Shadows

One of my favorite authors, photographers, and people (for that matter), Jon Katz, has a new book. I have read several of Jon's books focusing on his relationships and experiences with dogs. I also subscribe to his blog, Bedlam Farm Journal , which is a daily journal describing his life on a farm in upstate New York with a menagerie of animals including dogs, cats, donkeys, sheep, etc.

Jon's Hospice Journal has shown his readers a softer, gentler side of the man. Along with two of his dogs, Izzy and Lenore (the Love Hound), Jon visits hospice patients and their families in private homes, hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities-spreading smiles, love, and fur everywhere they go.

In Jon's latest book, "Out Of The Shadows," he discusses an issue many of us have dealt with personally, depression. Katz says, "The book deals, in words and photos, with fear, depression, anxiety and the search for a grounded and peaceful life. I see the story as something of a Joseph Campbell story, an account of one person's search for his place in the world, leaving his community behind, encountering difficulty and darkness and surviving to give rebirth to life".

As Jon says, it helps to know that others have dealt with and overcome the same worries and fears life throws at us all. I have gained strength, courage and hope through Jon's writings.

A few of my favorite dog books by Jon include: Running to the Mountain, The New Work of Dogs, A Dog Year (my favorite), and Izzy & Lenore- all published by Random House Books.