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Summary: I honor the dog, not the hunter
Review: Bass is an engaging stylist in the Annie Dillard vein and his love for his dog will touch anyone "owned" by one of the four-legged rascals. But one thing that consistently interfered with my enjoyment of the book - though it may not bother you in the least - is the importance Bass places on Colter's skills as a hunting dog. For one thing, I have never been convinced (even by a writer as formidable as William Faulkner) that there is anything noble or poetic about killing animals for fun, no matter how much the dog may enjoy helping us do it. And what if Colter had been just a dumb sweet mutt with housebreaking lapses? Would he have been any less deserving of tribute? My whippet Reggie is an oddly-proportioned fellow (reminiscent, in his youth, of a pot-bellied pig) with a goofy grin whose most conspicuous talent is carrying my slippers into the backyard. But he is a perfect "Reggie" and my wife and I love him like a son.
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Summary: Not Just for Dog Lovers
Review: First off, I'm a big fan of Rick Bass' writing. Clear, compelling, and crisp. "Colter" is definitely a story about a dog and his owner. But it transcends the heart-string pulls that might imply and manages to paint a picture of place, character, and neighborly interaction in the American West as well.If you enjoyed Rick Bass' "Winter" or his later story collections, "Colter" might be a welcome read.
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Summary: A great book! I laughed, I cried... you get the picture
Review: For anyone who has ever truly loved a dog (if you have, you know what I'm talking about), this is a must read. If you're a bird hunter, this book has special significance. But even if your not, there's much here for you. Rick Bass is uniquely open with his feelings for a goofy German Shorthaired Pointer (aren't they all goofy?) named Colter. As anyone who has ever and loved a great dog knows, these types of animals are not perfect. In fact, their greatness comes from that lack of perfection -- their unique personlities that sometimes make you just grin and shake your head. Colter is just that kind of a dog and the way Rick Bass tells his story (and the story of their time together) is quite touching and even hillariously funny at times.
Rating: 
Summary: Colter and Moe
Review: I am a hunter and an owner/trainer of a pointing dog and I was given this book for Christmas. This book was a real disappointment. I was expecting tales of a super intelligent dog with better than average hunting skills. The delivery was tales of misbehavior and typical, undisciplined canine stunts. There are better hunting dog books. Spend your good time with those.
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Summary: About more than just a dog
Review: I first became aquainted with Rick Bass when a friend recommended I read _The Ninemile Wolves_. It was a great read, and I've been a loyal Bass reader ever since. Like Bass' other works, the strength of _Colter_ lies in its simplicity. While the remarkable relationship between Bass and his dog frames the book, there is much to be learned about the outdoors, responsible hunting, life and loss. In _Colter_ Bass illustrates that hunting is not so much about shooting birds as it is a heightened awareness of one's place in the world. Or perhaps should be. I never thought I would consider bird hunting, though having read _Colter_ I'd like to give it try. My only complaint about the book was Bass' persistent self-consciousness about his (poor) markmanship. Bass admits that he is a lousy shot, giving countless examples of birds that Colter would flush and that he would miss. One can only assume that it was as frustrating for the dog as for the reader. Despite this one gripe, however, _Colter_ is a good, quick read. I've been without a dog for several years now, and in _Colter_ I begin to see clearly the reasons why I miss it.
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Summary: Dog lovers and naturalists will treasure this book
Review: I originally picked up this book because of the cover. The darling GSP pup is hard to resist. However, the beautiful imagery within is what stays with me. I am a confessed dog-lover and outdoor enthusiast. I responded to Bass's descriptions of Colter's hunting skills and of the natural world. I enjoyed Bass's humility and sense of humor. Mostly, I could just relate to how much he loves his dog. I feel the same. I could not put the book down and have reread certain passages upon finishing Colter. A great choice for people who appreciate the magic of working dogs-dogs that live to hunt or herd or help. Also, anyone who loves the Montana wilderness would like Colter, as well.
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Summary: COLTER, a must read for bird hunters and dog lovers!!!
Review: I was given this book for Valentines Day by my fiancee and daughter. Being the owner of a chocolate lab, the pic of the chocolate short hair on the cover was definetly eye catching the second I opened it. I started to read the book that night and finished it the following night. The book is very hard to put down. The author talks about how he stubbles across the "best dog he ever had owned...Colter" Thats the way that I feel about my pup. Mr.Bass reflects back on many great days of hunting with out bagging any birds. To me a day in the field with no birds is still a great day, you get to spend it with a loyal friend. Rick's best friend was Colter, mine is Bailey. This book would be perfect for anyone who loves there dog more than they do shooting pheasants. The dialog draws you in and makes you feel and wish you were there seeing Colter on point and retreving birds. It's a great book and I don't think anyone would be disappointed purchasing this one. Thank you Kim and Alyssa for one of the best Valentine's Day presents ever.
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Summary: For the Love of Dogs
Review: Rick Bass is a man who truly loves his dogs, and can put this love into words that will take your breath away. Mr. Bass is a hunter and environmentalist with a profound respect for all living things. In addition to this book being a profound outpouring of his love for the unforgettable German Shorthair Pointer, Coulter, this book looks at life through the golden beauty of an autumn day. No weather is too lousy to keep Mr. Bass from hunting his talented canine partner, and no matter how many shots Mr. Bass misses at birds suspended right in front of his gun, every hunt is perfection. If someone were to ask me what kind of novel this is, I don't know that I could answer simply. I picked it up because it was in the biography section of my school's library (and my students are currently studying biographies), but I kept reading it because it drew me in, dragged me deep into the smell of leaves and awe of the beauty of a fine dog, and wouldn't let go. It is one of the funniest books I have read (I cannot count the times I laughed out loud); it is one of the most tragic books I have read (I grieved with Mr. Bass and revisited my own grief as I approach the one year anniversary of the death of my first dog); it is one of the most beautiful books I have read (his appreciation of his dogs' beauty -- all of them -- and the world around him has opened my eyes wider). Thank you Mr. Bass for sharing your stories of a truly unforgettable partner in life.
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Summary: A touching tribute to bird dogs
Review: Rick Bass' "Colter" captures the joy, frustration and heartbreak of sharing your life with a bird dog. I've hunted gamebirds for over 30 years, with and without a bird dog. Those seasons in the company of a bird dog are vastly superior. Not necessarily in the number of birds bagged, but in the quality of the experience. We are fortunate that Rick Bass has brought to words those feelings and emotions that many of us have for our dogs.
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Summary: Only too human and canine
Review: This book made me angry. It also made me laugh. Sometimes, "art" wrenches from us unexpected emotions and this is what Rick Bass was able to do in "Colter". Somehow Bass has the extraordinary good fortune to own a truly superb bird dog, a wunderkind of the field. Colter, named after the Montana mountain man, has boundless energy, a true passion for hunting, and an aura of "goofiness". Bass was hardly his ideal companion in the field. He was, and probably still is, a terrible shot. Bird dogs expect the hunter to hold up his or her end of the bargain. After pointing a bird, holding the bird, and then flushing the bird, is it too much to ask that you actually shoot the bird? In Bass' case, it was far too often too much to ask. But this honesty is endearing as well as frustrating. Despite these failures in the field, Colter remained a hunting fool. This is a book about passions. Bass is fortunate enough to hunt over 100 days a year, and wingshooting has obviously consumed him. And he is passionate about his dogs, though his obvious preference for Colter comes through time and again. The perfect dog, and the imperfect man.
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