Cowpuppy: An unexpected friendship and a scientist's journey into the secret world of cows

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.

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 is the author of What It’s Like to Be a Dog, How Dogs Love Us, Iconoclast, Satisfaction, and The Self Delusion. He and his wife live on a farm outside of Atlanta with several dogs, chickens, and some very special cows.

'Combining great and surprising science with deep empathy for animals, Cowpuppy is a must read.’ Tim Flannery, bestselling author of The Future Eaters and The Weather Makers

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

‘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.’ Temple Grandin, author of Visual Thinking and Animals in Translation