Really enjoyed it, even though I am not a dog person. ( )

gets farm and sheep for dogs, seems to be using dogs to confirm things about self, controversial since next book in which puts down Orson.

A sequel to the author's first book in a series about his life and dogs, this time detailing his first winter on a rundown farm in Vermont. Katz also adds his personal thoughts and philosophies to the narrative without slowing down the pace. ( )

While this story is appealing with its focus on how the author used his love for his dogs to help him get his life on track, I found it repetitive in places and it never really captured my interest. I am an animal lover and I enjoyed the interaction between dog and human. An easy read. ( )

You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate this book by Jon Katrz. Because although this is a book about the dogs in Jon's life, it is also about his life and his search for a means of becoming the person he wants to be. Katz's search for insight gives the reader perspective into what is required of us as we attempt to become a useful player, participating in our own lives. Many of his moments of awareness begin when he is working with one of his beloved Border Collies, but he also benefits from relationships with his helpful neighbors and his sister, who he sees for the first time in years in the course of writing this book.
I enjoyed reading this book so much I plan to read the others he has written. His need to become the best person he can be is given a jump-start in the course of caring for his dogs. He recognizes that in order to help them he needs to develop patience, tolerance, and understanding. The dogs don't respond in positive ways when he is impatient with them. He feels responsible not only for their physical welfare but also for their lives as well-adjusted dogs, capable of enjoying purpose in their lives, and returning the love they are given. Border Collies have a high work drive and when kept as pets they often become destructive. Jon not only sees the benefit in working his Border Collies for their sake, but learns how to take care of his farm for his own sake also. As a reader, you will enjoy the ups and downs of Katzs' life as he tries to give his dogs the best possible lives and at the same time run a farm. What he learns from his dogs helps him to run his farm and maintain decent relationships with his neighbors. HIghly recommended. ( )