While on a camping trip, Ted Kerasote met a dog—a Labrador mix—who was living on his own in the wild. They became attached to each other, and Kerasote decided to name the dog Merle and bring him home. There, he realized that Merle’s native intelligence would be diminished by living exclusively in the human world. He put a dog door in his house so Merle could live both outside and in. A deeply … deeply touching portrait of a remarkable dog and his relationship with the author, Merle’s Door explores the issues that all animals and their human companions face as their lives intertwine, bringing to bear the latest research into animal consciousness and behavior as well as insights into the origins and evolution of the human-dog partnership. Merle showed Kerasote how dogs might live if they were allowed to make more of their own decisions, and Kerasote suggests how these lessons can be applied universally.
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As a dedicated dog lover, I found the story both entertaining and informative when discussing the behaviors of man’s best friend. Though a tad bittersweet if you’ve lost a pet recently, but it is a very worthwhile read.
I am a sucker for any story about a dog and this didn’t disappoint me. Ted met Merle in the Utah desert when his was only 10 months old and had been surviving in the wild, Ted was 41 and wanted a companion to share living around the wildlife and go hiking, skiing, boating. Both learned about each other for many years and this is also education …
Ted Keresote, while on a kayak/raft trip down Utah’s San Juan River, was surprised when a big golden/redish dog joined their party. He didn’t have a collar or obvious identification. The dog was thin, but full of energy, and had apparently been living on his own for some time. He seemed to like what he smelled in this party of several friends, and …
I couldn’t put this down. Spent the entire day reading until it was done. The science backing up what the author said was a bonus. Some of his theories are a bit hard to put in to practice in an urban area such as I live in but interesting none the less.
Loved the way Merle’s life was so well communicated that you felt like you were there.
Loved it. There is a special place in heaven for Merle and later, his dad. If you have ever loved a dog like this man did, you will understand this story. But it will rip your heart out at the end.
Merle is adorable. His dad an awesome writer.
Well worth reading.
A very unusual book. I cried so hard when Merle passed.
I loved this book! Especially since I am a dog owner/dog lover. The author made you feel as though you also fell in love with this wonderful dog. And of course I cried towards the end.
Great story, especially if you like dogs! Gives a new perspective on the dog life.
This is the best dog book I have ever read. Chapters alternate between Merle’s story and information on canine behavior and development. I give this book to friends when they get a new dog.
A must read for every dog owner…
I learned a lot about dogs, but really enjoyed the story of Ted and Merle and their life together. Both of them unique creatures.
I just loved it!
It’s a very heartfelt autobiography of a dog by his owner. Their adventures together are fun to experience. If you’re a dog lover you should read this book. I really enjoyed it.
One of the best books about a man and his dog. Their life together, full of adventures, lucky both. I cried buckets at the end. I read it twice.
Worth the read.
Very interesting account of the relationship of the author and the magnificent dog he adopted. He argues for giving dogs some self agency so that they can develop their abilities. Great account of living an outdoor life in Wyoming with an amazing partner!
Been a while, but I still remember this one – I think everyone with a dog should read it. Mostly because people don’t seem to know how to actually LIVE with their dogs – they just “keep” them… And I don’t understand that. Maybe this book would help them.
Man finds dog. Man rescues dog. Dog rescues man. Really, it’s a wonderful book, heartwarming and sad, but beautifully written.
Great story about Egle the dog Ted always writes a page turning story. You absorb and inderstand their relationship. I highly recommend.