Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog

Merle and Ted found each other in the Utah desert— Merle was living wild and Ted was looking for a pup to keep him company. As their bond grew, Ted taught Merle how to live around wildlife, and Merle taught Ted about the benefits of letting a dog make his own decisions.

Using the latest in wolf research and exploring issues of animal consciousness and leadership and the origins of the human-dog relationship, Ted Kerasote takes us on the journey he and Merle shared. As much a love story as a story of independence and partnership, Merles Door is tender, funny, and ultimately illuminating.

prologue              xiii

chapter 1: From the Wild     1

chapter 2: The First Dog     26

chapter 3: The Synaptic Kiss                49

chapter 4: In the Genes        67

chapter 5: Building the Door               97

chapter 6: Growing Into Himself         113

chapter 7: Top Dog              145

chapter 8: The Gray Cat      169

chapter 9: Estrogen Clouds 181

chapter 10: At Home in the Arms of the Country 194

chapter 11: The Problem of Me           210

chapter 12: The Mayor of Kelly           234

chapter 13: The Alpha Pair  249

chapter 14: White Muzzle     270

chapter 15: What Do Dogs Want?       284

chapter 16: A Looser Leash 304

chapter 17:t-family: 'Times New Roman'" The First Passing              313

chapter 18: Through the Door             327

with many thanks                363

notes      365

index      381