Cowpuppy: An Unexpected Friendship and a Scientist's Journey into the Secret World of Cows

by Gregory Berns Narrated by Derek Dysart

Overview

From the author of the bestselling How Dogs Love Us, a fascinating glimpse into the cognitive and emotional lives of cows.

When Emory University neuroscientist Gregory Berns and his wife decided to venture into sustainable farming in rural Georgia, they knew that cows were a key part of a successful operation. But that was where his knowledge of cattle ended.

As Berns and his small herd of three miniature zebus acclimated to each other and Berns received a crash course in being a cattleman, he turned his powers of scientific observation and innovation on his new charges. This wasn't the first time he'd studied animals through the lens of neuroscience; years earlier, Berns had applied his knowledge to man's best friend, resulting in two books and important advances in how we understand dogs' thoughts and emotions. Now it was time to see what he-and all of us-could discover about the interior worlds of cows.

In this moving and captivating memoir, Berns weaves together his hands-on experiences with his growing herd, accessible scientific explanations of animal behavior, and evocative portraits of the animals at the center of his study: the original bull, Ricky Bobby; the two mamas, Lucy and Ethel; and their sweet and spirited calves: BB, Cricket, Princess Xena, Luna, Walker, and Texas Ranger.

Whether cows are a familiar part of your experience or you're a city dweller longing for life in the country, Cowpuppy offers a deeper understanding of these complex creatures and what we humans can learn from them.

Adorable cow photos and illustrations can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Editorial Reviews

author of Visual Thinking and Animals in Translati Temple Grandin

'A neuroscientist buys a farm, raises cows, and 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.'

Tim Flannery

'Combining great and surprising science with deep empathy for animals, Cowpuppy is a must read.'

bestselling author of The Secret Life of Cows Rosamund Young

'I am a farmer, but Cowpuppy made me feel like a neuroscientist too. It is heartfelt, absorbing, and vivid.'

regenerative rancher and author of Dirt to Soil Gabe Brown

'In Cowpuppy, Gregory Berns shares with us his story of becoming the proud owner of a herd of cattle and the journey into their minds. He provides us a fascinating look into how and why cows and other animals act and react the way they do. I have owned cows for over forty years, but I did not realize how their brains function. Thanks, Gregory, for a very enjoyable read for all.'

author of New York Times bestseller The Genius of Dr. Brian Hare Dr. Brian Hare

'Hilarious, humble, and heartwarming— get ready for the best true story you will read this year. Follow the adventures of a neuroscientist as he leaves the city behind and finds himself fascinated with the minds, emotions, and souls of a herd that quickly becomes his family. Cowpuppy will change the way you think about cows forever. Get ready to fall in love.'

From the Publisher

Hilarious, humble, and heartwarming— get ready for the best true story you will read this year. Follow the adventures of a neuroscientist as he leaves the city behind and finds himself fascinated with the minds, emotions, and souls of a herd that quickly becomes his family. Cowpuppy will change the way you think about cows forever. Get ready to fall in love.”
— Dr. Brian Hare, author of New York Times bestseller The Genius of Dogs

“In Cowpuppy, Gregory Berns shares with us his story of becoming the proud owner of a herd of cattle and the journey into their minds. He provides us a fascinating look into how and why cows and other animals act and react the way they do. I have owned cows for over forty years, but I did not realize how their brains function. Thanks, Gregory, for a very enjoyable read for all.”
— Gabe Brown, regenerative rancher and author of Dirt to Soil

“I am a farmer, but Cowpuppy made me feel like a neuroscientist too. It is heartfelt, absorbing, and vivid.”
— Rosamund Young, bestselling author of The Secret Life of Cows

“Combining great and surprising science with deep empathy for animals, Cowpuppy is a must read.”
— Tim Flannery, professor, department of science, University of Melbourne

“A neuroscientist buys a farm, raises cows, and 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.”
— Temple Grandin, author of Visual Thinking and Animals in Translation

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160279411
Publisher:	Harper Horizon
Publication date:	08/20/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged