All About Animals discussion

Discuss this book here...

Website for author...
http://www.kerasote.com/ted-kerasote.php

One of the reasons I joined this group was because, when I first visited the group had read three of the books that have been sitting on my shelf for a long time, unread and thought joining would motivate me to actually read them. While I will be going back to read the other three books that I own, I'm excited for this read because for the first time since I joined a book I already own was chosen for the group read. It has been sitting on my shelf, or actually moving around on my shelves, for over a year now.
I have so many books that can't be shelved due to lack of space that I am really looking forward to reading this one and making some shelf space, as well as discussing it after I have done so.

Jennifer, I'm right there with ya. I have this book on my shelf also. And, like you, I've had it on there for a few years now.

I loved this book although I admit that overall I do not believe dogs should roam free, it's just to dangerous. I did love how the book showed how social dogs are and how left to their own devices they form friendships and relationships independent of their 'owners'.

SometimesIwonder wrote: "Does the author write about the dog's death at the end? I find that kind of thing painful to read."

I'm only about 1/4 of the way through it.

SometimesIwonder wrote: "Does the author write about the dog's death at the end? I find that kind of thing painful to read."

Death is a part of life...and when we have pets, we accept that their lives will just be a flash compared to our own. It's hard to read about, but such an integral part of loving an animal.

SometimesIwonder wrote: "Cayr wrote: "SometimesIwonder wrote: "Does the author write about the dog's death at the end? I find that kind of thing painful to read."

Death is a part of life...and when we have pets, we accept..."

I don't know if anyone wants to do a spoiler.

what do you all think of the way Kerasote just let Merle wander around without supervision? I found that frustrating, because it's something I would never do with my dogs.

Cayr wrote: "what do you all think of the way Kerasote just let Merle wander around without supervision? I found that frustrating, because it's something I would never do with my dogs."

I haven't read the whole book yet. But...I guess if I had alot of land I would consider letting the dog roam if they knew the boundries.

Merle didn't have any boundaries. he went wherever, and even ended up down on the highway if I remember correctly

Cayr wrote: "Merle didn't have any boundaries. he went wherever, and even ended up down on the highway if I remember correctly"

I haven't read much yet. But, will have to come back after reading. I will let you know.

I think people should keep them safe though.

I'm almost done, and I agree with the other two who said it had been on their shelf for awhile. I need the motivation to get to some of these books. I found that a lot of the genetic research stuff, particularly at the beginning, was dull. I did find the research about the prey interesting. I'm enjoying Merle's story, but I could never let my dog just roam free - I'd be a nervous wreck. And Ted had to go to extremes to get people to stop feeding Merle, to the point where Merle was obese. I could not be comfortable letting others have that much control over my dog - in this day and age, what would stop someone from dognapping the animal and selling it for fights? Not to mention the wildlife.

I just finished the book and I found that I enjoyed the book more and more as the story went on. The last part was poignant and heart wrenching, but I loved it.

Cayr wrote: "Merle didn't have any boundaries. he went wherever, and even ended up down on the highway if I remember correctly"

I read this a couple of years ago and thought it was wonderful that Merle was able to have such a free life. This would not be possible for most pets.
I enjoyed this book so much as it had new viewpoints.