Cowpuppy: An unexpected friendship and a scientist’s journey into the secret world of cows
Gregory Berns
Gregory Berns is a leading neuroscientist who has extensively studied dogs and how they think. But when he and his wife bought a small farm in rural Georgia and populated it with a handful of cows they couldn’t imagine how their lives would be transformed. As he gets to know his herd, Berns’ affection for them grows, along with his curiosity.
He applies his scientific eye to the cognitive and emotional lives of his cows. His cows turn out to have impressive memories, to be capable of forming lasting bonds with people, and to be highly attuned to our feelings.
Gregory Berns is a natural storyteller. He falls in love with his cows, and they fall in love with him. In particular, he forms a special bond with BB, his cowpuppy.
This hugely readable memoir blends fascinating scientific explanations of animal behaviour with a candid, moving, and sometimes hilarious account of the lives of cows.
andCowpuppy
‘I am a farmer but Cowpuppy made me feel like a neuroscientist too. It is heartfelt, absorbing and vivid.’
‘Combining great and surprising science with deep empathy for animals, Cowpuppy is a must read.’
‘A neuroscientist buys a farm and raises cows. He discovers that individual cows have different personalities and a complex social life. You will love his description of how cows react to their reflections in a mirror.’
‘An exciting journey to the center of a dog’s emotional mind.’
‘A beautiful story about dogs, love and neurology that shows how nonhuman relationships are inspiring researchers to look at animals in new ways, for their benefit and ours.’
