The New Work of Dogs: Tending to Life, Love, and Family

This book was in interesting look at why people have dogs and what the dogs do for that person. Every chapter was a different person and their dog. Most of them were emotional support of some kind. There was the divorced dog club, the gal with cancer, the lonely kid, the old man. Some of the stories were very sweet. The gal with her Corgi was adorable. Two of them were awful. These two the dogs were neglected or abused. I couldn't have just written those stories. I would have had to call and report them. Luckily, one of them went on to a better life.
I didn't agree with everything that this guys said. He said that dogs will completely forget their owners if needed to. I disagree with that for all dogs. You hear stories about dogs that show more travel long distances to find their homes again. We see stories about dogs that are devoted beyond comprehension and I personally saw a dog grieve herself to death when my ex moved out. She was never happy again and died six months later.
Overall, this book was very sweet about people and their canine companions. I know that my life is better with my dogs (and my kids dog). They are always happy to see me and they always seem to know when I am down and need extra love. I wouldn't say this is a must read but it is good and enjoyable. show less

Each chapter is a vignette of a particular human / dog relationship, Katz finding a variety of people with dogs to interview and keep in touch with near his home town. I found it engaging and fun to read.

This book should be read by all dog and cat owners, though it is doubtful many will do so. His insights, research, wisdom, and levity place him in a treasured and unique position in contemporary writing.

Tending to life, love, and family