It has been a week since I have finished this book and I can't stop thinking about it. I don't live in the country or live off the land like the author but I could still relate to everything. I love the fact that he made his own assumptions and opinions and never pushed it on the reader.

For those of the readers who were disgusted by the owners behavior with Merle, I laugh. He let this dog be exactly who he was. He gave him direction and corrected his behavior when he felt absolutely necessary. Let's face it, dogs weren't meant to be couped up all day in a house or apartment. I would definitly give my dog the opportunity to roam free if I could.

His love of his dog made me feel that the feelings I have or had for dogs weren't silly. He believed dogs had true emotions and feeling no matter what has been said. A truly magical book that took me on a journey that I will never forget.

If you are a dog lover than this is a must!

This is most definitely a 5 Star book & also a 5 Kleenex read. The writer is a real human being & definitely a real dog too. His descriptions made it seem like I was right there every step of the way . What a beautiful story and a beautiful tribute to Man and his Dog. Even , what normally would be very dry commentary on the history of dogs, was most interesting to read. He made the technical information very easy to understand and has the talent to make it part of the story. I learned so much about dogs and even more about humans . What a wonderful read. Don't miss it even if you aren't a dog lover. It touched my heart and my emotions like no other non-fiction book every has .

This is most definitely a 5 Star book & also a 5 Kleenex read. The writer is a real human being & definitely a real dog too. His descriptions made it seem like I was right there every step of the way . What a beautiful story and a beautiful tribute to Man and his Dog. Even , what normally would be very dry commentary on the history of dogs, was most interesting to read. He made the technical information very easy to understand and has the talent to make it part of the story. I learned so much about dogs and even more about humans . What a wonderful read. Don't miss it even if you aren't a dog lover. It touched my heart and my emotions like no other non-fiction book every has .

I just read this book last week, and I couldn't put it down. Just as good as Amazing Gracie and Marley and Me. Well written and very insightful. Entertaining stories and interesting scientific research on the development of dogs from wolves. I picked up some good information on handling my own dogs. I'll be reading this again.

I just read this book last week, and I couldn't put it down. Just as good as Amazing Gracie and Marley and Me. Well written and very insightful. Entertaining stories and interesting scientific research on the development of dogs from wolves. I picked up some good information on handling my own dogs. I'll be reading this again.

It's a good book, i felt like i was reading a history book tho. It's very educational.

Great book about the observations and insight of a dogs life. They do live for the moment but more to with unconditional love & a master of a companion. When you love your dog there are no boundary between you and the dog but a good partnership right to the end. You begin to see humans have more rules & limits than dogs, you'll discover dogs don't care how they look or care what day it is. More than that everyday is a good day its the moment of how it starts off, after that its a day, thats how they enjoy their lives, knowing they have a master or buddy around.

This book is the flat out the most meaningful and moving story I have every read... period!!! It has changed the relationship I have with my dog.

I began to read this book at the library one day as I was waiting for my mother to pick her books to check out. I could tell right away that it was a great story written in a wonderful style. So, when I got home I ordered it from Amazon. First my mom read it and loved it. Now I have given it to the intended recipient, my son (who had just lost his dog to old age) and when he gets finished with it I will finally get the chance to finish reading it! Looking forward to it!

I picked up this book on a total whim. WOW - I am so glad I did - if you have any kind of connection to dogs - like loving them and talking with them, giving them a personality - (if you think I'm nuts, you don't have the connection I'm talking about). If you are just grinning inwardly, buy this book and enjoy it. Well written and informative, passionate and honest. Oh yes - remember the tissues....

Wonderfull service. Speedy delivery. Havent had the chance to read the book yet but it arrived earlier than expected un damaged and at a great price.
Thank You!

Ever felt that your dog was so smart he/she could understand what you said and you could understand when the dog was trying to respond/communicate with you? If you've ever had a really close bond with your dog and feel your dog is more than 'just a dog', this book is a must read. The book is a captivating insight into the "interpersonal relationship" betweeen the author and the dog who 'adopted' him. It fully captures the love and 'interspecies' bond between Merle and the author.

Heartwarming book for those of us who appreciate our spirited, independent dogs. Merle was very fortunate to encounter and befriend Ted Kerasote. I laughed, I cried, but most of all, I rooted for dogs everywhere to lead such wonderful, rich lives as Merle's.

Excellently written book! And this one's not just for dog lovers but for anyone that is looking for a better understanding.... I will read this over and over again.

I found this book to be information packed yet very readable and sometimes hard to put down. I would recommend it to anyone who owns a dog! Very good Read...
Denise Neilson

I have so far read this book twice and unlike several reviewers I am not in the least bothered by style or content or flow or hidden angst (dirty old man indeed).

The fact of the matter is that Mr. Kersotes wrote a book about his best friend. He did it how he did it and to me it was great. The elements of a life lived aren't about linear flow, they have twists & turns and digressions. This book does too and given the subject matter I'd be kind of disappointed if it didn't.

The book was about the both of them, how they interacted and lived the expanse of a lifetime. The choices throughout the book were made by someone who loved his dog greatly and with the best intent weighed by his experiences and lifestyle. I can't and won't judge those decisions, I'm just glad he took the time to share such an adventure with the rest of us.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who has ever loved their dog through thick and thin. It will touch you in places that may still hurt and will remind you of what it means to be family with your pup.

Lastly, my dog Sam loves Big Bug Shuffle too (look up Merles dance music and you'll know what I mean)

All dog lovers will rejoice, smile and shed tears after reading this: "the way a fabulous dog thinks" book.
Terry

When I bought this book I had just finished a bestselling dog book it was a great book funny sad touching book intertwinded with the writers life,well I was in a book store and this one caught my eye ok I thought I'll give it a read....... Well I just loved the book from start to the last page.I'm wishing as I'm halfway thru the book "gee I wished I could have know Merle" I have 2 dogs myself and have always had dogs however,Ted opened my eyes on how to give a dog more freedom not less.I do wish my dogs could live and play with no leashes,no fenced in yard but,when you live in suburbia it's hard to do so. So I saw this wonderful smart dog thru free eyes of a dog it really made me think.

I was also touched by Brower a wonderful dog not limited by his illness in the end and ,how much he loved being around Merle and Ted.
We all hope when it's our time for our dearly loved pets to die we will be there for them, say all the right words,and comfort there last moments. Ted was lucky enough to be able to spend the last days of Merle life with being with him. That was a gift within itself. I'm so glad Ted did not have to endure the terrible experience of euthanasia.Having to put down 1 dog (my two year old black chow form leukemia) and 1 cat so ill from cyrstals formed in his bladder surgery could not save him.The guilt you feel from euthanasia is terrible. I glad Merle and Ted escaped this and Merle could fly away on his own time and terms.

IF YOU HAVE A DOG YOU LOVE YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. It should be mandatory i belive,if you plan to be a Vet.

This is absolutely the BEST BOOK ever. I did not want this book to end (partly because I knew how it was going to end!). I will read this over and over.

Kerasote's heartrending memoir of the life of his dog Merle is a valid antidote to the advice books of Cesar Millan. Millan advises establishing yourself as the alpha dog over your Fifi, so behavioral problems can be nipped in the bud and your dog never challenges your authority. This advice is useful for urban dogs, who live almost exclusively in the company of people (and apartment buildings) but as Kerasote points out, rural dogs need to run free. Kerasote established a collegial relationship with Merle, letting him wander their low-traffic village of Kelly WY without leash or collar. By all accounts Merle was an intelligent fellow, and both men benefited greatly from the relationship.

Those of us who have shared our lives with quadrupeds know that intelligence varies from individual to individual, as does consciousness and self-awareness. Ted tends to get a little anthropomorphic in describing Merle's thoughts and vocalizations, but it's all done with the best of intentions. Merle's love of elk hunting, river rafting and mountain climbing fit perfectly with the author's lifestyle, and they're both lucky they found each other.

Kerasote's text is very readable, likable and informative, with tons of medical, scientific and historical references thrown into the narrative. In summary, lovers of dogs, cats and/or books will find this an excellent read with a very touching ending.

I loved this book. The relationship of Merle and Ted was one of mutual respect. It was so refreshing to read a story where a dog owner treated his dog with love and the respect afforded only to humans. Ted let Merle be himself, a free-spirit who made his rounds everyday as "the mayor of Kelly."

I found the reseached facts so interesting. These tid-bits certainly added to the story.

I LOVED this book! The relationship shared by Ted and Merle was built upon mutual respect and appreciation for what each of them brought to the relationship. I have never subscribed to the "pack leader" mentality and Mr. Kerasote does not either. He appreciates everything that Merle is, good and bad, and he and Merle form a bond that so many never do as they don't recognize what a dog can do to compliment their person. Merle wasn't treated as a possession, but rather, another living, thinking being capable of making decisions and choices regarding his life. He chose Ted and he chose to stay with him. The love and devotion that they each showed for one another was enviable. Bust out the hankies. You'll laugh till you cry and you will cry as Merle's life ends but you will be better for being priveleged enough to have a window into their world.

For the hard core dog lover. This is a wonderful dog story; well written,beautiful and heart warming.I own the reincarnation of Meryl. I treasure him more after reading this book. Folks, it doesn't get any bettor than this. Please buy the book!

Merle's Door is not just a book -- it is a gift. It is a gift that you will not be able to put down. It is a gift to have the opportunity to share with Merle and Ted their time together, to read the scientific facts that are added for our edification, and to experience the world through their eyes. If you had never been a dog owner or owned by a dog, this book will make you think that something had been missing in your life, and you will be right.

We all need to make our times with our animals -- dogs, cats, birds, whatever -- as full as Ted and Merle made theirs.