Book Review: Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote

Published in 2007. I think this is the first dog biography I’ve read. The subtitle of the book is ‘Lessons from a Freethinking Dog” and it could also be titled, Lessons from a Freethinking Man, for the story is written by a man who encouraged his dog to be freethinking. They met when Ted (the man) went on a kayaking trip with some friends. Merle wandered into the encampment and immediately, attached himself to Ted who seemed to understand they were destined to be together. Through ups and downs, thick and thin, girlfriends and coyotes, the two remained together until Merle’s passing. Not only does Ted provide commentary about Merle’s behavior but he supports his understanding of it by scientific research. Dogs don’t need to be subjugated to be companions for humans; they can be equals.

I was drawn to the book by the title. I had a dog named Merle. She was a female Great Dane with a blue merle coat, thus her name. And she was a real sweetheart. We got her as a six-week old pup and had to find another home for her when she was about a year old. It’s okay. She hardly remembered us a week later. In addition, we had a male gray cat as did Ted and Merle. Merle loved that cat.

The book is one of the few books I’ve read recently where I had to stop and wipe my tears away. Not only is this a touching story about Ted and Merle, but it is also informative, explaining away the myths and misconceptions of having a dog. With as many dogs as there are in the world, it’s a shame we treat them so poorly and they still love us.