Katz On Dogs

This weekend I ventured deep into Washington County, along with my good friend and fellow dog lover, Debra, to attend a reading by Jon Katz.   It was held at a little garden store in Salem, NY near his home, Bedlam Farm.  

 

Gardenworks

It was a charming place selling plants, produce and crafts.

They have pick-your-own too!  (I managed to restrain myself. )

Katz took up writing about dogs when he adopted a troubled border collie.  His books are popular among the dog set and he does a local NPR radio segment "Dog Talk with Jon Katz" every so often which I love listening to.  


If you are interested in reading his books I would recommend the first, A Dog Year.  It has recently been made into a movie starring Jeff Bridges although it hasn't been released yet.  If you've ever even remotely considered getting a border collie this book will bring you back to your senses. 

He talked about his new book Soul of a Dog while his dog, Izzie, made the rounds.  Izzie was so sweet, stopping in front of everyone to get petted.  

Izzie made sure everyone got attention.

 

As soon as his dad started reading, though, it was time for a well-deserved nap.

 This book tour stuff is exhausting!

 

Jon discussed this country's (sometimes unhealthy) obsession with its dogs and how the concept of a dog having a soul is a rather recent development.  It was interesting to hear his take on it as he has quite a pragmatic view of the dog/human relationship.   I got a couple books signed and it was nice meeting him. 

 Jon

Do you think dogs have a soul?  I can't say that I know.

 

Pip contemplating the universe.  Or quite possibly thinking about cheese.