Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me

Izzy & Lenore is the uplifting true account of Jon Katz's acuisition of his two latest dogs and how they were remarkably competent as therapy dogs. Not only could Lenore, and most especially Izzy, calm spirits and bring joy to hospice patients, it turns out, they also did the same for their owner. Jon Katz gives little detail about his depression, stemming from an unhappy childhood, but it doesn't matter. The important message that he conveys brilliantly is that the dogs healed him with their innate skills at attending those who are suffering and their individual personalities. I always enjoy a Jon Katz dog book, but I think this is my favorie. He brought me close to tears with his descriptions of visiting failing hospice patients and show more the wonders his therapy dogs were able to bring about. One patient, who hadn't spoken coherently in months, brought forth his first recognizable phrase, "Good dog" and from there improved to the point of being released from the hospice program--he was no longer declining in health. I already believed it anyway, but Jon Katz made me truly believe dogs have a special kind of magic to know and understand people and what they need. They can read our emotions and feel responsible to guard and nurture them. Altogether an excellent book with a meaningful message. show less

I've read all Jon's books and loved them all. But, this one is my all time favorite. It touched my heart so deeply. Jon portrayed beautifully the connection between dogs and humans. His honesty about not always finding the right words to describe this connection was refreshing. Sometimes things just don't have an explanation. They can only be felt with the heart. Jon does this so eloquently in Izzy and Lenore. My own dog, who is in a wheelchair, does therapy work with hospital patients and assisted senior facilities. What transpires when she interacts with them is absolute love on a level most times I cannot find words for. All I know is that I witness something bigger than myself. Bravo, Jon for sharing Izzy and Lenore with hospice and show more nursing home residents and now sharing those beautiful stories with the world... what a gift for everyone. show less

Katz, the author of numerous books about dogs, has written a book which deals mainly with his decision to become a hospice volunteer and to train his extremely sensitive border collie Izzy to accompany him on his hospice visits. Izzy proves to be remarkably adept at interacting with the dying hospice patients and often is able to calm and soothe otherwise difficult patients. Katz also writes about dealing with depression during a long gray winter, reconciling with his sister, and acquiring a new black Lab puppy (Lenore of the title). A wonderful book -- one cannot help but be moved at some of the interactions betweeen Katz, Izzy, and the hospice patients.

Jon Katz’s previous non-fiction dog books have all been honest, heartfelt, thoughtful, and introspective. His newest, Izzy & Lenore, is no exception and is perhaps his most personal book. I was brought to tears several times as he recounted his visits as a hospice volunteer along with his wonderful border collie, Izzy. This one may have surpassed A Dog Year as my favorite of his books.

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.

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 show more very affecting memoir. show less

Katz tells us at the very beginning that no dogs die in this book. That's true, but he is a hospice volunteer and he can't say the same thing about the people he and the incredible Izzy work with.

Katz relates a very personal description of how his life was interrupted by depression. The past does come back to bite you. He was fortunate to have people in his life that cared about him and supported him during this diffcult time. However, I'm thinking the best care he received was through the amazing friendship, compassion, and unconditional love he received from his dogs. Recommended for dog lovers. It would also be encouraging to hospice workers and/or those suffering from depression.