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.

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9781400338801

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'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 * 'Combining great and surprising science with deep empathy for animals, Cowpuppy is a must read.' * Tim Flannery, professor, department of science, University of Melbourne * '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 * '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 * '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 * 'Cowpuppy is enjoyably human, intelligent, unexpected, humorous, entertaining, and heartwarming.' * Good Reading Magazine *

'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 * 'Combining great and surprising science with deep empathy for animals, Cowpuppy is a must read.' * Tim Flannery, professor, department of science, University of Melbourne * '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 Dr. Brian Hare, author of New York Times bestseller The Genius of Dogs * '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 * '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 *

'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 * 'Bucolic and gentle, but with a hint of humor and lots of wide-eyed fascination...For an animal lover, too, Cowpuppy is a real treat.' * Bookworm Sez * 'Combining great and surprising science with deep empathy for animals, Cowpuppy is a must read.' * Tim Flannery, professor, department of science, University of Melbourne * 'Having already applied his scientific knowledge to the study of dogs' brains, it wasn't much of a stretch to do the same with cows. In time [Berns] would come to discover cows recognize their names, show affection and like belly rubs. And by matching their energy in order not to spook them, he learned to appreciate a slower pace of life.' * The Atlanta Journal-Constitution * '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 * '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 * '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 * 'Cowpuppy is enjoyably human, intelligent, unexpected, humorous, entertaining, and heartwarming.' * Good Reading Magazine *

Author Information

Gregory Berns, M.D., Ph.D. is the Distinguished Professor of Neuroeconomics in the Psychology Department at Emory University, where he directs the Center for Neuropolicy and Facility for Education and Research in Neuroscience. He pioneered the use of brain imaging technologies to understand human motivation and decision-making. Now, he uses MRI techniques to study the brains and minds of both humans and a wide range of other animals. Dr. Berns is the author of What It’s Like to Be a Dog, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, How Dogs Love Us, Iconoclast, Satisfaction, and The Self Delusion. Dr. Berns and his wife live on a farm outside of Atlanta with several dogs, chickens, and some very special cows.

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