Here's another book that I listened to rather than reading. As usual, Katz has a lot of good stories to tell about his dogs, his life, and the farm on which they live. His thesis seems to be whether dogs have souls. Alas, like many who have gone before him, he never manages to prove or disprove the theory. But, he tells some really good stories along the way so it does not seem all that important. Dog owners will continue to have their own ideas about the matter. If you don't read the book with the expectation of learning profound truths, then you will no doubt enjoy it. I did. ( )

There seems to be a big contradiction in how the author sees his dogs as compared to his other farm animals. I find that very odd. Regardless of your personal belief on souls, it seems odd to attribute one to a dog and not to other animals. If you are dog lover, you may find the anecdotal stories amusing. But if you are looking for positive reflections of the other farm animals, you will be disappointed. ( )

Finishing Soul of a Dog left me with a sense of sadness - I am always unhappy to have to say good-bye to Bedlam Farm. I find Jon Katz’s stories to be both thought-provoking and honest and enjoy reading about the farm and its inhabitants. Soul of a Dog is not only a discussion of dogs’ souls, their faithfulness, spirit and ability to comfort, but also those of the farm’s other animals – the cows, chickens, donkeys, cat and even chickens. I don’t believe I’ve ever before gasped over the fate of a hen but there you go. The most profound chapters here are those that bring in other people and events – the hospice patient, the minister, the lonely friend. I am anxiously awaiting the next book about life at Bedlam Farm.

Animal lovers could do a lot worse than to pick up one of his books. ( )