Gregory Berns is a leading neuroscientist who has extensively studied dogs and how they think. But when he and his wife buy a small farm in rural Georgia and populate it with a handful of cows, they can’t imagine how their lives will be transformed. As he gets to know his cows, Berns’affection for them grows, along with his curiosity. He applies his scientific eye to the cognitive and emotional lives of his cows, who turn out to have impressive memories and to be capable of forming lasting bonds with people. 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 by a New York Times bestselling author blends fascinating scientific explanations of animal behaviour with a candid, moving, and sometimes hilarious account of the lives of cows.
‘Combining great and surprising science with deep empathy for animals, Cowpuppy is a must read.’
‘I am a farmer but Cowpuppy made me feel like a neuroscientist too. It is heartfelt, absorbing and vivid.’
‘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.’
‘Hilarious, humble and heartwarming…the best true story you will read this year. Cowpuppy will change the way you think about cows forever. Get ready to fall in love.’
‘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.’
‘Cowpuppy is enjoyably human, intelligent, unexpected, humorous, entertaining, and heartwarming.’
‘Engaging and accessible.’