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)

An uplifting, joyful story that touches your soul.

This was one of the best books that I have gotten yet. It made me laugh, cry, and appreciate my dogs more for the pure joy they give. Its a must for every dog lover out there.

good story

if you have loved a dog, you will understand. one lucky human. the author realizes early on the eye roll he'll get when he anthropomophizes Merles responses, but ..... we get it.

The BEST book I have ever read!

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

Not sure I didn't read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

One of THE best books I have ever read! It made me run the gammet of emotion and I learned something too. The relationship the author had with his dog is one that we all strive to have. I would HIGHLY recommend that everyone who loves, has loved, wants to love a dog read this book. Thank-you Ted Kerasote for writing such an inspirational story!

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

He was an amazing judge of the characters in the book and captured them very well! I enjoyed his reading very much!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

How we all want to love a dog!

Must read for dog lovers

For anyone who has ever enjoyed the companionship of a dog, this book is a must read. I highly recommend it.

Fantastic listen

The condensed description of this title caught my attention and the author kept it for all 18 chapters. Kerasote tells the story of his and Merle's lives, how they met, lived, loved and how Merle left an indelible mark on an entire community. A truly free dog who chose the perfect human companion in Kerasote, was allowed to be who he was. The interjection of relevant canine behavioral research was incredibly refreshing. I laughed, learned and cried - highly recommend this title!

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.