Merle's Door has to be one of the best, if not the best, dog story I've ever read-and I've read most of them. Merle and Ted have many lessons to teach us regarding our relationships with man's best friend. This book is humorous, informational and touching. I can't recommend it enough.

It's been quite some time, since I had my last dog that had the luxury of having lots of space to roam. Now, in cramped quarters with my current fur friend, I can definitely see Ted's POV regarding differences in behavior, with the confined dog. As I moved through Merle's story, and reflected on some of my old friends, now waiting at The Bridge, I began to have my own epiphany of just how much the sequestered, crated life affects the bon-jovi and, most likely, the intellectual development of our canine friends. The scientific data helped me realize that, no---my recollections are not anthropomorphism, of which I've frequently been accused. There is a mind connection, on many levels, that can be significantly thwarted, by the environment.

Merle's story reminded me of what has been and what could be. Unfortunately, most can't live in a small town, wilderness environment. But it does remind us to try to find places where our friends can run safely, enjoy lots of socialization and to nurture their freethinking and problem-solving. It can be done on a smaller scale. After all, if freethinking is a right that people fight for...shouldn't we fight for it for our best fur friends.

You will love Ted and Merle's story of friendship and the depths of their bond. Their experiences are heartwarming, often humorous and inspiring. As I was reading the last 20 pages, or so, I had to put the book down and take a few deep breaths to calm myself. Then I had to go wake my Shepherd to give him a big hug. He greeted me much like Merle would have, with an incredulous sigh like---can't you see I'm sleepin' here! I left him to his doggie dreams, finished Merle's story and sobbed. So take warning, it is a several tissue read, but the beauty of it all makes it worth the tears.

What a book!Just read the final chapter about this beautiful and "free thinking dog".The story is both hillarious and sad.It reads like a love story.And so funny as to what Merle is "thinking" and how Ted is describing Merle's facial expressions..one eyebrow up,one eybrow down...
It really takes you "into the wild",the beauty of nature,and both Ted's and Merle's love of the outdoors.I am not a dog owner,but totally fell in love with Merle!The ending was hard to read...had to put the book down
several times..but it is such a beautiful and tender book ,about a man and his dog.A great read!

I felt as if I knew and lived with Merle for his whole life. Ted is one of the best. most intimate writers I have ever come across. I could think of nothing but this book for two weeks. It is that good. Do yourself a favor, and meet Ted and his dog Merle in "Merle's Door."

Being neither a hunter or a pet owner that would be comfortable letting my dog or cat go through the "Door", I read this book with a certain amount of trepidation. That being said, you have to love Ted and Merle, because I know that I love my dog with all my heart, but Ted's love for Merle is beyond anything I have ever experienced. Ted has a huge heart, and it took a huge sweetheart like Merle to fill it, but he did. If you love dogs, buy this book and hang in there through the health issues of both Brower and Merle as the book comes to its end, you won't be sorry.

i highly recommend this book. right now it's making the rounds at my vet's clinic. the writing is beautiful and the story knocked me out. made me sad i don't live where i can let the dogs off-lead. but we have a great chain of dog parks around louisville, so they get some free-running time with others. what a wonder Merle was! since i'm originally from that area [born in montana] i got a double hit off ted's story. read it! you'll love it!!!

This is a long book. I know that sounds like a simpleton opening, but somewhere slightly past the middle of this tome, I started finding some of the corroborating scientific information about the relationships between men and other mammals just a bit "teedjus," ya know? I mean I bought the book because I love a good dog book, so I wasn't terribly interesting in learning about horses and chimps along the way. That said though, Kerasote has written an extremly thoughtful book about men and dogs, and why they love each other - or don't. There are several places in the book where Kerasote protests a bit too much, methinks, that he does NOT anthropomorphize Merle, or the other dogs in this book, then rationalizes like hell, using esoteric bits of scientific trivia to "prove" he doesn't. But hell, he does. He knows it, and so do we. And we don't care. Because this is just a great love story that any dog-lover cannot help but enjoy. I have a neighbor who has, over the years, owned three retired greyhounds. When he lost the second one, who died very suddenly of a twisted gut, I felt badly for Jim. But he acknowledged quietly the age-old problem that comes with loving a dog. He told me sadly, "Dogs. No matter how much you love 'em, it always ends in grief." And that is certainly how MERLE'S DOOR ends. Oh, I know that Kerasote tried to dress it up a bit with that last (anthropomorphic) line from Merle's spirit: "I dance! I DANCE!" But my God, that last chapter was just gut-wrenching, and it brought back all the tearful times of losing dogs of my own over the years. Yes, I cried. And because of that beautiful last chapter, Ted, I forgive you for all that pseudo-scholarly "teedjusness" in the middle of the book. That final chapter clinched the 5-star rating. Thanks for sharing your story. I know, of course, there'll never be another Merle, but I hope you've found - or will soon find - another golden pal. - Tim Bazzett, author of ReedCityBoy

I did and I am so disappointed because it did NOT have the pictures in it as it was supposed to. So I am sending it back and going to the bookstore where I should have gone in the first place. I have heard its an excellent book !!!!!!

Reading this was a total waste of time -- a book without new research, insight, or anything remotely intelligent. Read "Marley and Me", which is anecdotal, but does not pretend too be something more than it is -- just the author's pure love for his dog. "Merle's Door" lapses into lengthy psychology sections about the dog, which is laughable...and pure BS. The positive reviewers of this book are just a bunch of blinded dog owners projecting their insecure emotions onto their pets.

Merle's Door is a great dual-biography...of both the author as well as his companion dog, Merle. As is true with most dogs, their story is interwoven with that of their human family...and, like their human counterparts, would be quite incomplete without the companion tale of the rest of the family. Merle's story would be incomplete with Ted's and, clearly, Ted's story would be incomplete without Merle.
I found parts of the book to be touching, parts are unquestionably sad, and much of it similar to the things I have often thought and felt about my dog Bear. Needless to say, Bear is among the great dogs known to mankind...loyal and true, able to read my moods, but quite independent and able to make himself happy.
No one who professes to be a "dog lover" should miss this book. Ted Kerosote is thoughtful, well written and clearly an animal lover. Although he may be more of an "outdoorsman" than many of us "city slickers", he is able to touch the heart and mind of any dog lover. Read it!

I've read a thousand books, and most I'd consider good as I try to be discriminating with my reading. By good, I mean in the sense that I've been delighted, enriched, made to laugh out loud, and shown countless insights into living and this life we share. With no reservation, I count Merle's Door my favorite.
No doubt the author's singleness, his passion for the outdoors, and his home ground, Jackson Hole, played a large part in my relating so well to the story. Most of all, though, Kerosote captures something very, very special and opens our eyes to a real and magnificent world that heretofore we never gave a thought.
Compelled by the beautiful meaning in this true account, I closed the cover on the last page one morning at 3:00a.m. I was standing in my kitchen reading those final pages after having set all the house's lighting ablaze trying as I could with false courage and faltering hope to stave off my tightening throat--but alas to no avail.

Ted Kerasote has written, by far, the best book I have ever read that shares the life of a dog. This book has haunted me. It will make you laugh-out-loud, do some deep thinking, and at times maybe even cry. As a personal opinion, it makes "Marley and Me" seem like a tale for children.

While critics say that he tends to anthropomorphize Merle's looks and behaviors- any person who has ever loved and lived with a dog will realize the truth in his descriptions. Mr. Kerasote blends Merle's story with educational facts on animal behavior without ever making it a painful transition from one to the other.

I fell in love with Merle (and the author). If you have never read a book of this type- this is the one to choose. It will change your way of thinking for life.

This was the best book I have ever read, it is so good that I am starting it over. I have never read a book more than one time. Anyone who loves dogs should read this, it is much more than just a story of a man and his dog. I also found this book very educational along with being entertaining. I laughed on almost every page, I didn't want the book to end. Very easy read, I took the book with me everywhere and could not put it down.

As the owner of two large Giant Schnauzers I know what it is to have strong willed dogs. One is extremely smart and the other suffers from panic disorder. I could see so many things in Merle's Door that I can relate to with my two. It has opened my eyes to what my Shiner Rose might be thinking when she gives me certain looks. What Whiskey River might not be understanding when he goes into a panic attack. I admit that some of the references did go on somewhat extensive but brought you full circle to what we might be seeing today. Most dogs do not have the luxury to be a free spirt as Merle was but we have to find a way to do for our dogs what we can within their environments. I totally can identify with the bond that Merle and Ted had. My husband and I have that same relationship with our two Giants and marvel each day at their abilities and their limitations. I admit that the ending was very sad as we all expected but Merle passed with grace and obviously touched a lot of peoples hearts and lives. Animals are very special if you allow them to be a true part of your family. I think that Ted was right in allowing Merle to live out his life as Merle would have wanted. I definitely give this book five stars.

Merle's Door will bring a smile to your face and a tear to you eye. As I read the adventures of Merle, I feel like I am right there with them in their experiences. Ted has a way to draw the reader into the story with him. Those of us who own Labs and Golden Retrievers, this story brings it all close to home.
This book is a wonderful read, and I recommend it everyone. especially those of us who lover dogs. I am reading the book for the second time.

Through my tears as I finished this book, I knew I had to recommend it to all of my dog loving kids and friends. Ted's writing style is laid back and easy to read. He writes from the heart and it shows. I particuarly enjoyed reading about the exploits of Merle and then Ted would interject a bit of factual information on dogs that tied in with what he had been telling about Merle.

Merle, was a unique, compassionate, adventureous soul and I must say that I grew to love him as much as the author. I adore my own dogs even more since I have read this book.

This is a must read, must have book for anyone who remotely loves animals. I have given copies to over ten people now and every one of them have thoroughly loved and enjoyed this book. Thanks, Ted for a great read and thanks for sharing Merle with us. My life is richer because I read about him and you.

Wonderful blend of heartfelt story and the science of dog history and behavior. I laughed, I cried (like a baby!) I felt as if I knew Merle and Ted. Ted was able to give Merle the ideal life that I wish I could provide for my four legged best friends. Good job!

A must read for all dog people. While most of us can't offer the same freedomss that Merle was able to enjoy, the book teaches us to never

The book was thoroughly enjoyable, telling the story of the author's close relationship with a remarkable dog. It also had interesting material about the history, science, and psychology of the relationship between humans and dogs. I highly recommend it.

This was one of the best books about dogs that I have ever read. It would be nice if all dogs had a door like Merle's.

Merle's Door is the best book on a dog (or dogs) that I have ever read. Rather than becoming lengthy and told from a professional point-of-view that attempts to make sense of every behavior within accepted standards of dog behavior, Kerasote relates Merle's biography - and all the lessons it contains on both dog and human behavior and relationships - in a way that acknowledges and explains professional viewpoints and then provides insight into what dog owners actually go through with their dogs. This merges both views - the professional doctrine and the human experience with dogs - into a synthesis that is both moving and understandable. In fact, Kerasote's observations are the same kind that I have had with my border collie, Emmy. Both are dogs, but exhibit levels of higher thinking, emotion, and reason that profoundly exhibit traits that are human. I agree with every point Kerasote makes in his observations, and find Merle's tale to be an example for how all dogs should be able to live (within the capabilities of their humans, of course). If you have not read it, read it (with a box of tissues during the last few chapters). And I hope it brings you as much happiness, and an understanding of dogs as more than simply dogs, as it brought me.

Ted Kerasote has written an outstanding book which is a well balanced story of a wonderful dog--Merle--- and some science showing us how Merle's life is a true reflection of his ancestor's development. I found the book to be very entertaining and instructive.

One of the best books ever written. It is about living life fully, allowing love to fill your soul, the spirit and mind connection of human and canine in general, and the deep spiritual connection between this particular dog and this particular man. Ted Kerasote is an accomplished outdoorsman, a careful observer, a writer with rare talent. His respect, admiration and love for Merle are so alive on the page that the reader is drawn directly in. Merle will become your dog as well. You will hold him in your arms, look into his eyes, run your fingers through his ruff - and suffer wails of grief when his body lives no longer. But, Merle is immortalized here. And that is a joyful thing.

All I could say when I finished was - WOW! This was a fantastic book especially for someone like me who is both a biologist and a "dog" person.

A fellow dog lover gave me Merle's Door for my birthday. I hesitated at first knowing that eventually Merle would be joining my past dogs waiting for me in Heaven. But, I dove in mostly because of the fetching photo of Merle on the front jacket.

Ted Kerasote is a supremely engaging writer. His powers of observation and ability to get it on the page is an absolute pleasure to read. Ted's love of the canine, and all the natural world is embracing, immense really. How the relationship begins is astounding, as Ted makes it abundantly clear that was the dog who chose the man, not the other way around. Poetic and simply beautiful, Kerasote takes us on their journey of life together.

When I got to the part when inevitably, Merle's health is on the wane, I had to put the book down for a few weeks. I sent an email to Kerasote and expressed my feelings for the book and how many recommendations I had made to all my dog loving friends. Ted wrote back a few days later, thanked me, and I gathered my strength to complete the book, which was difficult I admit.

Merle's life with Ted has stayed with me as if I was physically present for all those years. So, assuming I get to Heaven, I hope to see Merle along with my beloved pooches - Bert, Spike and Pepsi.

The book had a lot of interesting material, but the author frequently went into overkill mode with details that became boring. Merle was obviously a very intelligent dog. This book is not as readable as Marley & Me, but a good read overall.

Mr. Kerasote has written a gentle and loving story about his relationship with his dog, Merle. The people living in his small town have the luxury of allowing their dogs free rein to wander around their community to their heart's content. Your perspective on what dogs need to be well-adjusted may be altered by Mr. Kerasote's relationship with Merle. If you are looking for a book that is tender and conveying a somewhat spiritual connection to nature, this story is right up your alley.

A truly great book! A must read for anyone who loves dogs.

The information presented in the book made me more aware of my dog and her needs.

I am so impressed with how the author interpreted Merle's looks into language! I have seen so many of these expressions in my own dogs and couldn't verbalize it nearly as well as Ted does here.

Their love affair has added another dimension to my life with my dogs, and I really did not think that was possible. Really. I now watch their expressions even closer than before. Eyebrow up, eyebrow down. "Ha ha ha," Merle said.

To quote an old TV show, Night Court, "I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me."

4.5 stars

I just finished this fine book and am writing at midnight with our beloved black german shepherd sitting at my feet slapping her tail on the rug as I look at her and smile.
I wish she had the chances that Merle did, to be truly and almost completely a dog in its element...but she sure does get a lot of love and playtime!
This book could also be subtitled, "Let A Dog Be A Dog". The few negative reviewers here miss the point that Ted's entire concept with Merle was to see how much freedom he could responsibly accept. The answer---tons---surprises and delights both the author and the reader, and leads to many questions about our perception of dogs.
That's essentially the subtext here, and the reason for the many forays into canine research. These do tend to drag a bit but disappear after the first third or so. It's easy to want only the wonderful Ted and Merle parts, but a point is being made and the research does help make it, if occasionally somewhat clumsily; it's hard for the reader to veer from the personal into the scientific so abruptly at times.
Still, Kerasote is an engaging writer, especially when sharing his love of Merle. Let's face it, the real truth here is that this is a Love Story; Merle is clearly the love of Ted's life, and his only real girlfriend has a dog of her own that is integral to their love affair. Clearly, Ted is a Guy Who Loves Dogs More Than People. Or at least one dog. And who can blame him?
Only someone who's never had real love for a dog.
Not everything Ted does will please all dog lovers, but so what? How many dogs get this much freedom and joy and love and exercise and wild game? Not YOUR dog, I bet! That's why this tome is so engaging; anyone who's ever loved a dog has at some point wanted to BE their dog, and if ever there was a better dog to BE than Merle, I ain't heard of him!
Frankly, if I come back in the next life as Merle, that will be just fine.
Whatever you think of Kerasote and his canine libertarian methods, you've got to give him credit for trying to find out what true Doghood is. That's what makes this book a classic. This guy not only loves his dog, he respects him and tries to learn from him. And so he does.
The length of the book is completely justified by the ending. If you don't cry, you've never loved a dog.
And what a sad life that must be.
Let's face it: a good dog is worth more than many of the sheeple floating around these days. There, I said it. Sue me. Or better yet, go to your local pound and find a dog to teach you what you've been missing.
People and dogs belong together. It makes for more love...and if I'm not mistaken, that's pretty much why we're here.

All I can say is I hope I come back as the authors dog someday.

Absolutely riveting book, I highly recommend it.

This is a wonderful story about a dog, yet it is also very factual and educational on communicating with your dog! I loved it and have recommended it to many of my Lab friends!

I liked this book at first, but became frustrated as the story went on. The parts about Merle and his personality were fantastic. The story was blatently a middle aged man tooting his own horn about how fantastic his life was, how many women he had, how bitter he was about being dumped by a gorgeous younger woman, etc. Half way through the book he kept reminding me of a dirty old man, and eventually made it so I couldn't finish the last 50 pages. The author takes every chance to point out how new age and fantastic he is, when really, I don't care. I want to hear about the dog's point of view, not a middle aged writer.

After finishing Merle's Door late last night, I find I still cannot stop thinking about it. Never in my life have I read such a beautifully written account of a life - canine or human. I can only wish to one day experience a friendship like the one that exsisted between Ted and Merle. The last paragraph grabbed me and still hasn't let go. I advise anyone, dog lover or not, to read this book. It is worth it simply to understand the meaning behind one simple phrase - "Ha-ha! I dance!" There is not doubt in my mind that I will go straight home tonight and begin the adventure with Ted and Merle all over again...and I cannot wait.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was one of those books that makes you laugh out loud but then has you sobbing in the end. Kerasote really nailed the relationship he and Merle had and then interspersed the story with informative things that gave you alot to think about. I have to say that this is one of the best books that I have read in awhile and I am an avid reader who always has a book by my side. Plus, I am a dog person so this really hit home. Truly worth reading....

Merle's Door is an amazing story of two extraordinary beings whose paths crossed serendipitously. I feel honored I had the opportunity to share their lives. This is a story that needs/deserves to be read. You will never experience another like it.

So many five-star reviews here--I am going to try not to repeat. But, the reader might like to know that photographs illustrating the story, lots of them, are to be found on the author's website (see cover flap). After I finished this book, I turned back to page 1 and read it all over again, with the pictures. My vet has my copy of the book now--she is a dog person. I expect to buy a few more copies for gifts. The layout of the book reminded me of another all-time favorite, Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods," where the narrative was broken with information that the author found so pertinent to the reader's understanding that he included it. So there was teaching interrupting this emotional story--a good thing because the whole bonding of Ted and dog was so intense. Merle is just about the most privileged and lucky dog I have ever heard of. The writing, especially the conversations between Merle and his human, was highly original and came off beautifully. This book goes onto my bedside book shelf; I expect to read it very many more times.

Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
Those of us readers who have been fortunate to have an intuitive dog in our lives will understand immediately how great the relationship and bond was between Ted and Merle. Ted's conversational tone both in the book and with Merle make this book a delight. Those who haven't had a dog yet, or who don't understand their friends who do, or why friends grieve the loss of a pet, should read Ted's book to understand why dog lovers choose canine relationships that are unfailingly accepting and devoted. Not have a dog in my life? That'd be like choosing not to breathe.

My son bought this book for me as a Christmas present. It wasn't the book I really wanted. It surely should have been. This book can be read as a "Dog" story or a "Man understands dog" story. To me it is neither. rather it is the quintessential love story. My heart aches for the love these two shared for 14 years. Very few people will ever know the love these two shared. The images that Ted created in my mind made me very jealous of their life style. As a city kid, I always knew there was magic in the wild and Ted Kerasote proved it time and again. If you are a dog lover or simply a nature lover, this book is for you. If you read Marley and Me, this book is for you. If your dog gives you great pleasure in your life, this book is for you. The combination of great writing and the beauty of the story make this book one for the ages.

Merle's Door may well be the best dog book I have ever read. Merle was without hesitation a truly unique canine. The bond between author and dog was iron clad. Interpersed throughout the story telling was factual fascinating information about dogs and their history. I saved the last chapter for a few days. Not because I knew Merle was dying, but because this love story was coming to an end.

Since I am a dog "nut", I often buy CD's or books about dogs. Some of these cds and books were good and others, ho hum. Merle's Door, about the dog Ted Kerasote finds, is a wonderful excursion on the ride Ted and Merle take together for 14 years. With excerpts from dog so-called experts, this book is just wonderful for those that love animals. Ted's idea of the perfect dog "country," may not be mine, i.e. I cannot let my dogs run loose where I live unless they are in a dog park. I have to leash walk. I cannot give them their own door as there is no where safe for them torun. However, I admire both Ted and Merle as they make their way in the world. A great book, period.

I own my 3rd dog at present: a yellow lab female. I had to put down my 2 other dogs and wondered if I had done the right thing at the right time. My first dog was a female English Setter of 14 years and had lost control of her back end much like Merle. My second was a 13 year old Red/Yellow female Lab, the same color as Merle, and developed tumors like Brower. She had 28 of them on the outside of her body and we wondered how many we were not able to see on her insides. I hunted her in the fall of her last year because she loved it and I put her down when she lost her back end a week before Christmas. Both dogs are buried on our 5 acres of land. After reading this book I can now honestly feel comfortable that I had done the right thing in each case. So with that in mind the book helped me. My first dogs are never forgotten despite our new dog. I have tried to not duplicate my last dog(s) with a new but rather one to be my new hunting partner and friend as my past dogs had been. I already love my Toller, who is 2 years old already. Actually this book was a Christmas gift from her.
That said, I originally read every word of the book but quickly learned that when the author went into "doggy info" from other authors and books I skipped until I located Merle's name again and then continued. I could do without most of that other information. Also, the death seemed to cause me un-needed sadness. I know the auther needed to help himself by describing Merle's death in such detail but I would have been satisfied being sad fewer times. And, I wish Ted had ended the book with getting a new and different dog. Then I could be happy for him as I am with my new friend.

I happened onto this book by accident and it seemed "to call me". From the first page, I was hooked. I LOVE this book! I love Merle!!! I have since bought it for 4 friends, who, I knew, loved their dogs. It captures the essence of the dogs you love, perfectly!! And Ted Kerasote, the author, adds a lot of researched information on why dogs often behave as they do.

As a Labrador breeder, I probably have more than a thousand books about Labs AND dogs in general. Of all these, MERLE'S DOOR is the one I treasure most. While there are a plethera of "how to" books, many more anecdotal ones, and a world of encyclopedia-like tomes to teach one about canines, NONE is as beautifully written or lovingly told as this. Merle was a unique dog. He provided a unique experience for the author. Those of us who are canine devotees (particularly Labrador ones!) know about that unique bond. We can be grateful to the author not only for sharing Merle with us, but for imparting the research he has done to lead toward further understanding of how that bond came to be. BUY THIS BOOK. READ IT TWICE. GIVE IT TO FRIENDS. It's a TREASURE!

I found this book just a few months after having a dog "put down". The entire content of the book touched me...a book about a dog, a book about a man, a book about nature and it's inhabitants. This book is for anyone who has ever thought they wanted an animal in their lives. It is a book for anyone who thinks about the environment. It is a book for anyone who longs or is an outdoor activist. Most of all, it is a book everyone, who has ever loved, should read.

This is one of those books that when you finish reading it, you want to share it with your special friends and family whom you just know would love it too.
He speaks for the dog which I liked very much. Some would be critical of that selected format, but he addresses and defends his anthropomorphism of the dogs thoughts, early on and quite nicely, I thought. It's what makes the book so endearing and easy to relate to.
This is also a scholarly researched book with references to studies that have been made about dogs. Some of this I skimmed through to get back to the story line. But I must say some of the information was useful and interesting.

The author of this book, has written the contents so that you will feel like you are walking in his footsteps. It is young reader safe, so that means no sexual inserts. It was written in a first person way, that allows the reader to feel that you would have liked to have been part of the true story. The contents will take you on a true journey from laughter to tears of sorrow.
For dog lovers this is a MUST READ !!! book. I being one to only read non-fiction books have put this at the top of all of the books that I have read in the past 60 years plus. Being a professional dog handler, I feel that the contents are a must read for other handlers.

I grew up on farms in Nebraska. Our many dogs were never leashed. Some lived short lives, some lived longer ones. I lived in Sheridan, Wyoming for a couple of years. I had a semi-free ranging dog. He dissapeared. I moved to very rural Eagle River, Alaska. I had a golden retriever who was second in command among the many dogs which roamed freely. One night half dozen of them went for a night walk. Only one returned, badly beat up. An elder surmised that the rest, including my dear Sam, were killed by wolves. I moved to rural Wisconsin and had another golden for a few years. He was sitting on my property when a young motorcyclist lost control and struck my dog who was killed instantly. A few years ago I moved deeper into Wisconsin's wilds. A couple years ago, I got a half Lab/ half Golden Retriever named Walks Far. Like Merle, given the choice, he would chase the coyotes in the woods behind my land in a second. I don't let him. I keep him inside the house during Deer Hunting season. He is allowed to roam as long as I am home, and even then I keep an occasional eye on him. I and my dogs have lived as remotely as the author and Merle. We were not as fortunate. I, like Ted, have fallen in love with a dog and I will be overly protective with him (the dog not Ted) in order to protect my own heart.
The book was great Ted. Walks Far licked tears from my cheeks as I finished it.

A wonderfully written dog book that will have you laughing and crying from beginning to end. I have a 2 year old yellow lab so I can relate to many of the stories Ted tells. I loved the way he would talk for Merle because if you're an animal owner we do the "little" speaking voice for our pets as well. I know I do! Many of the times Ted would talk for Merle, it had me thinking that's probably what my dog says too :-)
I liked the way he wrote about the facts regarding wild and domesticated animals; it sort of gives the reader an insight on the subject and makes you think differently. Maybe if more of us can train our dog like this (some of us can't because we don't live in such a rural area) our dogs would act in a different way.
I give this book 5 stars and recommend to all dog lovers!

Merle's Door is about the life and death of Ted Kerasote's dog. It's also packed with research that combines with Kerasote's experiences with Merle to form a perspective unique from the prevailing ones about dog behavior and sociology that say dogs require submission to an alpha figure in order to be satisfied. Kerasote believes that the independence Merle was allowed made him a smarter, happier dog with greater logical ability than most domesticated dogs and a more distinct personality. The many studies he quotes seem to back that up.

It's easy for a dog book to be sappy and maudlin, but Kerasote never once falls into that trap even when describing Merle's final weeks. He's fantastic at translating Merle's actions into speech and emotion, and it rarely comes across as anthropomorphism.

The account of Merle's death (and that of his best dog friend, Brower) is absolutely heart-crushing. I bawled as if he were my own. The research alone is reason enough to own this book and refer to it frequently, but ultimately Merle's Door is a great biography of a great dog. It shows what potential every dog has and opens a new way to think about our relationships with them. Very highly recommended.