Customer Reviews

Soul of a Dog: Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

On Bedlam Farm, Jon Katz rules his kingdom of 3 dogs, 2 steers, a cow, 4 donkeys, 3 goats, a rooster and some hens, 2 barn cats, and a flock of 28 sheep. Reading "Soul of a Dog" is like taking a stroll with him through the farmyard to meet and greet some of the special ones - past and present - which have touched his heart and changed his life.

Rose is the quick and smart border collie. Through hard work and tireless energy, she has maintained order amid the chaos of so many critters. Elvis the Snickers-eating steer saved himself from the slaughterhouse. Lenore the black lab pursued a unique friendship. Meet the sweet yet stubborn donkeys, Mother the affectionate natural born killer cat, a Greek chorus of goats, and Henrietta the exceptional hen. Katz also includes the stories of two extraordinary dogs Fly and Magnus, who left their imprints as brief visitors to the farm. Even the spirit of Orson, a troubled yet much-loved border collie, materializes.

Throughout this pleasant outing Katz draws on the beliefs of great philosophers, poets, authors, and an incorrigible preacher to illuminate a variety of spiritual perspectives. As though peering through a camera lens into the animal world Katz examines the meaning of life with a focus upon memorable relationships between animals and humans.

Anyone who has ever loved a dog, or any critter, will devour "Soul of a Dog" in one sitting and contemplate its meaning forever. Those who have never bonded with an animal will discover what is missing from their lives. Katz explores the question of whether animals have souls with the humor and drama of a masterful storyteller. Readers will leave Bedlam Farm with a keen awareness of the key to unlock their own souls.

i could not wait for this one. Katz makes me feel like I live on that farm with him. He really does a great job of bringing you into his world. I love him and his animals. His insights about animal's souls are amazing. i am looking forward to his next one even as I read his newest.

Author Jon Katz knows a great deal about dogs. His upstate New York Bedlam Farm houses a random number of sheep, goats, chickens, a rooster, a mother cat, a humongous steer, and, of course, at least three dogs. In SOUL OF A DOG, he analyzes the possibility that animals possess souls. Backed by 10 years of close communion with his animals, he doggedly researches the idea. Multiple vignettes explore the personalities, idiosyncrasies and lovable characters of his animal companions.

Each chapter of SOUL OF A DOG begins with a quote from a philosopher, theologian, writer, or Biblical passage. Especially fitting is his prologue quote, from Ambrose Bierce in THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY: "Dog, n. a subsidiary Deity designed to catch the overflow and surplus of the world's worship." This chapter opens with a tale of Katz's border collie, Rose, working to corral a feisty goose, an African Grey weighing nearly 40 pounds. Obnoxious, the goose flaps, squawks and flutters, keeping Rose at bay. Having given up, he is shocked to see Rose finally lugging the goose out of a swamp, through the woods and into submission. Rose lives for work, is heroic, determined and gives her life in service to her master. She embodies the spirit of an animal who, in companionship, gives the closest asset she possesses. Katz believes her worthy of consideration when it comes to having a soul.

Throughout the book, Katz refers to the great thinker Aristotle, who believed that humans are distinct from all other forms of life in that they have a moral and ethical capacity. They can reason between right and wrong behavior. Animals cannot, thus leaving them behind in the possession of soul. But Katz strives to find, in his animal relationships, a glimmer of hope that they can be humanlike. In 12 chapters, SOUL OF A DOG explores the personalities of numerous farm animals.

Elvis, the 2,000-pound Brown Swiss steer, escapes the slaughterhouse when his former owner sells him to Katz. The giant bumbling steer has connived to win Katz's affection, becoming a sociable pal to earn Snickers candy bars, his favorite treat. Katz wonders if Elvis's wants may tangle with his needs. Was Katz catering to him out of self-gratification?

Headed by a quote from Jean Houston, the chapter about Brutus and Lenore is both heartwarming and puzzling. One day, while herding the sheep with Rose, Lenore follows along. She's an 11-month-old Labrador retriever who shows affections to all others, both man and beast. Today, she coddles a large ram named Brutus, who has no inclination to befriend a dog. He lowers his head as if to [...] her, but Lenore drops into a submissive position. When his head draws near her, she licks his nose. That slobbery lick is the beginning of a continuing interspecies relationship, albeit a strange one. Lenore's slurping act seems to bother Rose, the no-nonsense working dog. The order in the pasture that she maintained has been compromised. Observing them, Katz notes that Lenore seeks reward for her loving nature, but Rose has no need for such. He writes, "Each dog responds to what's innate in them, and also to what I ask of them. Rose works for me and Lenore loves me. That's where our souls converge."

In Chapter 10, titled "LuLu Goes to Hell," Katz tackles the verse in Genesis declaring that God made man in his image, with dominion over the lesser beings. His friend, clergyman Henry Whitfield, arrives at Bedlam Farm and listens to Katz's concerns about the spirituality of his animals. Joking when a loving Izzy snuggles for a pat, Katz asks, "He's going to heaven, isn't he?" When the clergyman nods an emphatic "no," the discussion is on. Whitfield contends that because animals cannot accept Jesus, they are not like humans. Thus, they cannot enter heaven, despite what loving owners would wish to believe. Further talk delves into the parable of the lost sheep in the Bible. It seems that people are the flock of reference in the passage. In this enlightening chapter, Katz quotes other philosophers and resolves that animals deserve mercy and will give evidence against their humans at the last judgment. Interesting thoughts.

SOUL OF A DOG is filled with warm anecdotes of adventure, industry, service and unconditional love. The reader's task will be to sift through the evidence Katz presents about the possibilities of soulful animals. Definitions of such theories are subjective but can be influenced by objectivity. Katz invites us to experience life with animals on a deeply personal level. This is a delightful read.

--- Reviewed by Judy Gigstad

I am in charge of a Hospice Volunteer program. I bought this book for our pet therapists, thinking it would be uplifting and beneficial to their services as a Hospice Volunteer. I bought a copy for myself, hoping to gain some insight into this subject. I am very disappointed in how the book is written. I am an animal lover and believer that animals have souls and are here for a reason. This book reflects the strong opinion of the author that only certain animals have souls and he explores different teachings that "support" his opinions. I do feel that every individual is entitled to their own opinions.......I just felt misled in the description of this book and in the title of the book. The pet therapists that work for us felt the exact same way and were very disappointed in the book. This book also had very little to do with Hospice care - another misleading concept.

If you are an animal lover, Hospice Volunteer, or pet therapy volunteer, you may want to avoid this book if you are hoping it will gain you some insight into the soul of any animal.

I too have struggle with the perceptions of the "soul". The teachings of the Christian churches deny the existence of the soul in animals yet in these creatures we see the purest form of a life we should aspire to according to their teachings. I have never seen more unselfish behavior than that of a female dog, days after a spay operation, carrying abandoned puppies to her bed and proceding to produce milk for them, ignoring what must have been considerable pain. I have seen geese refuse to abandon a mate suffering illness( take that Newt Gingrich), a horse help feed and care for the foal of a "teenaged" filly. Katz does a great job of illustrating similar experiences and comparing the explanation by the various clergy of their belief in this matter. I agree with those who say, "I would not want to go to a heaven without dogs" but I would include all animals.

WOW, this is a wonderful book. I am definetly an animal lover and especailly dogs but Border collies are my soul mates( 4 have owned me). Jon, bless you for speaking on behalf of these beautiful critters, Iagree with every word you have written and wish I had you as a friend........Cathy/ I will be giving this book as gifts to all my dog loving friends for sure!

I purchased this book for my husband. We are Border collie owners and my husband has read all of Jon Katz's books. I think he enjoyed this latest book most of all. A heartwarming terrific tale of life at Bedlam Farms; the only problem is he read the book in a few hours he couldn't put it down. So OK how long do we have to wait for the next book, Mr. Katz???

Why is "zero stars" not an option? John Katz is an overprivileged yuppie who plays at country life. Both in this book and his book "A Good Dog" (about a dog he gave up on and had euthanized -- the dog was healthy, but inconvenient), he uses animals to drain every ounce of pathos out of a situation, but ultimately he is always writing about himself, insufferably and smugly at that. If you want to read truly worthy dog books, pick up a copy of anything by Ken Foster. Jon Katz doesn't need to wring any more royalties out of animals.

I gave this as a gift after reading reviews, will get it back when my cousin finishes; I have loved everything I ever read by Jonathan Katz

I enjoyed this book very much. It made me laugh and cry. I had to put my dog down last month and have found that I am very lonely without her company. This book helped me to feel better knowing that she is in a better place and still knows how much I love her.