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Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs
When Ted Kerasote was ready for a new dog after losing his beloved Merle — who died too soon, as all our dogs do — he knew that he would want to give his puppy Pukka the longest life possible. But how to do that? So much has changed in the way we feed, vaccinate, train, and live with our dogs from even a decade ago.
In an adventure that echoes The Omnivore’s Dilemma with a canine spin, Kerasote tackles all those subjects, questioning our conventional wisdom and emerging with vital new information that will surprise even the most knowledgeable dog lovers. Can a purebred be as healthy as a mixed-breed? How many vaccines are too many? Should we rethink spaying and neutering? Is raw food really healthier than kibble, and should your dog be chewing more bones? Traveling the world and interviewing breeders, veterinarians, and leaders of the animal-welfare movement, Kerasote pulls together the latest research to help us rethink the everyday choices we make for our companions. And as he did in Merle’s Door, Kerasote interweaves fascinating science with the charming stories of raising Pukka among his dog friends in their small Wyoming village.
Funny, revelatory, and full of the delights of falling in love with a dog, Pukka’s Promise will help redefine the potential of our animal partners.
In an adventure that echoes The Omnivore’s Dilemma with a canine spin, Kerasote tackles all those subjects, questioning our conventional wisdom and emerging with vital new information that will surprise even the most knowledgeable dog lovers. Can a purebred be as healthy as a mixed-breed? How many vaccines are too many? Should we rethink spaying and neutering? Is raw food really healthier than kibble, and should your dog be chewing more bones? Traveling the world and interviewing breeders, veterinarians, and leaders of the animal-welfare movement, Kerasote pulls together the latest research to help us rethink the everyday choices we make for our companions. And as he did in Merle’s Door, Kerasote interweaves fascinating science with the charming stories of raising Pukka among his dog friends in their small Wyoming village.
Funny, revelatory, and full of the delights of falling in love with a dog, Pukka’s Promise will help redefine the potential of our animal partners.
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First published June 19, 2009
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About the author
Ted Kerasote
9 books193 followersTed Kerasote's writing has spanned the globe and appeared in dozens of periodicals and anthologies, including Audubon, National Geographic Traveler, Outside, Salon, and The New York Times. He is also the author and editor of six books, one of which, Out There: In the Wild in a Wired Age, won the National Outdoor Book Award. He lives in Wyoming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
April 11, 2015
Why has nature decreed that our friendly dogs are already ancient in their teens while giving the unhuggable tortoise more than a century of life and some whales two hundred years to swim through the polar seas?
Mother Nature's rule seems to be the larger the animal, the longer the lifespan . . . except when it comes to dogs. There our darling companions really get the short end of the stick.
After the death of his beloved dog, Merle, Kerasote spent years researching canine longevity in an effort to ensure his new pup, Pukka, will live the healthiest, longest life possible. What follows is a fascinating look at genetics, nutrition, environment and activity levels that directly affect the well being of dogs.
I was particularly interested in how breeding has literally changed the shapes of dogs over the years. Believe it or not, THIS -
- is what a pug used to look like. Same muscular hindquarters, same curly tail BUT LOOK - IT HAD A NOSE! Not like THIS THING - 
- that I saw wheezing down my street the other day.
And, the adorable, though somewhat "yippy" pekingese my mother owned in the seventies -
- is now almost unrecognizable as some sort of wooly-bear caterpillar on a leash - 
The head is broader, the nose is flatter. Who cares if the poor thing can breathe? Function follows form and the dogs are suffering.
So, aside from not choosing a breed tailored for health problems from the get-go, what can you do to encourage your pet's longevity?
Kerasote's recommendations, unfortunately, are not very practical for the average pet owner. He and Pukka live in the middle-of-nowhere Wyoming. He provides his pooch with fresh-killed elk as a snack. (Even if one of those wandered through my suburban backyard, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be allowed to kill it.) Pukka can come and go as he pleases, another impossible dream for most of our dogs. The author advises against over-vaccinating older dogs and careful weighing of the spay/neuter options. In other words, interesting food for thought, but not much else. At this point, about the only advice I can take is to switch my dog to a grain-free diet - expensive, but doable.
I would recommend this as essential reading for all dog lovers. It's fun, frequently moving and I'm almost certain you'll learn something.
Ted Kerasote and Pukka
Mother Nature's rule seems to be the larger the animal, the longer the lifespan . . . except when it comes to dogs. There our darling companions really get the short end of the stick.
After the death of his beloved dog, Merle, Kerasote spent years researching canine longevity in an effort to ensure his new pup, Pukka, will live the healthiest, longest life possible. What follows is a fascinating look at genetics, nutrition, environment and activity levels that directly affect the well being of dogs.
I was particularly interested in how breeding has literally changed the shapes of dogs over the years. Believe it or not, THIS -
- is what a pug used to look like. Same muscular hindquarters, same curly tail BUT LOOK - IT HAD A NOSE! Not like THIS THING - - that I saw wheezing down my street the other day. And, the adorable, though somewhat "yippy" pekingese my mother owned in the seventies -
- is now almost unrecognizable as some sort of wooly-bear caterpillar on a leash - The head is broader, the nose is flatter. Who cares if the poor thing can breathe? Function follows form and the dogs are suffering.So, aside from not choosing a breed tailored for health problems from the get-go, what can you do to encourage your pet's longevity?
Kerasote's recommendations, unfortunately, are not very practical for the average pet owner. He and Pukka live in the middle-of-nowhere Wyoming. He provides his pooch with fresh-killed elk as a snack. (Even if one of those wandered through my suburban backyard, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be allowed to kill it.) Pukka can come and go as he pleases, another impossible dream for most of our dogs. The author advises against over-vaccinating older dogs and careful weighing of the spay/neuter options. In other words, interesting food for thought, but not much else. At this point, about the only advice I can take is to switch my dog to a grain-free diet - expensive, but doable.
I would recommend this as essential reading for all dog lovers. It's fun, frequently moving and I'm almost certain you'll learn something.
Ted Kerasote and Pukka
February 7, 2013
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
This story about Ted Kerasote's new dog Pukka is filled with heart warming tales of puppyhood from actually researching what he wanted in a new dog after his beloved Merle died, to doing everything he could to insure this new dog would have a long life. Interspersed with the story of Pukka is his research into what is actually good for your dog. I wish I had access to a book like this before I ever owned a dog. It would have made such a difference in the quality of life for them. Since I didn't have this information, the best I can do is try to help my dog live the best life she can now.
Kerasote takes on the big business that has become pet services and food. What is actually best for your dog? He takes on those big businesses from pet toys to food as well as the vet and their recommended treatments for vaccines, something I had a lot of questions about. I plan on asking a lot fo questions at my next appointment with my dog. With all the recalls lately with pet treats, it is really scary about how those big businesses and governments react to reported problems. I really wish this information was more available to all pet owners.
LOVED IT
This story about Ted Kerasote's new dog Pukka is filled with heart warming tales of puppyhood from actually researching what he wanted in a new dog after his beloved Merle died, to doing everything he could to insure this new dog would have a long life. Interspersed with the story of Pukka is his research into what is actually good for your dog. I wish I had access to a book like this before I ever owned a dog. It would have made such a difference in the quality of life for them. Since I didn't have this information, the best I can do is try to help my dog live the best life she can now.
Kerasote takes on the big business that has become pet services and food. What is actually best for your dog? He takes on those big businesses from pet toys to food as well as the vet and their recommended treatments for vaccines, something I had a lot of questions about. I plan on asking a lot fo questions at my next appointment with my dog. With all the recalls lately with pet treats, it is really scary about how those big businesses and governments react to reported problems. I really wish this information was more available to all pet owners.
February 15, 2013
Are you a cultural conformist? A few days ago, I would have answered, NO! But after reading this book, I realized, I have succumbed to the cultural demands and mantras regarding dogs.
Our two-year-old Beagle-Maltese starting marking his territory, inside the house, and we figured time to get him “fixed.” Before we made the appointment, the thought occurred to me, I should check this book sitting in my to-be-read pile and see what it has to say about neutering dogs.
Yup, there’s a chapter on that, and so I skipped right to it and imagine my surprise when I read that while spaying and neutering dogs does save millions of unwanted animals from dying unnecessarily in shelters, altering your dog and denying him of essential sex hormones could end his life prematurely. But what about marking and humping, you know, those “undesirable” traits that we’ve been taught as a culture can easily be resolved by castrating your dog? I felt like an idiot when I read (what I really already knew down in my core) that a dog can be trained to behave appropriately. If a dog is exhibiting undesirable behaviors, look to his person in charge.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Kerasote does an excellent job of presenting both sides of the issue. There are benefits to spaying and neutering, but these are NOT the only options if your reason for altering your dog is merely birth control. There are other procedures that can accomplish this – tubal ligation and vasectomy just to name two.
The essential sex hormones can help protect your dog from cancers and orthopedic injuries. “In North America, hemangiosarcoma is the leading cause of death for Golden Retrievers, a good reason to think carefully before spaying or neutering a dog from this breed” (page 340).
There’s also a chapter on immunizations. Yes, your dogs need to be immunized, but do they need all of those shots every single year? Studies are finding that many of the immunizations actually last much longer than originally thought, and giving your dog unnecessary immunizations can eventually comprise his health. And if you never board your dog in a facility with a large number of dogs and never take your dog to dog shows, why are you having him receive bordetella and coronavirus shots which prevent kennel cough?
I was highly impressed with the content of this book, but I was also very impressed with Kerasote’s ability to weave technical and medical information into the writing without boring me out of my mind. Kerasote doesn’t just tell us what experts he interviewed and the information gleaned from them, but he also describes what that expert looked like, what he or she wore, and where they sat during the interview. Kerasote takes us on the journey with him.
This is the first book by Ted Kerasote I’ve read. I highly recommend it, and I am looking forward to reading his other books as well.
If you love dogs at all, even an ounce, this is a must read book.
Our two-year-old Beagle-Maltese starting marking his territory, inside the house, and we figured time to get him “fixed.” Before we made the appointment, the thought occurred to me, I should check this book sitting in my to-be-read pile and see what it has to say about neutering dogs.
Yup, there’s a chapter on that, and so I skipped right to it and imagine my surprise when I read that while spaying and neutering dogs does save millions of unwanted animals from dying unnecessarily in shelters, altering your dog and denying him of essential sex hormones could end his life prematurely. But what about marking and humping, you know, those “undesirable” traits that we’ve been taught as a culture can easily be resolved by castrating your dog? I felt like an idiot when I read (what I really already knew down in my core) that a dog can be trained to behave appropriately. If a dog is exhibiting undesirable behaviors, look to his person in charge.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Kerasote does an excellent job of presenting both sides of the issue. There are benefits to spaying and neutering, but these are NOT the only options if your reason for altering your dog is merely birth control. There are other procedures that can accomplish this – tubal ligation and vasectomy just to name two.
The essential sex hormones can help protect your dog from cancers and orthopedic injuries. “In North America, hemangiosarcoma is the leading cause of death for Golden Retrievers, a good reason to think carefully before spaying or neutering a dog from this breed” (page 340).
There’s also a chapter on immunizations. Yes, your dogs need to be immunized, but do they need all of those shots every single year? Studies are finding that many of the immunizations actually last much longer than originally thought, and giving your dog unnecessary immunizations can eventually comprise his health. And if you never board your dog in a facility with a large number of dogs and never take your dog to dog shows, why are you having him receive bordetella and coronavirus shots which prevent kennel cough?
I was highly impressed with the content of this book, but I was also very impressed with Kerasote’s ability to weave technical and medical information into the writing without boring me out of my mind. Kerasote doesn’t just tell us what experts he interviewed and the information gleaned from them, but he also describes what that expert looked like, what he or she wore, and where they sat during the interview. Kerasote takes us on the journey with him.
This is the first book by Ted Kerasote I’ve read. I highly recommend it, and I am looking forward to reading his other books as well.
If you love dogs at all, even an ounce, this is a must read book.
February 13, 2013
Dogs die too young, way too young. If you have ever loved a dog, and Ted clearly has, the shortness of their lives seems so very wrong, so cruel. In an effort to find out how he might extend the lifespan of Pukka, Ted does a lot of interesting research and shares the results with his readers. Many dog loving people are blithely unaware of the dangers of over vaccinating our canine companions; Ted cites university studies showing the risk of repeated, frequent, probably unneeded vaccination and gives advice on vaccinating responsibly. He looks at the pet toy industry and the dog food industry, areas where the wellbeing of dogs should be at the forefront but instead are often ignored. Just this week I read another alert on pet treats that can potentially cause fatal reactions, so Ted’s research is timely and necessary. Throughout the book are lovely stories of his adventures with Pukka and the strength of their bond. He is outspokenly passionate about his dog and strong in his opinions. I found the book interesting to read, it gave me food for thought on many issues. I vehemently disagree with Ted in some areas; letting a dog run free without supervision is a recipe for disaster (porcupines and fast cars come to mind) not to mention hugely uncaring of the needs of others (the neighbor who does not want to pick up after free running dogs, the jogger who does not want to be chased). This is a book that celebrates the human/canine bond, gives timely, useful information, and challenges you to reevaluate long held opinions. The stories of Pukka are gems you will enjoy.
April 9, 2013
A better subtitle for this book would have been, 'Researched Justifications for My Decisions on How to Raise My Dog' which, really, this book is. It's good to see topics addressed that have been taken for granted for so long (I appreciate his tackling the neuter/spay issue, which needs tackling, and the shout-out to backyard breeders, which have taken a bad rap, for example), but Kerasote has the luxury of a situation (he lives in an incredibly rural area where his dog can roam free, unaltered, and can feed his dog game) that few of us share, and his research seems slanted towards conclusions he had already reached.
Yay Kerasote, good on you, but this would have been a better read (for me) if he had addressed his issues more universally and left out the twee bits in which he puts words in his dogs' mouths. Also the endless, endless details about Pukka's every experience. Give it a rest. I ended up skimming most of the latter half of this book because I was so damn tired of reading about the perfect Pukka and his daily growth into further perfection.
February 7, 2013
Kerasote has a wonderful ability to take dry material and weave it into his real life so that you find yourself engaged and learning without even realizing it. After the death of his beloved dog, Merle, Kerasote embarked on more than a search for another puppy, he delved deeply into the heartbreaking world of kill shelters, vaccinations, and the pet food industry. His goal was to find the best information available to extend the lives of his beloved dogs. At times this book is heart-wrenching, but it contains invaluable information for dog lovers.
March 18, 2013
I found this book incredibly disappointing after loving Merle's Door. The parts where Kerasote recounts a few experiences with Pukka are tolerable enough, if often overwrought with anthropomorphizing the dog, or treating the dog as though it is the child he never had (an interesting practice since he routinely denounces pet owners who do this to their pets in other places of the book when he is writing more as an editorial than recounting examples).
The portions of the book dealing with evidence for and against various practices are grating in the extreme. It is not uncommon for the author to spend page upon page extrapolating from limited research, with occasional caveats about studies that could prove x or y not having been completed, and then to spend only a few sentences on the point of view which disagrees with his own. This is particularly evident in the chapters regarding canine nutrition where he interviews one veterinary specialist with a background in canine nutrition who says, paraphrasing, "It doesn't much matter what you feed them as long as you meet the macronutrient needs of your dog and avoid any particular sensitivities." However this sentiment is bookended by pages upon pages of interviews with skeptics of commercial dog food manufacturing.
The author spends a few paragraphs expounding on the fears of those who believe that animal rendering is allowing dead dogs into the canine food chain, for instance. However, when his investigations at the plants reveal this to be patently false Kerasote does not repudiate the claims he earlier highlighted, instead he makes vague assertions that the issue is still of paramount importance and that we all must remain vigilant.
Additionally, in recounting his use of homeopathic treatments near the end the author says that research is "uncertain" about their efficacy. This is a misunderstanding at best, and purposefully misleading at worst as every reputable animal and human trial of homeopathic remedies has shown them to be bollocks. The author whitewashes that finding with his own anecdotes about successful uses of them and an attitude of, "What can it hurt?" In point of fact when dog owners choose to use ineffective homeopathic remedies because of anecdotal accounts of their success their pets often suffer—since they are not receiving an effective treatment.
The portions of the book dealing with evidence for and against various practices are grating in the extreme. It is not uncommon for the author to spend page upon page extrapolating from limited research, with occasional caveats about studies that could prove x or y not having been completed, and then to spend only a few sentences on the point of view which disagrees with his own. This is particularly evident in the chapters regarding canine nutrition where he interviews one veterinary specialist with a background in canine nutrition who says, paraphrasing, "It doesn't much matter what you feed them as long as you meet the macronutrient needs of your dog and avoid any particular sensitivities." However this sentiment is bookended by pages upon pages of interviews with skeptics of commercial dog food manufacturing.
The author spends a few paragraphs expounding on the fears of those who believe that animal rendering is allowing dead dogs into the canine food chain, for instance. However, when his investigations at the plants reveal this to be patently false Kerasote does not repudiate the claims he earlier highlighted, instead he makes vague assertions that the issue is still of paramount importance and that we all must remain vigilant.
Additionally, in recounting his use of homeopathic treatments near the end the author says that research is "uncertain" about their efficacy. This is a misunderstanding at best, and purposefully misleading at worst as every reputable animal and human trial of homeopathic remedies has shown them to be bollocks. The author whitewashes that finding with his own anecdotes about successful uses of them and an attitude of, "What can it hurt?" In point of fact when dog owners choose to use ineffective homeopathic remedies because of anecdotal accounts of their success their pets often suffer—since they are not receiving an effective treatment.
April 12, 2013
Just finished reading this. While I was initially put off by the author's seeming "search to replicate Merle in exactation", it turns otu there is a point and purpose to that particular vibe, and my initial thought (with disgust) "why doesn't he just have Merle cloned if he's that attached and insistent?" was even answered. I had to keep reminding myself that each individual wants a dog (or a particular dog) for their own personal reasons, and who am I to judge...?
Also, it took me a while to stop asking "...but why do we want our dogs to live longer lives?" because my feeling is that they live long enough. I guess I've just always accepted the general "rule of thumb" when it came to certain breeds' life expectancies. I certainly understand some folks are attached to their dogs and would prefer they stick around as long as possible, but I also know there are so many other dogs out there needing homes... and once you've had a healthy puppy inexplicably die, as I have, you're grateful for anything that lives beyond those mere weeks. I think the title might be misleading, because I didn't feel the focus was so much on "doing what we can to make them live longer" as it was "doing what we can to help the lives they're living be better/healthier."
Overall:
Excellent, EXCELLENT read! Very good sentences! Topics are thoroughly researched and both sides are fairly presented. I learned a lot. There are definitely things to consider when caring for our dogs. Not only what their toys are made of, but also issues such as over-vaccination and even spay/neuter. I didn't realize so many of the diseases today's dogs suffer from are actually due to a LACK of hormones. We need to get more vets on the vasectomy/tubal ligation bandwagon if we want to see the end of many of the thyroid and adrenal diseases that are becoming so prevalent. Oh, and Europe basically has zero spay/neuter campaigns, all of their dogs are intact and yet they don't have the pet overpopulation problem we have here, because folks are RESPONSIBLE enough to KEEP THEIR FEMALES INSIDE for the few days a year that they are fertile. How do you like that? (And we thought the government was just forcing their gun and health care agendas on us...) This book also puts to rest the popular myths re: rendering plants and offers a fascinating history of dog food. Oh, and did you know that any time the temperature drops below 57 degrees, for any length of time at all, the heartworm microfilaria in infected mosquitoes dies? (At least until it bites another infected animal.) Gotta love all of these recent cold snaps!
Absolutely fascinating! It's being called "The Omnivore's Dilemma" of the dog world for great reason!
Absolutely loved it and will be keeping it on my kitchen shelf with my other "health" books!
Also, it took me a while to stop asking "...but why do we want our dogs to live longer lives?" because my feeling is that they live long enough. I guess I've just always accepted the general "rule of thumb" when it came to certain breeds' life expectancies. I certainly understand some folks are attached to their dogs and would prefer they stick around as long as possible, but I also know there are so many other dogs out there needing homes... and once you've had a healthy puppy inexplicably die, as I have, you're grateful for anything that lives beyond those mere weeks. I think the title might be misleading, because I didn't feel the focus was so much on "doing what we can to make them live longer" as it was "doing what we can to help the lives they're living be better/healthier."
Overall:
Excellent, EXCELLENT read! Very good sentences! Topics are thoroughly researched and both sides are fairly presented. I learned a lot. There are definitely things to consider when caring for our dogs. Not only what their toys are made of, but also issues such as over-vaccination and even spay/neuter. I didn't realize so many of the diseases today's dogs suffer from are actually due to a LACK of hormones. We need to get more vets on the vasectomy/tubal ligation bandwagon if we want to see the end of many of the thyroid and adrenal diseases that are becoming so prevalent. Oh, and Europe basically has zero spay/neuter campaigns, all of their dogs are intact and yet they don't have the pet overpopulation problem we have here, because folks are RESPONSIBLE enough to KEEP THEIR FEMALES INSIDE for the few days a year that they are fertile. How do you like that? (And we thought the government was just forcing their gun and health care agendas on us...) This book also puts to rest the popular myths re: rendering plants and offers a fascinating history of dog food. Oh, and did you know that any time the temperature drops below 57 degrees, for any length of time at all, the heartworm microfilaria in infected mosquitoes dies? (At least until it bites another infected animal.) Gotta love all of these recent cold snaps!
Absolutely fascinating! It's being called "The Omnivore's Dilemma" of the dog world for great reason!
Absolutely loved it and will be keeping it on my kitchen shelf with my other "health" books!
August 16, 2013
'Pukka's Promise' should be mandatory reading for anyone who loves dogs. It not only changed my view of them, but also changed how I feed my dogs, what toys they can have and what I use on my lawn and in my garden. I was so ill-informed until I read this book, pained as my pups lived shortened lives, and died of illness unheard of in dogs 50 years ago.
Since reading 'Pukka's Promise' I have bought copies for friends and have been preaching the word. My dogs are now on a grain-free, partially-raw diet. I scrutinize their toys, horrified for example, to learn that many tennis balls contain lead. No thinking pet owner would knowingly expose their pet to lead, yet many thinking nothing of tossing a tennis ball around with their dog. The key here is 'unknowingly' as so much of what we do that carves years off our pets' lives, is done in ignorance. Ted Kerasote corrects that with 'Pukka's Promise.'
Please, if you love your pets, read Kerasote's book and buy a copy for your friends with dogs. You will never regret it.
Since reading 'Pukka's Promise' I have bought copies for friends and have been preaching the word. My dogs are now on a grain-free, partially-raw diet. I scrutinize their toys, horrified for example, to learn that many tennis balls contain lead. No thinking pet owner would knowingly expose their pet to lead, yet many thinking nothing of tossing a tennis ball around with their dog. The key here is 'unknowingly' as so much of what we do that carves years off our pets' lives, is done in ignorance. Ted Kerasote corrects that with 'Pukka's Promise.'
Please, if you love your pets, read Kerasote's book and buy a copy for your friends with dogs. You will never regret it.
April 7, 2013
I am surprised this book is as highly rated overall as it is. While it addresses points that are long overdue in mainstream dog books (diet, over-vaccination, etc), it has numerous sloppy and anecdotal arguments, and feels like it is written by someone who has had a couple dogs he truly cherishes and a zealous willingness to research, but clearly hasn't spent their life working and dealing with dogs. Among the host of annoyances:
1) Constant, unending anthropomorphism makes it hard to be a book that you get lost in. It could have been half the size and discuss the information actually related to longevity, while eliminating all of the invented conversations in which Pukka discusses Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance while teaching all of the other dogs who visit the village to behave perfectly with just eyebrow raises and stern looks.
2) It really seems like many of the points he makes took the route of him having his own opinion, finding the right people to back it up, and then anecdotally saying, "See, I was right, because Merle and Pukka were just like that." This is no more relevant in his argument against spay/neuter. He clearly wants to defend his position against neutering his dog, so he states "I had easily found vets to tell me that neutering a dog would make him better behaved, I started looking for vets who might have a different opinion..." This is great, and I applaud presenting differing views, but he is only willing to present supporters of spay/neuter in a negative light. Presenting a statement such as "Even the most positive study...still found that 40 percent of dogs had no change in their roaming, mounting, urine-marking, and aggression after being sterilized" is disingenuous. That's 60% of owners with a better dog, but the argument is presented as 40% without any change. I don't even necessarily disagree with some of the overall arguments against spay/neuter, but they are presented in a very sloppy manner.
3) Another example would be logic such as the following: My dog wouldn't stop chasing animals, and even though I don't agree with shock collars, I used one anyway and it worked. But you are all the cruel ones by leashing your dogs because they were meant to roam free, and as long as they are leashed they will never be truly happy like my dog, so the ends clearly justify the means.
3) It's great that he essentially lost his dog in the woods, and was fortunate enough that the dog was waiting for him at the top of the trail, but maybe he shouldn't imply people are over-protective authoritarians unwilling to let their dogs roam free when they think that when facing a similar situation, maybe they should call their dog to come when they are out of sight for minutes at a time in the woods.
Again, 3 stars because there is some great information, but it just doesn't fire on all cylinders.
1) Constant, unending anthropomorphism makes it hard to be a book that you get lost in. It could have been half the size and discuss the information actually related to longevity, while eliminating all of the invented conversations in which Pukka discusses Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance while teaching all of the other dogs who visit the village to behave perfectly with just eyebrow raises and stern looks.
2) It really seems like many of the points he makes took the route of him having his own opinion, finding the right people to back it up, and then anecdotally saying, "See, I was right, because Merle and Pukka were just like that." This is no more relevant in his argument against spay/neuter. He clearly wants to defend his position against neutering his dog, so he states "I had easily found vets to tell me that neutering a dog would make him better behaved, I started looking for vets who might have a different opinion..." This is great, and I applaud presenting differing views, but he is only willing to present supporters of spay/neuter in a negative light. Presenting a statement such as "Even the most positive study...still found that 40 percent of dogs had no change in their roaming, mounting, urine-marking, and aggression after being sterilized" is disingenuous. That's 60% of owners with a better dog, but the argument is presented as 40% without any change. I don't even necessarily disagree with some of the overall arguments against spay/neuter, but they are presented in a very sloppy manner.
3) Another example would be logic such as the following: My dog wouldn't stop chasing animals, and even though I don't agree with shock collars, I used one anyway and it worked. But you are all the cruel ones by leashing your dogs because they were meant to roam free, and as long as they are leashed they will never be truly happy like my dog, so the ends clearly justify the means.
3) It's great that he essentially lost his dog in the woods, and was fortunate enough that the dog was waiting for him at the top of the trail, but maybe he shouldn't imply people are over-protective authoritarians unwilling to let their dogs roam free when they think that when facing a similar situation, maybe they should call their dog to come when they are out of sight for minutes at a time in the woods.
Again, 3 stars because there is some great information, but it just doesn't fire on all cylinders.
February 26, 2013
Ted Kerasote’s beloved first dog Merle (“Merle’s Door”) was a stray he picked up in Arizona. After Merle’s death at age 14, Kerasote not only sets out on a quest to find a new dog but to answer the question on the lips of every dog lover: How can we help our dogs live longer, healthier lives?
Genetics, breeding, and purebreds vs. shelter dogs all come into play in what, for some readers, might seem like an obsessive, 3-year search for the perfect dog. But there is a method to his madness. In “Pukka’s Promise,” Kerasote intertwines the joys and challenges of raising a pup from seven weeks old with the latest research on canine nutrition and optimum health. From his diet to his toys and dog bed, Pukka gets the best of everything. As Kerasote sifts through the vast market of dog food and pet supplies, readers learn how to make better choices for their dogs.
Kerasote challenges time worn veterinary practices of vaccination schedules, spaying and neutering. With the aid of interviews with several veterinarians, he offers alternatives to basic health care issues. From there he delves deeper into common diseases in dogs such as cancer, diabetes, allergies, and adrenal disease to find out the causes. In essence he shows us that as we strive to lead healthier, happier lives, if we apply the same principles to our dogs’ lives, they too will benefit.
Kerasote’s treatise on animal shelters in the United States is both controversial and groundbreaking. His notions about fundamentally changing our attitudes toward pet overpopulation and shelter care could go a long way toward raising the standard of living for all dogs in this country. He presents ideas that deserve a closer look and a much broader discussion.
Engaging, thought-provoking, and meticulously researched, “Pukka’s Promise” is a guidebook for raising a dog in the 21st century.
Genetics, breeding, and purebreds vs. shelter dogs all come into play in what, for some readers, might seem like an obsessive, 3-year search for the perfect dog. But there is a method to his madness. In “Pukka’s Promise,” Kerasote intertwines the joys and challenges of raising a pup from seven weeks old with the latest research on canine nutrition and optimum health. From his diet to his toys and dog bed, Pukka gets the best of everything. As Kerasote sifts through the vast market of dog food and pet supplies, readers learn how to make better choices for their dogs.
Kerasote challenges time worn veterinary practices of vaccination schedules, spaying and neutering. With the aid of interviews with several veterinarians, he offers alternatives to basic health care issues. From there he delves deeper into common diseases in dogs such as cancer, diabetes, allergies, and adrenal disease to find out the causes. In essence he shows us that as we strive to lead healthier, happier lives, if we apply the same principles to our dogs’ lives, they too will benefit.
Kerasote’s treatise on animal shelters in the United States is both controversial and groundbreaking. His notions about fundamentally changing our attitudes toward pet overpopulation and shelter care could go a long way toward raising the standard of living for all dogs in this country. He presents ideas that deserve a closer look and a much broader discussion.
Engaging, thought-provoking, and meticulously researched, “Pukka’s Promise” is a guidebook for raising a dog in the 21st century.
February 11, 2013
This is the most important book to be written about health care for our pets -- what we're doing wrong and right -- in our generation, perhaps in any generation!
When famed author Ted Kerasote adopts a second dog five years after the passing of his beloved companion, Merle, he sets himself on the task of finding out how to increase the lifespan and benefit the health of his new dog, Pukka. What he finds is not the familiar mantra concerning the benefits of spaying and neutering, grain-filled dog and cat food, frequency of vaccinations, and many other matters that are traditional and desperately in need of taking a new look at.
Besides the author's relationship with Pukka (a joy to read about), one gets an insight into how dogs live in the rural area of Wyoming near Jackson Hole. These dogs are free rovers, albeit well trained, something that in our city lives most of us are not able to provide our dogs with.
Extensive research has gone into this book and the reader should be grateful for it. There is a visit to a California shelter on killing day that will break your heart. But if we don't know about what is going on, how can we effectively change it? However, I can tell you I grit my teeth throughout the whole chapter's reading and could only return to continue on reading the book after a time-out.
Ted Kerasote is a high skilled writer and to call him an outdoorsman is minimizing his adventures. His dog joins him in the most amazing feats -- a delight to read about. The description of their mountain climbing hike at the book's end is a passage of beauty.
If you love your pet, read this book. It will make a difference.
When famed author Ted Kerasote adopts a second dog five years after the passing of his beloved companion, Merle, he sets himself on the task of finding out how to increase the lifespan and benefit the health of his new dog, Pukka. What he finds is not the familiar mantra concerning the benefits of spaying and neutering, grain-filled dog and cat food, frequency of vaccinations, and many other matters that are traditional and desperately in need of taking a new look at.
Besides the author's relationship with Pukka (a joy to read about), one gets an insight into how dogs live in the rural area of Wyoming near Jackson Hole. These dogs are free rovers, albeit well trained, something that in our city lives most of us are not able to provide our dogs with.
Extensive research has gone into this book and the reader should be grateful for it. There is a visit to a California shelter on killing day that will break your heart. But if we don't know about what is going on, how can we effectively change it? However, I can tell you I grit my teeth throughout the whole chapter's reading and could only return to continue on reading the book after a time-out.
Ted Kerasote is a high skilled writer and to call him an outdoorsman is minimizing his adventures. His dog joins him in the most amazing feats -- a delight to read about. The description of their mountain climbing hike at the book's end is a passage of beauty.
If you love your pet, read this book. It will make a difference.
June 17, 2013
As a dog owner/lover, this book made me question everything I've been told or read or thought. Fascinating exploration of the issues around spay/neuter, vaccines, food quality, and breeding. Kerasote provides a lot of scientific evidence and research, yet it reads easily and smoothly with his brand of storytelling, sprinkled with stories and anecdotes about Pukka, Merle, and the other dogs in his life. My hope is that more prospective dog owners and veterinarians would read this book!
For my own benefit, I'm saving a passage that I loved. Only 34 pages in and Kerasote had me in tears already, as he realized that it was OK to begin looking for another dog after Merle:
Our eyes locked, and he gave me the look he'd given me on the night we first met on the San Juan River so long ago: "You need a dog." But this time he didn't add, "And I'm it."
Several moments went by before I asked, "Are you sure?"
His golden-brown eyes stared into mine. "I'm sure."
"Maybe", I told him.
"No", he answered firmly. "It's time. It really is." He grinned.
I touched my heart. "But always here."
He leaned his body into mine. "Always here."
And with that, still pressed together, Merle and I drove home.
For my own benefit, I'm saving a passage that I loved. Only 34 pages in and Kerasote had me in tears already, as he realized that it was OK to begin looking for another dog after Merle:
Our eyes locked, and he gave me the look he'd given me on the night we first met on the San Juan River so long ago: "You need a dog." But this time he didn't add, "And I'm it."
Several moments went by before I asked, "Are you sure?"
His golden-brown eyes stared into mine. "I'm sure."
"Maybe", I told him.
"No", he answered firmly. "It's time. It really is." He grinned.
I touched my heart. "But always here."
He leaned his body into mine. "Always here."
And with that, still pressed together, Merle and I drove home.
March 2, 2013
Too bad that the dog owners who should read this book won't bother. What Ted teaches is that dogs are a huge responsibility & long term commitment and that humans need to put in some effort to educate themselves and then take care of and train their companions. Granted, Ted seems to have more time, space and fiscal means than the average dog lover but I think that if we are just a little bit more conscientious about our environment and ponder his well researched information on canine health our best friends will at least have a better quality of life. I had a spayed dog who was hypothyroid develop lymphoma, Cushing's Syndrome and finally inflammatory bowel disease. For two and half years I was sick watching her wither away. Maybe she wouldn't have lived any longer but I wished she had had a better life rather then constantly visiting the vet getting stuck with needles and having pills shoved down her throat. I have a great pet food store where I buy raw food for my new dog and their mantra is that you can either pay a little more to feed your dog quality ingredients each month or pay to send your vet's kids to college in a few years.
March 16, 2013
Wow! An essential book for anyone who owns a dog or is thinking of owning a dog. The book is a combination of anecdotes about the author's dog, Pukka, and research about the factors that may effect the lifespan of our pooches: genetics, inbreeding, lifestyle, diet, vaccinations and other traditional veterinary practices, environmental toxins, and more.
Kerasote's ideas on spaying and neutering might cause alarm in the dog world (Pukka will not be altered), and the author makes some training choices that some won't agree with, and he may offend shelter advocates with his choice of buying Pukka from what many would call a "backyard breeder." Even so, there is much here for all dog lovers, and the book launches much-needed discussion about many neglected canine topics.
Not convinced? Dr. Patricia McConnell, animal behaviorist extraordinaire, writes:
"This might be the most important book about dogs written in a decade. Pukka means 'first class' in Hindi, and first-class is a perfect description of Pukka's Promise. It's a brilliant integration of speculation, cutting-edge science, and story. Every dog lover needs to read this book."
Kerasote's ideas on spaying and neutering might cause alarm in the dog world (Pukka will not be altered), and the author makes some training choices that some won't agree with, and he may offend shelter advocates with his choice of buying Pukka from what many would call a "backyard breeder." Even so, there is much here for all dog lovers, and the book launches much-needed discussion about many neglected canine topics.
Not convinced? Dr. Patricia McConnell, animal behaviorist extraordinaire, writes:
"This might be the most important book about dogs written in a decade. Pukka means 'first class' in Hindi, and first-class is a perfect description of Pukka's Promise. It's a brilliant integration of speculation, cutting-edge science, and story. Every dog lover needs to read this book."
May 23, 2013
I was torn between three and four stars for this book. On the one hand Ted Kerasote has collected an astounding amount of information on certain topics important for dog longevity, such as the health implications of over-vaccinating, health implications of spaying/neutering, issues regarding mass production of dog kibble, and many more topics. I found a lot of this relevant and interesting, and unlike some readers I did not find this overwhelming or overly scientific.
On the other hand, Ted layers on the anthropomorphizing with a heavy hand; he is forever reading "human" words and emotions and desires into his dog's actions and reactions. I am also a dog lover and I will grant him that dogs do indeed express a wide range of emotions that we share with the species... But ugh, it felt over the top to me. His habit of addressing his dog as "Sir" (Or "Senor", or "Monsieur") felt... not contrived, but cutesy. It may be Ted's way, but his chatty bond with Pukka would have been better expressed for my tastes by some descriptions of how he felt about this dog.
On the other hand, Ted layers on the anthropomorphizing with a heavy hand; he is forever reading "human" words and emotions and desires into his dog's actions and reactions. I am also a dog lover and I will grant him that dogs do indeed express a wide range of emotions that we share with the species... But ugh, it felt over the top to me. His habit of addressing his dog as "Sir" (Or "Senor", or "Monsieur") felt... not contrived, but cutesy. It may be Ted's way, but his chatty bond with Pukka would have been better expressed for my tastes by some descriptions of how he felt about this dog.
August 7, 2013
I liked this much better than Merle's Door. My main problem with Merle's Door was that it seemed like the author used the book to criticize everyone who didn't treat their dogs the way he treated Merle. I think it's awesome that he had a great dog and was able to give him such a great life, but there wasn't a lot in that book that was applicable to those of us not living with all the freedoms of his lifestyle.
In Pukka's Promise there is the same air of elitism when the author is talking about his decisions for Pukka's health, but there's more to the book than just his relationship with his dog. If you're interested in canine nutrition or holistic veterinarian care, read this book. Just don't make it the only book you read.
In Pukka's Promise there is the same air of elitism when the author is talking about his decisions for Pukka's health, but there's more to the book than just his relationship with his dog. If you're interested in canine nutrition or holistic veterinarian care, read this book. Just don't make it the only book you read.
March 13, 2013
Have you ever had a pet that was so special, that he forever changed your life?
Ted Kerasote has.
For nearly 13 years, Ted traversed the Rockies and the Wyoming wilderness with his best friend, Merle – a half-wild, lab/hound/retriever mix he first encountered in the Utah desert when Merle was only 10 months old.
Before long, a special bond formed between the two of them and Ted and Merle became inseparable – that is, until, 13 years later, when a cruel medical diagnosis shattered Ted’s world. Faced with the knowledge that the dog of his heart was dying – and heartbroken as he watched the magical world that he and Merle shared crumble to dust – Ted found himself asking the same question that countless dog lovers before him have asked:
Why must our dogs die so young?
In the months that followed, Ted grieved, and the depth of his loss was enormous. As part of his healing process, he wrote Merle’s biography, touching countless people in the process. As he replaced, “word by word, the grief of losing him with the joy of reassembling the tender details of who he had been”, a national best-seller, Merle’s Door - Lessons From A Freethinking Dog, was birthed.
Eventually, Ted found himself ready to open his heart to a new dog but – after spending so many years with Merle – he did not want just any dog. He wanted a dog that possessed many of the qualities that made Merle so special – and he wanted to ensure that he took every step possible to ensure that, from a genetic, environmental, and lifestyle standpoint, his new dog would lead the longest and healthiest life possible.
And so, Pukka’s Promise – The Quest For Longer Lived Dogs, was born.
In Pukka’s Promise, Ted masterfully weaves together three tales – the story of his last days with Merle – his search for and life with his new puppy, Pukka – and his research into all aspects of canine longevity – into one moving and fascinating book.
Pukka’s Promise is rich in details about what dogs think, how dogs act, and how dogs feel, based on his personal observations and interactions. It is also filled with Ted’s extensive research on everything you need to know to give your dog the best chance of leading a long and healthy life.
During the course of his research, Ted leaves no stones unturned.
He spends hours in the wild, trekking wildlife and exploring the evolutionary connections between various species and the longevity of dogs.
He travels across and outside of the country visiting rendering plants to see first hand how pet food is made.
He pours through medical journals and interviews everyone from veterinarians to animal researchers to breeders to animal welfare leaders to bring us the latest news on such hotly debated topics as nutrition, environmental pollutants, spaying and neutering, and breeding.
He also explores specialized topics such as how the amount of freedom a dog enjoys contributes to its health, well-being and longevity.
Pukka’s Promise is a compelling animal story and eye-opening expose that belongs on every dog and animal lover’s bookshelf.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Ted Kerasote has.
For nearly 13 years, Ted traversed the Rockies and the Wyoming wilderness with his best friend, Merle – a half-wild, lab/hound/retriever mix he first encountered in the Utah desert when Merle was only 10 months old.
Before long, a special bond formed between the two of them and Ted and Merle became inseparable – that is, until, 13 years later, when a cruel medical diagnosis shattered Ted’s world. Faced with the knowledge that the dog of his heart was dying – and heartbroken as he watched the magical world that he and Merle shared crumble to dust – Ted found himself asking the same question that countless dog lovers before him have asked:
Why must our dogs die so young?
In the months that followed, Ted grieved, and the depth of his loss was enormous. As part of his healing process, he wrote Merle’s biography, touching countless people in the process. As he replaced, “word by word, the grief of losing him with the joy of reassembling the tender details of who he had been”, a national best-seller, Merle’s Door - Lessons From A Freethinking Dog, was birthed.
Eventually, Ted found himself ready to open his heart to a new dog but – after spending so many years with Merle – he did not want just any dog. He wanted a dog that possessed many of the qualities that made Merle so special – and he wanted to ensure that he took every step possible to ensure that, from a genetic, environmental, and lifestyle standpoint, his new dog would lead the longest and healthiest life possible.
And so, Pukka’s Promise – The Quest For Longer Lived Dogs, was born.
In Pukka’s Promise, Ted masterfully weaves together three tales – the story of his last days with Merle – his search for and life with his new puppy, Pukka – and his research into all aspects of canine longevity – into one moving and fascinating book.
Pukka’s Promise is rich in details about what dogs think, how dogs act, and how dogs feel, based on his personal observations and interactions. It is also filled with Ted’s extensive research on everything you need to know to give your dog the best chance of leading a long and healthy life.
During the course of his research, Ted leaves no stones unturned.
He spends hours in the wild, trekking wildlife and exploring the evolutionary connections between various species and the longevity of dogs.
He travels across and outside of the country visiting rendering plants to see first hand how pet food is made.
He pours through medical journals and interviews everyone from veterinarians to animal researchers to breeders to animal welfare leaders to bring us the latest news on such hotly debated topics as nutrition, environmental pollutants, spaying and neutering, and breeding.
He also explores specialized topics such as how the amount of freedom a dog enjoys contributes to its health, well-being and longevity.
Pukka’s Promise is a compelling animal story and eye-opening expose that belongs on every dog and animal lover’s bookshelf.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
April 16, 2013
This was a hefty book with a lot of important information in it. Had it been written by anyone other than Ted Kerasote I'm not sure I could have finished the almost 400 pages of it. Thankfully, even the most dry and/or difficult piece of research is flooded by his love for his dog and all dogs, and is palpable in his writing. He covers a lot of ground here that I too am concerned about--whether to vaccinate, what is the right food to feed our friends, will a mutt be healthier than a purebred, is euthanasia fair. He doesn't have any answers, per se, but thank goodness he is asking the questions.
One thing I learned that : when a dog is out sniffing and exploring, it is similar to when we are reading--he or she is growing cognitively, learning about their environment. It's a good idea to just let them be. If you're constantly talking to them, calling to have them come, or always have them on a leash and never allowing any freedom, they feel just like we feel when someone keeps interrupting us in the middle of a good book--it's annoying, it's disruptive!
I also loved the description of the neighborhood in Philadelphia where the houses were all on completely fenced, half-acre properties. The dogs used to spend their weekdays alone until the neighbors all installed dog doors in the rear entrances to their homes as well as in the fences between their yards. The dogs could then come and go as they wished, visiting their friends next door and beyond, while thier people were at work. If only my neighbors and I could make that happen--what happy puppies we'd have!
One thing I learned that : when a dog is out sniffing and exploring, it is similar to when we are reading--he or she is growing cognitively, learning about their environment. It's a good idea to just let them be. If you're constantly talking to them, calling to have them come, or always have them on a leash and never allowing any freedom, they feel just like we feel when someone keeps interrupting us in the middle of a good book--it's annoying, it's disruptive!
I also loved the description of the neighborhood in Philadelphia where the houses were all on completely fenced, half-acre properties. The dogs used to spend their weekdays alone until the neighbors all installed dog doors in the rear entrances to their homes as well as in the fences between their yards. The dogs could then come and go as they wished, visiting their friends next door and beyond, while thier people were at work. If only my neighbors and I could make that happen--what happy puppies we'd have!
March 4, 2013
This book was very, very good on a number of levels. First, the story of the author's life with his dogs was interesting. His dogs were very different, and the comparison between them was informative for anyone who has had a number of dogs. I enjoyed the practical way in which the author taught his dogs the names of other animals when they hiked and hunted. And it was certainly wonderful for his dogs that they lived in a place where they could go out each day on their own, along with other dogs and explore their surroundings and play together--something most dogs don't get to do on the level these dogs did. It probably gave them a much richer life than many other dogs experience.
Interspersed in this personal story were sections in which various aspects of dog health, behavior, how & what to feed, shelters, breeding, spaying and neutering, ways to pick a healthy dog when looking for a dog companion, and much more, are seriously discussed. These sections were fairly neutral, which I liked. The author presents many opinions, lots of them opposing each other, in these discussions, but always with an explanation of why. And in many of the discussions what is concluded is that much is still unknown or unstudied, and until more research is done, there is no one correct point of view at this time.
After reading this book, I came away feeling that I got an overall & well-rounded view of the various subjects, not just one point of view. And if more information is desired, the book is heavily notated at the end.
Interspersed in this personal story were sections in which various aspects of dog health, behavior, how & what to feed, shelters, breeding, spaying and neutering, ways to pick a healthy dog when looking for a dog companion, and much more, are seriously discussed. These sections were fairly neutral, which I liked. The author presents many opinions, lots of them opposing each other, in these discussions, but always with an explanation of why. And in many of the discussions what is concluded is that much is still unknown or unstudied, and until more research is done, there is no one correct point of view at this time.
After reading this book, I came away feeling that I got an overall & well-rounded view of the various subjects, not just one point of view. And if more information is desired, the book is heavily notated at the end.
December 31, 2015
4.5 Stars
Having read “Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog” I began reading “Pukka’s Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs” figuring it would be more or less an extension of “Merle’s Door.” It is that, but where “Merle’s Door” was heavier on the science behind everything, “Pukka’s Promise” tends to be more about what he learned from Merle, his personal approach to choosing to add a new dog to his life after the loss of Merle and justifications for his personal decisions - based on his location, his neighbors, his dog and so on. Both contain an incredible amount of information, some of it is repeated in this book. Both are, at heart, autobiographical memoirs about Kerasote and his dog, first Merle, then Pukka. If you are looking for a book that is about the latest scientific research, and you don’t care to read about the love between the owner and their dog, then this is not the book for you. About half of the book is devoted to Kerasote and Pukka’s days together, and about half is devoted to presenting research.
Kerasote holds some controversial opinions. He lets his dog wander off leash, and his dog is not neutered. He presents the facts to support his argument, perhaps it comes across as not presenting a completely unbiased scientific fact with only one right answer, one solution: but this is a memoir of his life, his choices, his reasons for his choices for his dog under his present circumstances.
Having read “Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog” I began reading “Pukka’s Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs” figuring it would be more or less an extension of “Merle’s Door.” It is that, but where “Merle’s Door” was heavier on the science behind everything, “Pukka’s Promise” tends to be more about what he learned from Merle, his personal approach to choosing to add a new dog to his life after the loss of Merle and justifications for his personal decisions - based on his location, his neighbors, his dog and so on. Both contain an incredible amount of information, some of it is repeated in this book. Both are, at heart, autobiographical memoirs about Kerasote and his dog, first Merle, then Pukka. If you are looking for a book that is about the latest scientific research, and you don’t care to read about the love between the owner and their dog, then this is not the book for you. About half of the book is devoted to Kerasote and Pukka’s days together, and about half is devoted to presenting research.
Kerasote holds some controversial opinions. He lets his dog wander off leash, and his dog is not neutered. He presents the facts to support his argument, perhaps it comes across as not presenting a completely unbiased scientific fact with only one right answer, one solution: but this is a memoir of his life, his choices, his reasons for his choices for his dog under his present circumstances.
August 3, 2013
This was definitely a well-written book! Though I disagree with some of the author's conclusions his research is thorough. I like that he has taken so much time and effort to make sure he is doing the best he feels he can for his dog. He was able to interview some of the top researchers in the appropriate fields before deciding how to raise his dog.
I love how much research he did into breeds and types before he chose the parents he wanted a pup from. Even if you get a dog from a shelter you must do your research into the proper dog for your household. You are making a 10-20 year commitment to that dog.
That being said, I would hate to live in his neighborhood. Non-neutered dogs running where ever they wish, free to kill and maim anything in their path. Free to leave their droppings where ever they feel. Not everyone can live in the wild like he does but he points this out too. He admits that his choices will not suit everyone or every dog.
I hope pet owners who read this realize that the verdict is still out on a lot of this research. Some neutered dogs do develop illnesses and physical problems but so do whole dogs. It is a trade off. You must decide for your dog what will give him/her the best life possible in your situation.
Good job, Kerasote. I wish Pukka a good long life.
I love how much research he did into breeds and types before he chose the parents he wanted a pup from. Even if you get a dog from a shelter you must do your research into the proper dog for your household. You are making a 10-20 year commitment to that dog.
That being said, I would hate to live in his neighborhood. Non-neutered dogs running where ever they wish, free to kill and maim anything in their path. Free to leave their droppings where ever they feel. Not everyone can live in the wild like he does but he points this out too. He admits that his choices will not suit everyone or every dog.
I hope pet owners who read this realize that the verdict is still out on a lot of this research. Some neutered dogs do develop illnesses and physical problems but so do whole dogs. It is a trade off. You must decide for your dog what will give him/her the best life possible in your situation.
Good job, Kerasote. I wish Pukka a good long life.
March 1, 2013
Any dog lover would agree that we all want to know the secrets to how to keep our loved pets around longer and healthier. So if there was a fountain of youth for dogs I would say where it is and I am gone. Since I am not aware of such a fountain the next best thing is Mr. Kerasote and his book Pukka’s Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs.
Mr. Kerasote really did his homework. He outlines in extensive details and I mean the details have details. Mr. Kersote explains about the downfalls of bad breeding, especially crossbreeding. Which I never was a fan of cross breeding myself. I just do not like the look of many of the dogs that are a product of this.
While I appreciated all of the information that Mr. Kersote shared. After a while I could not take anymore of it as reading this book felt like reading a text book. Nothing learned new for me which was a bummer. However this book might make a good gift for a dog lover in your life or friend.
Mr. Kerasote really did his homework. He outlines in extensive details and I mean the details have details. Mr. Kersote explains about the downfalls of bad breeding, especially crossbreeding. Which I never was a fan of cross breeding myself. I just do not like the look of many of the dogs that are a product of this.
While I appreciated all of the information that Mr. Kersote shared. After a while I could not take anymore of it as reading this book felt like reading a text book. Nothing learned new for me which was a bummer. However this book might make a good gift for a dog lover in your life or friend.
February 19, 2013
I'm sorry to see this book end. As with Merle's Door, I loved Kerasote's writing from start to finish. Although I may not agree with every thing Ted wrote, I found his research useful and interesting. Some of things he wrote about are things I had in my mind anyhow, such as good diet and minimal vaccinations. I'm still trying to come to grips with not recommending spay and neuter surgery, but I can see where Kerasote was going with that.
I can't think of anybody that shouldn't read this book. It is a rare blend if science and anecdote, making it entertaining AND educational. Even if you aren't as liberal as Ted, there's information for all pet owners, breeders and vets to take note of.
Thank you Mr. Kerasote for another fabulous book!
I can't think of anybody that shouldn't read this book. It is a rare blend if science and anecdote, making it entertaining AND educational. Even if you aren't as liberal as Ted, there's information for all pet owners, breeders and vets to take note of.
Thank you Mr. Kerasote for another fabulous book!
September 10, 2020
Years ago before I wrote reviews about books that I read, I had the pleasure of reading Ted Kerasote’s book “Merle’s Door.” I loved that book. On a hike in the wilderness in Wyoming, Kerasote found and adopted Merle. In his book, he chronicled life raising a special dog, who was allowed to freely wander his small town, getting to know everyone. For thirteen years they “hiked, horsepacked and camped throughout the Rockies, running rivers in the spring, hunting elk in the fall, and skiing the Tetons from October until June.” They developed together and experienced a close bond and shared a marvelous adventurous life together. The book ends with the death of Merle, leaving a bereft Kerasote and equally saddened readers.
Five years later Kerasote decides to find another perfect dog to share his adventures with. This new book “Pukka’s Promise the Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs.” This book is learning about the healthier way to raise a dog and also to find the perfect dog. In this quest he has done a lot of research into: inbreeding, nutrition, environmental pollution, vaccination, spaying and neutering and the shelter system. A lot of this is interesting, but because it is extremely in-depth, it can get a bit tedious. However his research pays off and he finds breeders that have dogs with the right genetic history and nutrition, in order to find a “longer-lived dog.” Of course I mostly enjoyed the puppy and adventure phases. The rest I’ll store for later use.
Five years later Kerasote decides to find another perfect dog to share his adventures with. This new book “Pukka’s Promise the Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs.” This book is learning about the healthier way to raise a dog and also to find the perfect dog. In this quest he has done a lot of research into: inbreeding, nutrition, environmental pollution, vaccination, spaying and neutering and the shelter system. A lot of this is interesting, but because it is extremely in-depth, it can get a bit tedious. However his research pays off and he finds breeders that have dogs with the right genetic history and nutrition, in order to find a “longer-lived dog.” Of course I mostly enjoyed the puppy and adventure phases. The rest I’ll store for later use.
February 4, 2025
I liked Kerasote’s book, Merle’s Door, quite a bit, so I looked forward to reading about his next dog, Pukka. But instead, the reader gets what feels like an exceptionally long and surprisingly dull and highly opinionated New Yorker style article about aspects of dog health (food, recreation, spaying and neutering, canine disease, breeding) with occasional glimpses of Pukka along the way. There is also far too much of Ted Kerasote — his life, opinions, love interest — because frankly I find him a rather irritating know it all. He continues in this book to presume to know all about his dog’s and every other dog’s inner life and thoughts, an irritating aspect of Merle’s Door that is even more irritating in this book. And spoiler alert — the book ends when Pukka is 2. I’m sure he went on to more healthy and happy years but Kerasote doesn’t seem interested in telling us how his theories about dog health played out for his dog.
August 22, 2018
I'm a cat person, but the parts of this book that really touched me were the anecdotes about Ted and his dogs. Some of the technical stuff was heavy sledding, but a soldiered through, because I find it so interesting that 1950's 'revealed wisdom,' still in practice in most shelters today, turns out to be (if Ted's right) bad practice; kinda like the practical take on cigarettes and alcohol vs. marijuana. I'm going to be interested in exploring with one of my clients (our local humane society) the truth of the matter. I look forward to this exploration with my daughter Sienna, who IS a dog person. Thank you, Sienna, for recommending this book.
June 29, 2020
This is a great book about the longevity of dogs
and the authors research to help his new puppy Pukka live a long healthy life.
and the authors research to help his new puppy Pukka live a long healthy life.
August 12, 2018
I really love Ted's philosophy of dog partnership. He's chosen a way of life similar to what I've chosen for myself though I have fences & didn't give my beloved pup as complete a freedom. He, my pup, & I both benefited greatly from Ted's book of Merle, which was a hard book because he went so deeply into the dying but that's also what I loved about it. I'm almost ready for the next pup. I don't know why I missed this book when it was published but it was perfect timing for me. His discussion of our current spay/nueter policy blew my mind open. I will be talking with my local shelter director about my options (if any) there. An excellent book, full of both science & personality, that left me wanting more.
August 11, 2013
Kerasote thrilled me with his previous book about his great love for his adopted dog Merle. This time around, I was ticked enough for at least the first third of the book to think about putting it down. Why? Because Kerasote came across as a self-absorbed human so obsessed with his pain over Merle that nothing less than the perfect dog would do as a successor. Finding that successor took years, during which countless dogs died in shelters while Kerasote did his research and wound up buying from a breeder.
OK. So that's the part that really bugged me.
Now on to the good stuff. Kerasote does his homework, extensive research in depth about dogs, the differences and disabilities built into various breeds; the medical issues we should consider as we choose veterinary care for our animals; thoughts on training; discussions of diet. Kerasote's "quest," as the title explains, is to discover how we might help dogs to live longer - in order that humans don't have to suffer so frequently at their loss. Emphasis on human suffering here, notice?
Oops, there it is again, the irritation I felt at much in this book: for example, the suggestion that perhaps we shouldn't spay and neuter our pets. The long justification of why it's okay for us to eat animals. In case you don't already know, I'm an animal advocate and a vegan, so of course I would be bugged by some of this stuff. But even when I disagree with Kerasote, I have to admit and admire the fact that at least he has studied the difficult questions in depth as he searches for his own personal answers. I just wish he didn't come across as quite so selfish. I wrote Kerasote a fan letter after Merle's Door - my first and only fan letter ever - and I am little bit heartbroken.
OK. So that's the part that really bugged me.
Now on to the good stuff. Kerasote does his homework, extensive research in depth about dogs, the differences and disabilities built into various breeds; the medical issues we should consider as we choose veterinary care for our animals; thoughts on training; discussions of diet. Kerasote's "quest," as the title explains, is to discover how we might help dogs to live longer - in order that humans don't have to suffer so frequently at their loss. Emphasis on human suffering here, notice?
Oops, there it is again, the irritation I felt at much in this book: for example, the suggestion that perhaps we shouldn't spay and neuter our pets. The long justification of why it's okay for us to eat animals. In case you don't already know, I'm an animal advocate and a vegan, so of course I would be bugged by some of this stuff. But even when I disagree with Kerasote, I have to admit and admire the fact that at least he has studied the difficult questions in depth as he searches for his own personal answers. I just wish he didn't come across as quite so selfish. I wrote Kerasote a fan letter after Merle's Door - my first and only fan letter ever - and I am little bit heartbroken.
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