Saving Izzy : the abandoned dog who stole my heart

When Jon Katz hears about Izzy, a three-year-old Border collie kept alone in a field on an abandoned farm, his heart speaks louder than his head and he agrees to take him in. Once again Jon finds himself challenged by a difficult dog.

Having found his human, Izzy wants to go with Jon wherever he may be, and jumps fences and chews through locks to do so.

Jon has been through this before with his dog Orson, and isn't sure he can cope with the responsibility and potential heartache again.

But Jon's motley collection of animals - from Jesus the baby donkey to Elvis the surprisingly sociable steer, as well of course as farm manager and Border collie Rose - form an ideal refuge for Izzy. And as Jon and Izzy decide they are perfect companions, Jon realises just how much life on the farm has taught him about patience, perseverance and love. Please note, Saving Izzy is the UK title for the book published in the US as Dog Days.