A writer?s journey with a stray pup he picked up while river rafting with friends in Utah. A remarkable dog who led a life beside his human almost as equals. Ted includes the history of dogs and the findings of experts as to their behavior. A compelling story of a very special dog.

Touching and controversial (to me) book about a Wyoming man who adopts a dog and details the adventures they have together. Some of his thinking is repugnant to me: all dogs do not want to be off leash and run around town, not all dogs can figure out things for themselves (Merle was very astute) and I don't think dogs have the emotions that he described. It got annoying to read what Merle was "thinking". I have dogs, and I know they think...but not to the degree that Kerasote thinks they do.

Merle had a great life, and was loved and had many adventures. This book will challenge your thinking about what a dog's life should consist of (free roaming, shock collars, raw meat..etc). Some of you will agree, some disagree. However, one thing is true, no matter what you believe; Merle was a happy and well loved canine. ( )

This is a fantastic book for dog lovers. The story of the author and Merle is intriguing and emotional. They are partners in every sense of the word.

In addition, the author provides a lot of information about theories and research in dog evolution and behavior. ( )

Seriously one of the best books I've read in 2012. Ok, it's still January, but this one was fantastic from start to finish. I hit the jackpot when I picked this up at the library. Having been to the area of Wyoming where the author lives and writes about, it was captivating. The revealing way Kerasote writes about the connections with animals which are so personal and real, his thoughts on paper truly resonated with me and I could appreciate that. It was a very entertaining book in which I laughed dozens of times and also cried for the last two chapters. Truly heartbreaking and my husband thought I was having a breakdown.
Back to the beginning, I love how the author said that the dog picked him and that was that. I get that. I remember when I picked our rescue out of a line-up, I sensed this dog was going to be great. He looked pathetic at the shelter, but he has blossomed into the best dog for our family and our lives are so much richer with him, not to mention hairier and smellier. But, it's worth it. ( )

I didn't think I would particularly care for this book, but, of course, I loved it - it's lovingly written about a dog, after all. The author is a bit holier-than-thou, but he has a valid point about how we treat our dogs in the 21st century west. And he quoted this, which was one of those lovely moments that books can give you:

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.

~ Mary Oliver, Wild Geese ( )