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.
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"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 . . ." — Teeni (5 out of 5 stars)
"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 . . ."
“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.”
“A sweet, funny memoir about the chaos on his animal-friendly farm in upstate New York.”
“Anyone who loves animals or country life, but maybe can’t have a pet or actually live in the country, will find Katz a perfect armchair companion.”
“Dog Days invites listeners to put aside urban cacophony for hard-won rural harmony. One can’t imagine a better narrator for the stories of life on Katz’s farm in upstate New York than Stechschulte. His down-home gravelly voice enfolds listeners in a genial embrace.”
“Katz…honestly and humbly confesses what he has learned from these animals and the local people who have become a part of his life and have shaped his emerging self. A vivid…beautiful tale, poetically told.”
“An appealing text showing off an author who’s found his perfect genre. Readers can only how these appealing and thoughtful dispatches will continue.”
" Lovely book about farm & Dogs. "
" 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. "
" If you love animals, dogs especially, you'll find this book a JOY to read. Have some tissues on hand. "
" Jon Katz has written several books about his dogs and their lives together. All are highly recommended. "
" A nice happy read about a man trying to do right by his dogs, and admitting he's not perfect. Humorous anectedotes about sheep, cows, dogs and people. I read this book when I want to feel better. "
" great for animal lovers & if you dream of quitting your corporate job & moving to the country, like me. "
" So far this book has made me realize that deep down I'd rather be outside all day working with the animals than sitting at a desk... even if I only live vicariously through this writer. Great book for those who wish the same... "
" Yes, I bought two books and am reading the second. It grows on you but I may not read more. "
" Not laugh-out-loud funny like Katz' A Dog Year, but still an amusing, insightful picture of life on Bedlam farm and what it's like to live with various dogs, roosters, cats, cows, sheep, etc. "
" Fun book for animal lovers. "
" Great story about modern and somewhat yuppified farming in eastern US. I learned a lot about dog herding behavior, donkeys, cows and sheep. I love border collies. "
" I am an animal lover and really enjoyed the author's journey through day to day life on his farm in upstate New York! "
" The jacket of this book calls Katz a modern day James Herriot. I wouldn't say that. Doesn't quite have Herriot's gift of storytelling. It was a nice book altogether but he went on (and on) about his 4 dogs a bit much for me. I guess I should have known that from the title of the book! "
" the new James Herriot. I laughed; I cried. "
" I've read all of Jon Katz's book about his crazy Bedlam Farm. If you like dogs, sheep, farm animals in general this is a choice book to fall into. "
" A sweet memoir of dogs and days on a working farm by Jon Katz. A must for dog lovers and anyone needing a good, quiet read. "
" I really likeds jon katz righting and this book gave a quite a few smiles "
" it's never too late in life to learn new tricks "
" I want to move to a farm. I do not think that would have been true before reading this book, but this story of a New York city man who moved to a farm convinced me that life on a farm in New England would be just grand. "
" Very sweet and an honest look at time on his farm, his relationships, and himself. I very much enjoyed his relationships with his animals and how he grew because of them. "
" I've been a fan of Katz's for years -- for his columns on Slate -- so I'm not sure why it took me so long to buy one of his books. I enjoyed this mellow visit to Bedlam Farm. "
" Cute narrative by the guy who writes about his dogs and various animals. Non-fiction, if you have harbored a hidden desire to run off and live on a farm this may be the book for you. "
" Not as much fun as "The Dogs of Bedlam Farm." Too often circular and repetitive. "
" A nice read. But have to admit that I didn't like this one as much as A Good Dog. "
" This was a simple read about a man who farms not because he has to, but because he wants to. I always thought I'd like to do that, but maybe reading about it is enough. "
" Love Jon Katz's writing. this was a nice book to read on a rainy, gloomy day and no animals die during the writing of this book!! (Although he does give a dog away sort of) "
" entertaining, kind of Garrison Keillor-esh without as much sentimentality and dogs and donkeys instead of people. "
" Interesting, enjoyable. Made me want to check out some of his other books. "
" Entertaining collection of stories of life on a farm with a mix mix of animals and characters. There are sad moments but no crying :) "
" Good book overall. It was intersting but nothing too exciting. The author seems to repeat himself sometimes. It was a good lazy read. "
" I ran across this book while looking at gardening books, and took it home because of the picture on the cover. I liked this book for a relaxing easy read - really just stories from the farm...about the animals and the neighbors and of course the dogs. "
" A story about a life, actually the last in a series about a man who moves from NYC to a farm in Vermont. He shares his experiences about iving on a farm and how he copes with his assortment of animals. I enjoyed reading a book written by an animal lover and a kind person. "
" This book seems to be more of the same from Jon about the farm; not so much new in this one. "
" If you like animals, you'll like this account of the various residents of Katz's farm and their individual personalities. "
Jon Katz has written over twenty books, including Talking to Animals, Soul of a Dog, Izzy & Lenore, Dog Days, A Good Dog, and The Dogs of Bedlam Farm. He has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Slate, Rolling Stone, Wired, and the AKC Gazette. He has worked for CBS News, the Boston Globe, Washington Post, and Philadelphia Inquirer. He is also a photographer and the author of a children’s book, Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm.
Tom Stechschulte (1948–2021) was an acclaimed narrator and winner of the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration. He had been a college athlete and business major when a friend dared him to audition for a play. He got the part and traded the locker room for the dressing room, eventually taking him to New York City and to recording audiobooks.
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