Humans and cows have a history together, from depictions in ancient cave paintings to using cattle in agriculture as beef, dairy, and work animals. But Gregory Berns isn’t your typical cattle farmer.
A few years ago, Berns and his wife, who knew nothing about agriculture, decided to buy a property in rural Georgia and raise a herd of cattle. Berns has a background in psychology, neuroscience and education and, along the way, discovered new perspectives on the relationship between humans and cows.
Humans and cows have brains that are similar enough to indicate that ‘cows possess the neural architecture to experience emotions, probably very similar to humans’. It seems we have a lot in common. We tend to value our personal space and enjoy social rewards. We form cliques, communicate with body language, and have our favourite food. And we love to learn.
Cowpuppy combines the scientifically grounded and intriguing with the cute, warm and fuzzy. Berns observes his herd over time, exploring hierarchy and social dynamics.
The early chapters set up farm property, grass, and equipment pragmatics. It soon expands into the emotions of the growing herd: cows’ personal space, motivations, stress and anxiety, sudden and slow movements, sideward glances, belly rubs, and protective mama cows. Bern concludes with the profoundly therapeutic role of cows, that is, if you slow down to the cow’s slower pace. The adorable herd have let the author into their unique and emotional world, along with the local community and, in turn, us readers.
Cowpuppy is enjoyably human, intelligent, unexpected, humorous, entertaining, and heartwarming.
Reviewed by Mark Parry
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHORGregory 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.
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