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)

Excellent narration, good story

This story about the relationship between a man and the pup he adopted when he found him running loose in the wilderness is a great, non-dramatic account of their life together. Merle, the dog, is very independent but lets his owner adopt him and together they experience fantastic hikes, hunts, skiing outings and even city life, briefly. The narrator, Patrick Lawlor, does a brilliant job in letting the flavor of the story come through without forcing emotions or vocal contrivances. He moves it along at a nice pace and his delivery is straightforward. The story had many interludes history, biology lessons, dog behavior lessons, and other scientifically-based topics. These I did not find interesting, and the text dragged a bit. However, I found it did lend credibility to the author in how he related to Merle. Letting Merle roam at liberty around the small village where they lived, and the installation of the doggy door that let Merle come and go as he pleased without having a fenced yard, were things I greatly admired because of the trust each had in the other. It was a really good listen.

the faucet opens at the end

great story. the last chapter reminded me of a favorite dog of mine we had to put down, also a brain tumor, so the spicket opened I weeped for them both. damn good story.

Thank you, Ted

This book is for anyone who's ever had a dog look at them and say, "You need a dog, and I'm it."

I've read a lot of books about dogs, and books about dog behavior. This book combines both in a way that will instruct you, make you laugh, and make you cry.

The author presents factual information about dogs along with a variety of opinions and popular theories about dog behavior, which is interesting. But he also tells one of the best "dog-oirs" I've ever read.

The narrator is one of the best I've heard so far too.

Dog Lovers

I love Merle. This is a very compelling tale of a dog you cannot help but love. The author portrays his great personality with such humanity. This is a book for anyone who has loved a dog and has treated one as valued family member. The author also does a great job of relaying facts and history of the evolution of this great relationship which many of us are lucky enough to enjoy.

Merle's Door Review

It
was a heart wrenching book for me to read as I have had to say "good-bye" to many animal companions. But as painful as it was to read about Merle's dying, it was wonderful to read about his living and the love between Merle and the author. I had to read to the end, and it was beautiful in the end. The narrator was an excellent voice for Merle. My only criticism is that there were too many research studies discussed, and it became rather technical and wordy in those spots. For every dog lover though, I feel it is a must read book! Merle's story continues to haunt my heart. Elizabeth from Wisconsin

worth listening to

enjoyed the story. could see myself with my dogs experiancing many of the same events

a must for dog lovers

an important book for anyone who has a interest or need to understand the mind of a dog. wrapped up in an insightful story of two individuals as they create an understanding and bond between them.

STill trying to get through this book

I believe this is a good book but this narrator is just annoying....I can't listen for long.

Good dog story

The author can get a bit too detailed but overall a very enjoyable story about a man and his dog.

I've never felt this much emotion towards a story.

The narration is brilliant, I found myself forgetting that I was not actually witnessing the story in person, but through my headphones and book. I've never felt this much emotion towards a story; Ever. Heart wrenching..🐶♡