I enjoyed this and Merle is a dog who digs into your heart. I had a few problems with parts of the book though. The author gets a little "preachy" about dog research and really advocates for a happy life where dogs may run free. For most of us this isn't possible. We live in cities or suburbs with leash laws. Merle had a lot of fun running loose and exploring nature but most of us can't live that way. I also didn't care much about the author's love life. If you love dogs and you like a lot of dog research babble, this is a good choice.

The story of Merle and the author finding each other and learning to live with each other totally fascinated me. It seemed as Mr. Kerasote and Merle really understood each other and Mr. Kerasote made every effort to give Merle a really good "dog" life. The scientific information in the book I also found fascinating and informative. This is one of my favorite books about a dog's life.

It was interesting to a point and gave a new perspective to how we may have changed dogs to suite our citified lives to their detriment. However, the author went a little beyond his love for Merle to a point that may have been more to meet the author's needs than those of his dog. The end seemed to be a series of the author trying to justify his actions. His regressions into the history of canine evolvement was a bit boring.

Dog lovers must read. A bit scientific in parts but I enjoyed this because I gained insight into my favorite friends evolution. Loved Merle's spirit!!!

Merle is allowed to roam free and is much the better dog because of it. This book provides new insights and contrasts to that of the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, who seems to advocate complete control of the dog. I like Ted's way much better. Unlike other reviewer's I enjoyed the addition of the scientific anecdotes. They contrasted nicely with the sentimental relationship of Ted and Merle.