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)

Dog lover's delight

What did you love best about Merle's Door?

The way Merle changed Ted's life. Not only that but changed the way he lived his life as well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Merle of course. As a lover of the canine species, I have read just about every book out there. This one is one of the best. Along with The Art of Racing in the Rain. A Dog's Purpose, A Dog's Journey, The Andy Carpenter Series, The Chet and Bernie Series. I recommend all of these very highly And if you have already read any of those I mentioned and enjoyed, then you should read, listen to this one as well.

What about Patrick Lawlor’s performance did you like?

Patrick Lawlor was wonderful. I have listened to him doing other narrations and he is one of the best.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Too many to mention. This book was just full of wonderful and strong moments for a dog lover.

Any additional comments?

Your Credit will not be wasted on this book.

The Best Audio Book I've ever listened to

I’ve listened to over 70 audio books and this was unequivocally the best one yet. Entertaining, educational, exquisitely written and truly heart-warming, Kerasote gives the reader a new insight on the human-dog relationship. No longer will you believe that humans should be the “master” or “alpha dog” over our canine companions. Everything I’ve ever learned about dogs and had accepted as “common knowledge” had to be revisited after listening to this book. As a result, I now have an entirely new outlook on raising and living with dogs.

The story of Ted and Merle was so emotionally addicting, I consumed it from start to finish in less than a weekend. It is a wonderfully written book from a truly remarkable author that found a friend and companion that taught not only him, but all who have read his book. Thank you Mr. Kerasote for sharing your story of one of the most remarkable dogs ever. Coupled with the marvelous narration of Patrick Lawlor, Merle’s Door is definitely a winner and unquestionably worthy of five stars in every aspect.

Dog of my dreams

This book is a must-read for dog lovers. It's filled with information woven smoothly around adventures and poignant moments shared between a writer and the dog of his dreams.

I loved Kelly, Wyoming, Gray Cat and Merle's adventures as the Mayor. The ending was inevitable, I knew, but the respect and love between Ted and Merle were the feelings that have lingered with me. Don't miss this one.

Unforgettable

Ted Kerasote has given us the unforgettable story of his life with his dog Merle. I agree with another reviewer, that this book has made me rethink how I think about my dogs and all the other dogs I come in contact with. I'll carry Ted's images of Merle with me now too. The narrator was just wonderful, evoking the tones of a man who really loves his dog.

Highly recommended.

Couldn't get in to it.

What did you like best about Merle's Door? What did you like least?

I might like this book better if I were reading it instead of listening to it. Seems very informative and I am interested in the subject but I just really couldn't get into the sound of the man's voice who was reading it.

Would you recommend Merle's Door to your friends? Why or why not?

I told my neighbor about this book and she was extremely interested in reading it so I have ordered the paperback for her to read.

Was Merle's Door worth the listening time?

Not for me.

Any additional comments?

I love dogs and I reluctantly listened to A Dog's Purpose. At first I didn't think I would like it but I really got in to it and have now started listening to a few dog books. That is why I purchased this one. I have given it a couple of hours and still am not really liking it. I'm gong to give a little more time.

The biography of a great dog

This is a wonderful audio book. The narration is great, and the author does a terrific job of telling the story of Merle's life. He clearly spent a lot of time researching the ways that dogs communicate with each other and how they relate to people. He and Merle clearly benefited from his efforts--and it makes for interesting listening

Such Respect !

a subtle and spellbinding blend of History, Science, and oh such wonderful interactions. thank you!

A Lesson In Life

Would you consider the audio edition of Merle's Door to be better than the print version?

I was very surprised by this book. It teaches much more than one would think. Very good storyline, that will leave you with thoughts and lessons. Well worth the time... sometimes it could get a little techy, but I was glad that I stuck with it.

Must read for all dog lovers.

Never have I experienced a more intimate relationship between man and dog as that between Ted and Merle. Such love is heartwarming to read about and I only wish that love was as common with humans! A wonderful life lead by this dog Merle.

It's a dog story therefore a tear jerker

Has anyone ever written a story about a dog that was not a tear jerker? I know of none.

I ended up liking this book a lot, although there were lots of times throughout that I thought I could not go on. I loved the relationship between Merle and Ted, and in fact Merle and everyone else he knew. I loved the adventures they had and he seeming intelligence of the dog. What I just couldn't grasp was the endless philosophizing on dog behavior which translated to me as a justification for the way Ted handled Merle. I saw nothing wrong with the way he dealt with Merle, but he seemed to be telling me that because my dog cannot roam the mountains freely and was neutered as a pupthere must be something wrong with me. I wish my dog could roam freely but that is not very practical where I live. He does get to go on frequent walks and hikes and spend plenty of time in our large back yard where he can bark at the mule across the fence. Should I feel guilty because my dog does not have the freedom Merle had? No way. We have a very happy life together.

In fact, the part of the book that got to me was when Ted had to say goodbye to Merle. I couldn't help but think about a coming day when I will have to bury my 8-year-old dog. Because he is a small dog, he will likely live another 6 years. I hope I get that many more with him because I can't imagine my life without him.