Tom Stechschulte

"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." Author 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, their relationship is deep, stormy, and loving. Two years old, Katz's...

"Yamacraw Island was haunting, nearly deserted, and beautiful. Separated from the mainland of South Carolina by a wide tidal river, it was accessible only by boat. But for the handful of families that lived on Yamacraw, America was a world away. For years these families lived proudly from the sea until waste from industry destroyed the oyster beds essential to their very existence. Already poor, they knew they would have to face an uncertain future...

Describes how the author rescued and fell in love with a neglected donkey who proved a loyal listener and companion, prompting the author to confront personal challenges and learn new lessons about compassion.

Do animals have souls? Do they affect ours? Do they make moral choices? In Soul of a Dog, Jon Katz explores these questions through stories of his border collie Rose. Not one for being petted or cuddled, Rose's integrity and devotion to running the farm are complete. When Jon is sick, Rose is the only one of the dogs who will not leave his side. Here, too, are fascinating looks at his other dogs Izzy, Lenore, and Pearl; his gentle, ethereal donkeys;...