Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
Product Details
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Humorous, jubilant and touching by turns, this story of the relationship between man and dog is informed by the author's grasp of animal research and his attachment to Merle, a stray dog he adopted. A Labrador mix, Merle first appeared while the author was on a camping trip. Kerasote (Out There: In the Wild in a Wired Age), an award-winning nature writer, decided to take his canine friend home to rural Wyoming. This chronicle of their 13 years together is interspersed with studies by animal behaviorists that strengthened Kerasote's desire to see Merle as a responsible individual rather than a submissive pet. Merle set his own eating schedule (though not without early mishap), refused to hunt birds (although not elks) and, according to the author, possessed a range of emotions and sentiments similar to those of humans. Kerasote tends to anthropomorphize Merle's every look and movement, but this narrative is entertaining and Kerasote's strong love for Merle and enthusiasm for life in the wild will win over many readers. Kerasote's joyous relationship with Merle is balanced by a bittersweet account of a close relationship the author had with Alison, a neighbor and fellow dog owner. Kerasote's last weeks with the dying Merle are beautifully rendered. (July)
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From Booklist
*Starred Review* Merle showed up at the San Juan River at the same time Kerasote and his river-rafting friends arrived. Merle looked at Kerasote as if to say, "You need a dog, and I'm it." He accompanied the group down the river and then went home to Wyoming with Kerasote. A dog who was eager to please and almost trained himself, Merle learned the ways of bison, ground squirrels, and coyotes. Merle then taught Kerasote the fullness of the hunt, leading Kerasote to his favorite prey. But, after Kerasote installed a dog door, the main thing Merle taught him is that a dog develops to his full potential, becoming the dog he was meant to be, when allowed to make his own decisions. Merle developed a life of his own, patrolling the small settlement where they lived with his dog companions, and yet was always very aware of Kerasote and his schedule. In telling Merle's story, Kerasote also explores the science behind canine behavior and evolution, weaving in research on the human-canine bond and musing on the way dogs see the world. Merle is a true character, yet Merle is also Everydog. An absolute treasure of a book. Bent, Nancy
Review
"A thoughtful look at animal intelligence and the human-dog connection." -- Kirkus
"Humorous, jubilant and touching by turns... Kerasote's strong love for Merle and enthusiasm for life in the wild will win over many readers." -- Publishers Weekly
"In telling Merle's story, Kerasote also explores the science behind canine behavior and evolution, weaving in research on the human-canine bond and musing on the way dogs see the world. Merle is a true character, yet Merle is also Everydog. An absolute treasure of a book." -- Booklist (starred review)
"Kerasote gives readers much to consider that will enrich their own relationships with their pets. His book is highly recommended, but it does come with a tissue alert." -- Library Journal (starred review)
"Merle's Door is a window into the mind of a dog. You will experience his loyalty, fears, and joys and his true inner self. Everybody who loves dogs must read this book." -- Temple Grandin, author of Animals In Translation
"Merle's Door is a thoroughly researched, philosophical, sentimental and sometimes breathtaking book, and an adventure from beginning to end. Kerasote is engaging and enlightening, and Merle is certainly a likeable character. His master's anthropological and sociological observations are challenging, and his love for Merle undeniable. When Merle dies, Kerasote is inconsolable, and the ending is a work of art. Anyone - dog lover or not - will be deeply moved by the book's last few lines." -- The Globe and Mail, December 1, 2007 ("The Globe 100", 2007)
“Kerasote has an uncanny eye for detail, and he writes with an unaffected honesty and intimacy that threatened to break my heart…Whether you like dogs or not, the sheer quality of the writing will blow you away.” -- The Montreal Gazette, July 31, 2007
“Kerasote has penned an insightful story of his extraordinary relationship with a wonderfully intelligent creature... You were a good dog, Merle. Ted was lucky to have you as his friend.” -- The Winnipeg Free Press, July 8, 2007
“Man meets dog. Dog provides insights into the human condition. Dog and man bond and man's life becomes much richer. For fans of Morley, this book is sure to be the cat's meow. Make that the dog's woof." -- The National Post, July 21, 2007
“This tale of a man and his dog by western writer Ted Kerasote is as good an animal story as you will ever read… A must for every dog owner and lover.” -- The Toronto Sun, September 16, 2007
Customer Reviews
Fantastic book
This is a great book. My golden lab's vet asked if he could borrow it when I was finished, and now the book is doing the "rounds" at the veterinary clinic!
Great book
Fantastic book, a few parts were a little slow, but for over 95% of the book, it was amazing. It was amazing how he communicated to Merle, and how free Merle was to be a dog. DEFINITELY a book worth reading.
The Best Book, about your Best Friend that you'll ever read!
I purchased "Merle's Door" on a whim, and I'm so glad I did. It is truly one of the best books I've ever read, let alone THE BEST "Dog Book" I've ever read. Ted Kerasote draws you into his life with Merle from the moment he finds him as a pup, through his growing and adult years, and later into his elder years. You are with them on their journey together. Kerasote's research into animal behavior, along with his gift of bringing his words to life grabs you and won't let go. By the time I finished the book, I felt as if I had lived with the both of them. (Bonus - I learned a lot about animal behavior as well) I bought a copy for everyone on my Christmas list this year (10 Copies!), and Everyone is positively smitten.
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