Merle's Door

Lessons from a Freethinking Dog

By: Ted Kerasote

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Ted Kerasote met and adopted Merle, a Labrador mix, while he was on a camping trip. Merle had been living in the wild, and after taking the dog home with him to Wyoming, Kerasote soon realized that Merle could not adjust to inhabiting exclusively the human world. So he put a door in his house to let Merle live both outside and in.

A deeply touching portrait of a remarkable animal, Merle's Door explores the issues that all animals and their human companions face as their lives intertwine and presents the latest research into animal behavior, as well as the origins and evolution of human-dog interaction. Merle showed Kerasote how dogs might live were they free; Kerasote suggests how they should be allowed to live, and the doors that should always remain open to them.

©2007 Ted Kerasote (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"Informative....Kerasote gives readers much to consider that will enrich their own relationships with their pets....Highly recommended." ( Library Journal)

Great Book for all Dog Lovers

A beautiful story about the close relationships between people and and their dogs. I listen to audiobooks on the way to work and found myself crying openly while driving. What makes this book even more special is the history and scientific information interspersed into the personal remembrance of an amazing bond with an incredible dog. This is a must read for all dog lovers. One of my favorites.

Changed life for my dog and I

What did you like best about this story?

As much as I have always loved my dog and thought of him as my partner, I never truly understood the concept of partnership until Kerasote explored freedom through the eyes of Merle. I have listened to this book three times now and I get something more from it each time. I loved that Kerasote included research on dog and animal behavior in a way that I easily understood and adds a great dimension to the story.

Which character – as performed by Patrick Lawlor – was your favorite?

Merle was my favorite! Of course...

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Oh yes. I fell in love with Merle, head over heels. Kerasote didn't just write a book about a dog, this was a biography of a beautiful soul, and I felt that I came to know him through Kerasote's words. I laughed out loud at Merle's antics and loved his discovering himself. Although I knew before the final chapter that Merle had passed, I still grieved over his loss. Kerasote is correct in saying "too soon gone" but he also has the right idea, to love them with everything we've got while we can.

Any additional comments?

If you're a dog lover/parent, you've just got to read this book. It's not so much about training or anything, but it'll change the way you think about your dog and how he or she experiences life. If you're not a dog parent (yet?), this book will help you understand the love between a dog and its person. So worth it!! AND his next book Pukka's Promise, is every bit as wonderful, maybe a bit more science-y but very informative about extending the lives of our best friends (and ourselves too really).

A life changing story.

The story of Merle and Ted transformed my once troubled relationship I had with my own dog. He has since passed away, but because of reading this book, I had a deeper understanding of our relationship. He was such a vital influence in my life, and I am grateful to this book for opening a whole new world, that I otherwise might never have even known was possible.

My 3rd time listening.

I love this story. If you are a dog lover, you will love this story. Ted tells it so wonderfully. It’s informative, heartwarming, heartbreaking, memorable.

Truly wonderful!

This is without a doubt one of the most wonderful books I have ever listened to. I was apprehensive at first about buying it, but gave in to my love of dogs and did so. I am so glad I did.

This book is very amusing -- I had a smile on my face almost all the way through. It is also very educational. The combination of the author's descriptions of Merle's behavior and the reader's interpretation of his 'voice' are just great. This story -- Ted's relationship with Merle -- is very moving. Since listening to the book I have seen the hardcover and there is a photo of the two of them which expresses exactly the love between them, which is captured beautifully in the audio. All the peripheral characters are fleshed out well without interrupting Merle's story; they simply add to it.

The book flows effortlessly and I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend - a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Merle rocks!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Merle was the star of the book. The book made you feel as if you could reach out and pet Merle and follow everything that he was doing.

What does Patrick Lawlor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He was Merle's voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had to stop listening to the book at one point because I was in a public place and couldn't cry in front of everyone. After several days, I was able to listen to the rest of the book and enjoy every word.

Any additional comments?

The book successfully captured his personality and quirks. The relationship between Merle and his human companion was beautiful.

A Suggestion

If you’re even thinking about getting a dog, you’ve got to listen to this book. There are plenty of book that will suggest which breed is right for you. “Merle’s Door” explains the frustration, dedication, bonding , companionship ,sorrow and overwhelming joy that can happen when the right person meets the right dog!

Gets me every time!

Through Ted's thoughtful, eloquent, analytical and humorous style of storytelling, I feel like I have known Merle myself. I love this story.

Moving true story and good research

Merle was "the best dog in the world." Kerasote not only did a great job of showing us what Merle was like, he also presented research on dogs to support his notion that they really are a lot like humans. He believes they need to have the freedom to become adults, rather than remain the children that we tend to treat them as.

Great love between man and dog

Narrator put me off just a bit, although can't say why. Not just a story, but infirmative as well.