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Merle's Door

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  Alright, so I haven't actually finished this - about 3/4 of the way through. But, love love love this book.
  
  It's a dog book. Yes, like the pet. And, yes, I'll admit it, I'm a dog person along with being a loving mother and wife. We have two: and Eskimo and Husky. Honestly, what is a dog other than another baby or child.
  
  Anyways, the sub title reads, "Lessons from a Freethinking Dog." Through how the owner Ted Kerasote found this lost soul, Merle, in the Utah desert to tales of bonding and learning through their relationship, you can't help but realize that what you see here is not all that different from how we watch and are charmed and amazed by the same things of our children. The same questioning of how to provide new experiences and teach our children, watching how they get into a mess, and love us unconditionally is so clearly evident in this book of a man and his dog. And along the way, you don't just see how Merle, the dog, grows, but how Ted also grows, reflects on himself, and learns.
  
  Along with following Merle's antics, there is a rich account of animal development, society, and psychology along with how man and dog have bonded over several thousands of years.
  
  The book is fascinating and entertaining all at once. If you have a dog(s), had a special dog, or just love dogs this is a great book. But, if you don't fit into any of those categories, as a parent, this is a great read too, it opens your mind to your style of parenting. Besides, what better than to hear a great story set in Grand Teton National Park.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Michele on 31st July 2008