Katz, Jon. The new work of dogs; tending to life, love, and family.

KATZ, Jon. The new work of dogs; tending to life, love, and family. Random House. 237p. bibliog, c2003. 0-375-76055-5. $13.95. SA

In a world where people sometimes have better relationships with their computers than with their families or friends, the dog's role has evolved from "best friend" to surrogate child, focus-for-life, aid for the handicapped, rescuer and therapy assistant. As Jon Katz puts it, "the range of dogs' work today is breathtaking." (p.206) The New Work of Dogs is no dry sociological essay on these roles, but rather a bittersweet look at several individuals whose lives are different because of the dogs they have adopted. Perhaps most memorable are the chapters on the Divorced Dogs Club (a group of five recently divorced women who meet on a regular basis, providing support for each other and receiving added encouragement from their four-legged partners), Donna (who sang regularly to her corgi while she was fighting a losing battle against breast cancer) and Betty Jean, the feisty grandmother whose world revolves around dog rescue: "... rescue was her life, her real work, family and purpose; nothing else came close ... In the same way writers, artists and actors fantasized about giving up their day jobs to pursue their passions, dog rescuers plotted how to do nothing but save dogs. And there were plenty to save." (p.47)

Although Katz tries on occasion to be dispassionate and look objectively at our need for companionship and love, he cannot help but get caught up in the stories he hears of love and devotion. "It was a friendship and attachment literally beyond words, often beyond our consciousness." (p.222) Such feelings are understandable. Jon Katz has done a great service in telling these stories of animal-human bonding. Even in his concern for our seeing dogs as "quasi-humans with fur and sharper teeth" he is reminding us of the need for compassion and understanding for both humans and animals. Recommended for all high school, public and academic libraries. Katherine Gillen, Libn., Luke AFB Lib., AZ

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.