could have written a better book about my dogs. I'm a sucker for a good animal book but this isn't it. Couples (wannabe) academia with vignettes from his farm life with cows, donkeys, sheep, cats, goats, and dogs. Not cohesive or particularly entertaining. Doesn't do it for me.
May 4, 2012
Katz is as insightful as usual...with an interesting blend of humor and insight into his relationship with the residents of his farm.
Dogs, cat, chicken, donkey, goat, steer and sheep are the main cast.
He even has human friends!
Dogs, cat, chicken, donkey, goat, steer and sheep are the main cast.
He even has human friends!
August 9, 2023
Considering how the number of domestic dogs has exploded in the last generation, from roughly 15 million in 1960 to more than 75 million today, dog consumerism, companionship, and emotional engagement is growing tremendously. For me personally, my dog Radar is often the sole conduit for all the love in my big heart- just as Katz describes other dog/human relationships in this book. There is a “particular mix of emotion, chemistry, spirituality, and experience” that defines my relationship with him and let’s me know that he very much has a soul. Like Katz, I don’t know where the spirit of my dog begins and mine leaves off. He lowers my stress, and makes me feel safe, supported, and nourished every day. I don’t every really get lonely with Radar, and as far as companions go- like the character Ruth in his book- I don’t see sometimes how I could do better. Like Katz and his dog Rose, I don’t think I could have made it in life without my dog Radar. He keeps me active, responsible, and loved- therefore making my current lifestyle possible This is much like the way Rose strengthens Katz, and makes Katz’s life on the farm defined and possible as well.
So obviously, I really loved Katz’s musings on animals and whether or not they have a soul. Animals are natural empaths; they have heaps of room in their hearts for love, without worry about cell phones, bills, and politics. Like Katz says, one of the things he loves about animals is that they are not dogmatic or litigious. There is no moral superiority or self righteousness with an animal. They are pure, and kind, and true. Spiritual and soulful, if you will.
I feel Radar absolutely has a soul, he shows me how to love, and I need him to have a soul. To Katz, if I feel this way, then it is so. My dog Radar has a soul. Animals have their own kinds of languages and consciousness, not necessarily inferior to our own- but rather perhaps more pure and loving, less destructive. Katz gets a little into philosophical thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas or Aristotle’s thinking on animals’ souls; but ultimately he concludes that animal and human souls are basically linked- and if you think your animal has a soul- then it is so. Relations between dogs and humans can be very “in tune,” with dogs aware of our emotions, smells, moods, and impulses at every moment. And sometimes vice versa.
I agreed that animals should be out kinship, not dominion- as Katz also concludes. We have a responsibility as he says to be their caretakers, advocates, interpreters, and spokespersons because they are unable to be entirely responsible for their welfare in many cases.
Like Ruth and Magnus, Radar maybe triggers a mystical streak in me when I think about all this, and our journey together through life. As Katz suggests- there is a mystery about my dog Radar, and that is one of the gifts that he provides. He is calm, accepting, playful, loving, steadfast, and true. My life with him “marks a journey of my soul,” as Katz puts it. I can’t live without my dog Radar, he is my whole heart and then some. If you have ever felt that way about an animal or thought about the mystery of animal lives, then I highly suggest this piece of contemplation and nature writing. I thought it was a great piece of writing!
2 quotes I liked at the beginning of the chapters (although honestly I liked each quote and photograph):
“By ethical conduct toward all creatures, we enter into a spiritual relationship with the universe.” - Albert Schweitzer
“I think we turn to our pets because they remind us of our deeper nature, of what is truly important. And also in a strange way of what we can be. They rest us deeply and give us sudden joys that we have forgotten.” - Jean Houston
So obviously, I really loved Katz’s musings on animals and whether or not they have a soul. Animals are natural empaths; they have heaps of room in their hearts for love, without worry about cell phones, bills, and politics. Like Katz says, one of the things he loves about animals is that they are not dogmatic or litigious. There is no moral superiority or self righteousness with an animal. They are pure, and kind, and true. Spiritual and soulful, if you will.
I feel Radar absolutely has a soul, he shows me how to love, and I need him to have a soul. To Katz, if I feel this way, then it is so. My dog Radar has a soul. Animals have their own kinds of languages and consciousness, not necessarily inferior to our own- but rather perhaps more pure and loving, less destructive. Katz gets a little into philosophical thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas or Aristotle’s thinking on animals’ souls; but ultimately he concludes that animal and human souls are basically linked- and if you think your animal has a soul- then it is so. Relations between dogs and humans can be very “in tune,” with dogs aware of our emotions, smells, moods, and impulses at every moment. And sometimes vice versa.
I agreed that animals should be out kinship, not dominion- as Katz also concludes. We have a responsibility as he says to be their caretakers, advocates, interpreters, and spokespersons because they are unable to be entirely responsible for their welfare in many cases.
Like Ruth and Magnus, Radar maybe triggers a mystical streak in me when I think about all this, and our journey together through life. As Katz suggests- there is a mystery about my dog Radar, and that is one of the gifts that he provides. He is calm, accepting, playful, loving, steadfast, and true. My life with him “marks a journey of my soul,” as Katz puts it. I can’t live without my dog Radar, he is my whole heart and then some. If you have ever felt that way about an animal or thought about the mystery of animal lives, then I highly suggest this piece of contemplation and nature writing. I thought it was a great piece of writing!
2 quotes I liked at the beginning of the chapters (although honestly I liked each quote and photograph):
“By ethical conduct toward all creatures, we enter into a spiritual relationship with the universe.” - Albert Schweitzer
“I think we turn to our pets because they remind us of our deeper nature, of what is truly important. And also in a strange way of what we can be. They rest us deeply and give us sudden joys that we have forgotten.” - Jean Houston
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
As a lifelong dog lover, I can recall the many times I've wondered whether animals--especially those we keep as pets--have a sense of self, inner thoughts, longings, conundrums, etc., or whether they just move along as all creatures do. So this title caught my eye, and I read it with interest and delight. The author writes about the dogs in his life, particularly Rose, a working dog that enables the author--a farmer and writer--to maintain his animals and live the life he always dreamed of having.
Katz spends a great deal of time wondering whether Rose is a higher-level dog than most others. The remarkable ways Rose reacts to Jon amaze and thrill him. He claims he couldn't run the farm without her.
The book is a charming and thought-provoking read, told by a quiet, contemplative man you might enjoy having a conversation with, or stroll along with him, Rose, and your own dog. I know I would!
Katz spends a great deal of time wondering whether Rose is a higher-level dog than most others. The remarkable ways Rose reacts to Jon amaze and thrill him. He claims he couldn't run the farm without her.
The book is a charming and thought-provoking read, told by a quiet, contemplative man you might enjoy having a conversation with, or stroll along with him, Rose, and your own dog. I know I would!
November 21, 2025
Good animal stories: dogs, donkeys, sheep, chickens, and a cat. I may have forgotten one! Your religious foundation and current beliefs are the sources of your thought on dog souls. One pastor came to the farm to discuss this issue with the author. According to the pastor only beings that accept Jesus Christ as their savior are admitted to heaven. He asked the lead donkey, if he accepted Jesus Christ. The donkey nibbled on his hat. So, the pastor stated the donkey would not go to heaven. Others believe, especially about dogs, they are such wonderful animals and have a soul; they should go to heaven. Many different thoughts have lead to the idea of the Rainbow Bridge, I think. I’ll keep thinking about the bridge.
April 16, 2023
This book was a read as I could book..pick up in spare moments. It fit the bill nicely. I still am not sure if a Dog, cat or any animal has a soul.
Many thought provoking ideas and talks.
I was into the book for the most part, getting very angry at the photo shoots that he didn't think about where to sand and would end up in the middle of the road or close to the road where he might be hit and says a truck swiped equipment and someone had to slam on breaks...not funny at all. As a human that seems to do some much to take care of animals...you would think standing out of a road would be among skills held.
Other wise over all interesting read.
Many thought provoking ideas and talks.
I was into the book for the most part, getting very angry at the photo shoots that he didn't think about where to sand and would end up in the middle of the road or close to the road where he might be hit and says a truck swiped equipment and someone had to slam on breaks...not funny at all. As a human that seems to do some much to take care of animals...you would think standing out of a road would be among skills held.
Other wise over all interesting read.
December 23, 2017
Good, but not great. The writing style was easy to read, though the series of stories didn't seem to have a good flow to them. The stories themselves were enjoyable, but I don't think Katz clearly defined the point he was trying to make about animals souls. (He seemed to contradict himself at times.) I also found myself disagreeing with many of the conclusions he did draw.
May 1, 2018
I've almost all of Jon Katz's books. This is lighter book, with the usual complement on the souls or personalities of animals. If you are not familiar with the author's work, you may find some of his stances on animal lives a little surprising. But Katz has "street cred" (farm cred?) and i've learned much from his life with his animals. Easy read for me.
December 3, 2019
3 1/2 stars. The question of whether dogs (and other animals) have souls sounded intriguing to me, and various reviews indicated that Katz didn’t try to answer that question as much as ponder it from many sides and consider many possibilities. And that’s exactly what I enjoyed: observing amazing animal behavior and pondering the possibilities.
September 12, 2021
Charming
If you love animals, this book will lift your spirits. Katz ponders the question, do dogs have souls? If you believe they don't, my guess is that after finishing this book, you will at least think they are deserving. Charming, heartwarming read.
If you love animals, this book will lift your spirits. Katz ponders the question, do dogs have souls? If you believe they don't, my guess is that after finishing this book, you will at least think they are deserving. Charming, heartwarming read.
July 10, 2018
An interesting look at the personalities of animals and asks if they have souls. I am not certain if the question is ever answered in this book, but it was an enjoyable read.
October 14, 2018
Such a nice book which askes the question, Do animals have souls?. interesting topic and discussion with plenty of stories about animals.
December 9, 2019
I enjoyed the animal stories in this book but was less enthralled by the philosophy.
November 15, 2020
One of my favorites. Thoughtful and insightful 💗
September 11, 2021
I could relate to so many of these stories about the author’s personal interactions with all of his animals. This book warmed my heart and was a great escape.
July 16, 2022
No one writes about animals like John Katz. He is
Loving, tender, beautifully descriptive
Loving, tender, beautifully descriptive
January 26, 2023
This was a fun book to listen to while we were driving. Took a little mini trip and the length worked perfect for us. Light entertainment.
July 24, 2023
This book is so good for the soul. Such a wonderful feel good story! Helps if you’re an animal lover and would still resonate even if that’s not your thing.
February 9, 2024
This is in no way a four star book, but it's four star beautiful so there's that.
December 30, 2025
The best book! This man loved all his animals. He was so devoted to them. I love the way he described their different personalities and strengths. It was a wonderful book!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews