I've read Jon's books before. Had him as a guest author on CSDogBookReview a couple of times and even talked with him on the phone while getting that setup. I was also fortunate to read a publisher's manuscript for Dog Days. Jon has a way of being honest and sharing his life that is not always appreciated by the positive dog trainer's of the world. Jon admits his faults and has improved his training methods.

In Izzy and Lenore we met the two new dogs in his life. Both help him in their own ways with the realization that he's dealing with depression as well as adjusting to a new life as a diabetic. Jon is honest about connecting back with a sister that he hadn't talked with in years because of her past history with addiction, but she's able to help him in ways that others can't - a shared history.

Jon's new calling as a hospice worker brought tears as he talked about some of the people that he visited. It's an amazing thing and made me think of my grandmother who is currently in hospice care and I wish that he could visit her. I'm looking forward to reading Soul of a Dog when its available from the library. Wish I could find my manuscript so I could have him sign it.

Wow! I've posted a review at Amazon again. it's been awhile! ( )

Jon Katz writes well, of his farm, his animals, his thoughts and feelings, but mostly about his dogs. This particular volume is about an abandoned Border Collie, Izzy, who Jon rescues, and eventually uses in hospice work. The chapters include gentle tales of the hospice patients, which convey the peace and healing that Izzy brings to the bedside. Lenore is a puppy that works her magic on Jon, to help him with clinical depression. Very satisfying read, recommended. ( )

This book made me laugh...& cry! Mostly about Izzy (although that's Lenore on the front cover), it describes his work as a hospice therapy dog, and about how he & Lenore helped the author (Jon Katz) through a dark period in his life. Very good, quick read -- dog lovers, unite! ( )

I’m always a sucker for animal stories, and this did not disappoint. I had never heard of Jon Katz before, but I will definitely look into reading others of his many animal books. I wish I could meet Izzy and Lenore someday, as they sound like wonderful dogs! The story was very inspiring and made me want to consider doing some dog therapy work someday, when I retire, if I get another dog. Or even just do volunteer work (without a dog)! Jon paints such vivid stories about his dogs, that I could actually imagine myself right there with them. I recommend this book. By the way, I listened to it on Audible and it was a fast listen. ( )

A very interesting and well written memoir about a year in the life of Jon Katz. It was a year of incredible changes for him, beginning with his adoption of an abandoned border collie, which he names Izzy. Izzy is damaged by her years of abuse, but quickly rebounds and become a very valuable asset to Jon's life because she joins him in visiting Hospice patients. The book also follows Jon's adoption and training of the puppy Lenore, Jon's battle with severe depression, and his reconnection with his sister, Jane. The stories of how Izzy worked as a Hospice volunteer, adapting to each new situation, was the most interesting part of the book for me. I also loved Jon's photographs and would have liked to see more of those he took that year A very affecting memoir. ( )