Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, February 2013
From the best-selling author who writes "the most utterly compelling translation of dog to human I have ever seen" (Jeffrey Masson), a groundbreaking guide to giving our dogs the happiest, healthiest lives
When Ted Kerasote was ready for a new dog after losing his beloved Merle -- who died, as all our dogs do, too soon -- he knew that he would want to give his puppy the longest life possible. But how to do that?
Combining cutting-edge research with an adventurous narrative that echoes The Omnivore's Dilemma for the dog lover, Kerasote offers answers that will surprise you. He provides vital new information on whether a purebred can be as healthy as a mixed-breed, whether you should say no to yearly vaccines and spaying or neutering, and how to pick the best food from the crowded shelves. Traveling the dog world in Europe and throughout North America and interviewing breeders, veterinarians, and leaders of the animal-welfare movement, Kerasote helps 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 many dog friends in their small Wyoming village. Funny, revelatory, full of the delights of falling in love with a dog, Pukka's Promise will help redefine the potential of our animal partners.
Hardcover | ISBN: 9780547236261 | Publication Date: February 2013
Reviews:
"A moving account of one man's journey to understand man's
best friend inside and out . . . Kerasote's latest is
heartbreaking, funny, and informative."
-- Publishers Weekly
"This might be the most important book about dogs written in a
decade. Kerasote tells us early on that 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, and will keep you up at night
wanting to read more. Every dog lover needs to read this book."
-- Patricia B. McConnell, author of The Other End of
the Leash
"Here’s a dog lover who actually teaches his dog using modern
training entirely: communication, observation, and now and then a
clicker—not just to build a bond and a working relationship but
also to create a running conversation between man and animal. This
book also investigates kibble (Is it really good for dogs?) and
vaccinations (Why so many? Why so often?) and other commercial
pressures on our best friends’ wellbeing. What a good read."
-- Karen Pryor, author of Reaching the Animal Mind
"Pukka’s Promise is without question the most
intelligent, most comprehensive book ever written about extending
the lifetimes of dogs. Not only that, but it’s riveting. After
years of flawless research plus a life of valuable experience,
Kerasote has produced a masterpiece that everyone should read.
From pet owners to professionals such as breeders,
shelter-workers, and veterinarians, those who think they already
know about dogs are in for a real surprise."
-- Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Hidden
Lives of Dogs
"Ted Kerasote gently and intelligently questions our fixed
notions about living with dogs. Anyone who reads Pukka’s
Promise can't help but become a better dog person. I'd like
it to be compulsory reading for all practicing vets and veterinary
students."
-- Bruce Fogle, DVM, author of The Dog’s Mind
"Ted Kerasote, a born storyteller, writes about dogs with
singular brilliance. Pukka's Promise is great fun but is
also packed with important, surprising information; with wisdom,
compassion, and love."
-- Dean Koontz, author of A Big Little Life: A Memoir
of a Joyful Dog
"Ted Kerasote mixes science with love to take on the question
every dog lover asks: Can I keep my dog alive longer? Pukka's
Promise stirs our hopes for the future and gives us hard
information for now."
-- Jon Katz, author of A Good Dog
