Donna V. (galnsearch) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 143 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I had an Orson once but his name was Tippy. The two had a lot in common. I'd love to tell you about Tippy but that would be my story not Jon Katz. If you are a dog lover, you will laugh, you will cry, and most of all, you will identify.
MaryAnne M. (JayhawkLady) -
Helpful Score: 4
I loved this book, but I had one of these highly eccentric, intelligent dogs for 14 years. If you like dogs at all, you will enjoy this book.
Helpful Score: 3
Probably the best book I have read in a long time. I feel a connection with Jon. Not only his life experience but his conflicts in dealing with the right and wrong, the moral vs. the humane vs. the socially acceptable. I felt Jon's pain and ecstasy. This is an amazing read, but the reader needs to be prepared for the emotion. So well written.
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
Helpful Score: 3
I don't think I like this author very much as a person. The story itself was a real tear jerker for me but I had trouble relating to his view of things. I am now finding myself avoiding his other books.
SALLY W. (thameslink) -
Helpful Score: 3
This is a powerful yet touching book about the author's relationship with his dog, Orson. Great companion piece to "The Dogs of Bedlam Farm". This book with resonate with anyone who has shared their life with, and loved, a "difficult" dog. A beautiful read, although painful at times. Highly recommended to anyone to anyone who has relationships with dogs.
Diane P. (diphil) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
An unusually honest and touching personal narrative. Anyone who has loved an animal as part of their family will connect with this.
Franchesca M. (short-angry14) -
Helpful Score: 2
While the subject matter was completely enjoyable, I had a hard time plodding through the authors style of writing. Although Orson completely held my attention, I think that his story could have been told much more simply. Mr. Katz tended to ramble on about absolutely nothing at some points in the story, and I was forced to jump ahead quite a bit just to finish it.
Cynthia M. (iritnus) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you've read one of Katz's dog books, you've read them all. I've read two and that's more than enough. Get "A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs and Me" if you're getting a Katz book.
Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
Helpful Score: 1
Make sure you go to Costco and get a case of tissues before you read this one!
Helpful Score: 1
What a touching, but painful, story this is. I had to admire both the author's extraordinary efforts to train and thus save Orson, and his very responsible decision at the end. After I had finished the book, the words of the title, "A Good Dog," held a new poignancy for me.
Kirsten W. (wardbunch) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 88 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Yet again Jon Katz has provided a clear and honest look at being a responsible pet owner. I admire his courage in the face of difficult decisions and hope that I am able to learn from his journey.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book by Jon Katz. If you recently put your pet to sleep or believe that pets should not be put to sleep, I would not recommend this book to you. It may be upsetting. However, I loved all of the stories about his beloved dogs, his farm in Upstate New York and his life with a sheep-herding dog in suburban New Jersey.
Amy D. (Iowan) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 173 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Jon Katz writes with passion about Orson - the dog that changed his life. Orson has issues - and like all dogs with issues - sometimes we love them even more. As was the case here. A bittersweet love story between man and his best friend.
Dana W. (SouthWestZippy) -
Helpful Score: 1
Life does not always happy endings. If you are a animal activist. Don't read this book.
I applaud Jon Katz for his courage writing this book. It gives a real look in to a dog owners life, the good, the bad and the heartbreaking.
I applaud Jon Katz for his courage writing this book. It gives a real look in to a dog owners life, the good, the bad and the heartbreaking.
Kayce H. (kayceh) - , reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 62 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It was ok. Having just added a border collie to our family recently, I thought this book would be a fun read :) And there were some parts that made me laugh out loud. But I didn't agree with the authors rationale for his decision at the end. Dog owners tend to have strong feelings about topics such as what this book deals with and some will agree or disagree with this author. I know folks on both sides and personally I do not agree with him. So the end was disappointing for me. But all in all it was an ok book. I've read better.
Sandy C. (sjclaar) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Only an owner could say such a thing at the beginning of the story. It took a lot of work but what dog immediately fits in? I liked the story because it was a different twist than usual dog stories. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil a good story. Even non-dog types will like it.
Sherri W. (triketrekker) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 41 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful book. I think all dog lovers will enjoy. I laughed until I cried; but, also cried in saddness. It's a wonderfully written story and a quick read. Great beach read!!
Jo V. (jovan) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 301 more book reviews
This book is a Marley wannna-be. Unfortunately, it tries way too hard, and since I grew up with an Border Collie, I don't believe half of what the author claims about his Border Collie. They are a special breed of dog, and not every one should own one. Clearly, Jon Katz shouldn't.
I read A Dog's Purpose and loved it. So I was anxious to read this. The story is compelling and sad, yet peaceful at the end. The author made a difficult choice, which all pet owners face in time, sometimes prematurely. Now I understand my connection with my own "lifetime" dog. ". I adopted Roxie, a chocolate Lab mix, at the Arizona Humane Society, when she was about 4 months old . I was hers for 16 years, an amazing lifespan for a Lab. She was the smartest dog I ever had, and she was completely devoted to me. Yet, she was independent, her own dog. Her end came suddenly, no long decline. We think she had a neurological event that caused her to suddenly lose body control. She told me it was time. This book brought it all back to me.
Carrie E. C. (cef424) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 67 more book reviews
Fantastic book...
Dianne D. (WestieMom) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 73 more book reviews
I absolutely loved this book. If you are a Jon Katz fan you know all about his relationship with Orson (aka Devon the devil dog). I cried reading this book (which was a treat for my husband because we were on vacation). I think every owner who has had multiple dogs has had to make difficult decisions. Ours involved a rescue poodle named Cody, and step by step we went thru the same agonizing process and eventually made the same final decision. This entire series is wonderful; but this is my favorite (so far).
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
Brought back memories of my border collie, Tony. Very special dog, and I see some of him in Orson. Katz did do the right thing when the time was right. Dogs who for whatever reason are uncomfortable in their own skin and have episodes of dangerous behaviour should be taken out of danger from others and their danger to others. I was bitten as a child, so I know the pain and had scars on my face for many years from it. A dog with that kind of behaviour should be humanly taken care of.
The relationship of Katz and Orson is very close to my relationship with my Sammolaw, a Siamese cat, who had to be put down for health reasons and I miss to this very day. He slept wrapped around my head every night. I had him in my hands from the day he was born and held him when he died 15 years later. He purred right up until the very end. He's also on our property with day lilies marking his grave, he loved to rest in them in his last days, so my husband planted a group at the top of his grave. They are growing for him.
Enjoy this book, cry, laugh and remember if you've had animals you loved very, very much.
The relationship of Katz and Orson is very close to my relationship with my Sammolaw, a Siamese cat, who had to be put down for health reasons and I miss to this very day. He slept wrapped around my head every night. I had him in my hands from the day he was born and held him when he died 15 years later. He purred right up until the very end. He's also on our property with day lilies marking his grave, he loved to rest in them in his last days, so my husband planted a group at the top of his grave. They are growing for him.
Enjoy this book, cry, laugh and remember if you've had animals you loved very, very much.
Deborah S. (deborella) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 65 more book reviews
I liked the book, but if you are a real animal lover, you may not understand some of the author's choices, even though I did. It is still a wonderful story, however, and I got a lot of laughs, as well.
Bree G. (paisleywings) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 232 more book reviews
Orson was a good dog for his owner except for one big problem. The author takes us for a ride of how he raised and loved his dog. Orson is hard working and so very lovable. But...what's an owner to do when a dog becomes aggressive. There are many options and oh so difficult to decide. The decision was difficult to make and many may find it unacceptable for a cherished pet.
Allison W. (alliwhaley) reviewed A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life on + 12 more book reviews
I loved Orson in "A Dog Year". It was great to catch up and see all the progress that he had made since Jon's first encounter with him. Of course as with all dog books keep the tissues handy.
