Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog

Hardcover
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Author: Ted Kerasote

ISBN-10: 0151012709

ISBN-13: 9780151012701

Category: Pet Memoirs

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A deeply touching portrait of a remarkable animal, Kerasote explores the issues that all animals and their human companions face as their lives intertwine. He also presents the latest research into animal behavior as well as the origins and evolution of human-dog interaction. Unabridged. 10 CDs. Publishers Weekly Kerasote, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award, draws on inspirational experiences with his beloved canine companion, Merle, and extensive research in animal behavior to advance the notion that living in harmony with our dogs requires us to embrace-rather than suppress-their natural instincts. Patrick Lawlor delivers an animated performance, both literally and figuratively. His renderings of Merle's incessant pants of enthusiasm evoke the essence of canine loyalty. Lawlor successfully navigates the potentially tricky terrain of the book's anthropomorphism. He gives voice to Kerasote's human interpretations of Merle's expressions and behaviors in a manner that manages to preserve a healthy measure of mystery and wonder. Lawlor does slightly over-reach with regard to his performance of relatively extraneous human dialogue, especially some of the ethnic accents of experts that Kerasote quotes in the text. While not all pet owners may be able to grant the degree of freedom that Kerasote afforded Merle, this heartwarming story will still manage to enlighten and entertain fans of four-legged memoirs. Simultaneous release with the Harcourt hardcover (Reviews, Apr. 9). (Aug.)Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

Prologue     11From the Wild     13The First Dog     53The Synaptic Kiss     90In the Genes     119Building the Door     169Growing Into Himself     196Top Dog     250The Gray Cat     290Estrogen Clouds     309At Home in the Arms of the Country     330The Problem of Me     357The Mayor of Kelly     397The Alpha Pair     421White Muzzle     455What Do Dogs Want?     478A Looser Leash     511The First Passing     526Through the Door     549With Many Thanks     609Notes     611