Merle's Door

[TheLilwiki]

absolutely a great book, have read it multiple times and would reccomend it for everyone who loves dogs

[Liz62ify]

I am still crying...you have made me realized what an impact my 10 month old Retreiver is going to have in my life. I thought I loved her already but in 14 years...I can't imagine my life without Lucy :) She is asking to go out as I type. Thank you for your love story.

[keelymypuppa1]

Thank you, thank you for this book. It leaves me wondering how anyone could possibly miss the connection and trust given to us by our dogs if we are open to it. Ted has embraced the true essence of love with his Merle. And he has communicated it so vividly and succinctly. I found myself feeling such a heart bond with both of them! Everyone needs a "dog of a lifetime!"

[guyglowmore1]

intend to read this soon. it must be great from reading the comments but i wonder if these people have read "Kinship With all Life" by J Allen Boone or "In the Shadow of a Rainbow" by Robert Franklin Leslie. Those two are classics of the canine upmost and great insight into the wonder of wolves and shepherds. There's been so many great dog stories. Balto. Lassie. Rinty. Ol Yeller. And those magnificent dogs of Edgar Sawtelle. Marley. Travels With Charlie. just thinkin all the happinesssss

[wolfscreamer1]

I'm partway into this book. Really good. I'm suprised that there isn't a movie for this book.

[croguy]

I just finished reading this book and my eyes are still red from crying.

[giliwaya]

The best book I have ever read about the companionship and the honest way dogs really are loved this book loved Merle

[jawce1956]

best dog book i ever read!

[30acrewood]

The best book I've ever read about dogs -- and I've read a lot! The story kept me captivated and made me think about how I can make life better for my dogs.

[fanofbarrywhite]

This is a terrific, TERRIFIC book!!!  The best of the best. Superbly written by a very special human being who crossed path with a very special dog. Throw in the trash all that has been written before about dogs because nothing compares to this one. This book ought to stand ALONE. It is a masterpiece . WHAT A BOOK!!!WHAT A LOVE STORY!! Merle and Ted..."forever"!!

[redfox8984]

If love of a dog could be matched into a book this is it. I love this book, and it is my favorite--and I am one of those people who has so many books on the bedside table that I have to make room for my alarm clock! If you want intelligence and a good story--READ THIS BOOK. If you have ever had a dog that was your best friend too THEN READ THIS BOOK!

[createsf]

I just loved this book. I have a dog, Rhone, who looks exactly like Merle! I've shared this book with many people. A few have lost their companions since and they've said that the book really helped them deal with that loss. I especially liked the poem that Ted wrote when Merle's buddy passed away. One thing I didn't understand, but I think it is linked to Eastern philosophy, is why Ted waited 3 days to bury him. Does anyone know?

[shadowthelostwolfpup]

I absolutely loved it! especially the cattle chasing part!

[Mayrienn]

I read this book shortly after I lost Barley my 11 year old shepherd cross, to kidney failure. His death left a huge void and Ted's book was a gift and among the best books I have ever read if not the best. Barley was so playful but also protective and he opened his 'door' to me. He died while I held his face in my hands and kissed him until he was gone. I miss him so much. I have no doubt that Merle and Barley have met and are playing, hanging out and generally having a great time together.

[teahmaria]

As everyone mentioned, this is one great book! Ted is such a great writer, so expressive, it was like watching a movie in my mind. One thing I'm learning is to be "less" controlling with my 11 month old pup and 11 year old dog. As my husband has had occasion to say, "Give my some slack"...

[redfox8984]

Dear teahmaria;

The puppy is a child; You can follow the advise of most dog trainers. No greenies 'til three years old, use chew hides, set a schedule/routine for going to bed, like a chew and sitting on your lap. Teach commands with voice and sign language. But after two, they are your peer, your companion, your child who is now 25years old, and always your family!

[Dhyana92177]

I am not a reader, of thick books. I read this one for hours without stopping. I finished in about 4 days. I'm 51 yrs old and would place this book as one of the best. It kept my attention, it opened my heart and touched a part of me I had forgotten. Thanks to Ted & Merle.

I highly recommend and wished it'd be a film.

I await a dog to come into my life and will treat it so different after reading this story.

Love It.

[beatlefan57]

Love this book! Along with The Art of Dancing in the Rain, it is one of my favorite all time books. I can't wait to reread the book again.

[icedrifter68]

An outstanding story!

Just finished this book here at Camp Fallujah.

Not only the story of Merle and Author are powerful, but also with the Author's Ex and her dog.

Cried several times, and identified with the Author as I just turned 40, been working here several years, and I truly miss the outdoors with a dog.

Hope to adopt a Pound Dog when I return to Colorado/Nebraska.

I have learned from this read, which will migrate into my next adopted relationship.

Cheers, for the great story!

[icedrifter68]

Indeed, and outstanding story!

Just finished this book here at Camp Fallujah.

Not only the story of Merle and Author are powerful, but also with the Author's Ex and her dog.

Cried several times, and identified with the Author as I just turned 40, been working here several years, and I truly miss the outdoors with a dog.

Hope to adopt a Pound Dog when I return to Colorado/Nebraska.

Cheers, for the great story!

[KevMo4UAB]

Just finished the book a couple of days ago. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It captured my heart and soul. I have already started to read it again!

[Rubin33]

AMAZING book. Finished it last night and will start it again today.

[waddleduckie1]

This has to be the best written book about the bond between the dog, Merle and the author. The personality of Merle was very expressive and quite human. Merle has said to be very loving and devoted as well quite independent of the usual behaviors of dogs when it comes to decision making and problem solving.

[guitargirlz101]

world's greatest book. i've read it 11 times and it's still great. you can check out my fan club i made for ted kerasote called Club Kerasote. enjoy!

[adoganalog]

A book which is all but impossible to set down. I laughed and learned, cried, and recognized my own life ( for better and for worse) in its pages. Anyone with a dog owes it to himself and his dog to read this.

[adoganalog]

A book which is all but impossible to set down. I laughed and learned, cried, and recognized my own life ( for better and for worse) in its pages. Anyone with a dog owes it to himself and his dog to read this.

[WolvesDreamLight]

I'm almost finished with this book. My aunt got it for me for Christmas. This book is really one of the bests books I've red in my life, but It's also sad how Allison had to put Brower down. That would be to hard to handle for me. Dog's aren't just dogs, they're humans just like us, and they teach us too. Their love is unconditional and when we realy need someone, like a friend they'll be their for us. Ted I just want you to know, what an excellent book you have written. :)

[Retrieverman1]

Brower's death is harder to take than Merle's. I think we're all prepared for Merle to go--he's getting old and the cancer is destroying him. Brower is just a young dog when he dies, though.

[Wolfzoflight]

Aw this book is amazing.

[lucilu2210]

awesome book! I just finished reading it.

[DukeandDoc]

"The Best"

[westphalianprinz]

This is an excellent book. It's really a great story about a dog and man coupled with amazing research about our history with this subspecies of wolf. It also suggests how we should be allowing our dogs to live, allowing them to develop as partners and not slaves. One of the best books I've read in a very long time.

[jdcapshew]

Anyone who has ever loved a dog should read Ted Kerasote's wonderful book, Merle's Door. This video gives a taste of what you get in this moving, poignant and spiritually uplifting book.