Product Description
“People who love dogs often talk about a ‘lifetime’ dog. I’d heard the phrase a dozen times before I came to recognize its significance. Lifetime dogs are dogs we love in especially powerful, sometimes inexplicable ways.”–Jon Katz

In this gripping and deeply touching book, bestselling author Jon Katz tells the story of his lifetime dog, Orson: a beautiful border collie–intense, smart, crazy, and unforgettable.

From the moment Katz and Orson meet, when the dog springs from his traveling crate at Newark airport and panics the baggage claim area, their relationship is deep, stormy, and loving. At two years old, Katz’s new companion is a great herder of school buses, a scholar of refrigerators, but a dud at herding sheep. Everything Katz attempts– obedience training, herding instruction, a new name, acupuncture, herb and alternative therapies–helps a little but not enough, and not for long. “Like all border collies and many dogs,” Katz writes, “he needed work. I didn’t realize for some time I was the work Orson would find.”
While Katz is trying to help his dog, Orson is helping him, shepherding him toward a new life on a two-hundred-year-old hillside farm in upstate New York. There, aided by good neighbors and a tolerant wife, hip-deep in sheep, chickens, donkeys, and more dogs, the man and his canine companion explore meadows, woods, and even stars, wade through snow, bask by a roaring wood stove, and struggle to keep faith with each other. There, with deep love, each embraces his unfolding destiny.

A Good Dog is a book to savor. Just as Orson was the author’s lifetime dog, his story is a lifetime treasure–poignant, timeless, and powerful.

From the Hardcover edition.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 2.5 based on 149 reviews)

DOG KILLER!!!!!!!!!!

Just unthinkably sad.
Do not support cruelty by buying books from Jon Katz the dog murderer.
Yes, I have 4 Border Collies and know of what I speak.
October 03, 2008

English teacher review

Being an English teacher, I'm picky about books, but my son recommended this. It is well-written and truly stimulates emotions. I'm impressed. I thought only dog lovers would like this, but I can see many people of all ages and interests enjoying a man's heart-breaking decision. Not everyone would choose the author's path, but we have to respect that he put thought into it. Excellent true story.
September 14, 2008

Wish they had a "zero-star" option....

For a so-called "dog-lover" to write this rubbish and then try to profit off of it is simply unforgivable. What a selfish, arrogant man. I can only hope that karma catches up with Katz eventually. I sincerely believe that he, not Orson, should have been euthanized!
September 06, 2008

Don't Buy This Book!!!

This book is a review of the self indulgent actions by a self absorbed man. He has no clue what it means to be a true dog owner. He reminds me of a child who, tiring of a toy, throws it out and cries for a new toy to satisfy the need for the new. Orson , his "soulmate" border collie is really nothing more than a toy that doesn't work very well in Katz's eyes. Rather than learn about his dog, Katz destroys him, and buys a newer, better model.

Dog people love to read books about dogs. This book is not about a dog. It is about this guy Katz and his odd outlook on life. Don't buy the book. Don't fund this guy's way of life. There are enough copies being thrown away. Pick one up if you must, otherwise, there are so many great books out there... read one of those. (An example: Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote.)
July 19, 2008

I absolutely love this book.

I so loved reading this book. This' my second book my Jon Katz. A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life was a book that made me giggle and also weep. His love for the much loved Orson was so touching and real. Jon Katz has become my new favorite author.

I wish I could've met Orson.
June 29, 2008

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