In this heartwarming novel, author Greg Kincaid tells the tender story of how one very special dog changed the lives of his adoptive family—and an entire town—forever.
“Todd, they always want you to adopt a dog. That’s what they do. Besides, we don’t need another animal around here, and most definitely not a dog.”
When Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man still living on his parents’ Kansas farm, hears that a local animal shelter is seeking temporary homes for its dogs during the days leading to Christmas, he knows exactly what he wants for the holidays. His father objects, but Todd’s persistence quickly wins out. Soon the McCrays are the short-term foster family for a lovable pooch the young man names Christmas.
But what about all the other dogs who will be forced to spend the Yuletide season in cages? In the days that follow, Todd uses his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.” What follows from his small act of kindness will teach his family, and his community, about peace on earth and good will toward men—and animals.
A Dog Named Christmas (McCray Family)
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Slight in volume and big in heart, this sentimental tale ... is the perfect Xmas gift for dog lovers ... If you loved Louis De Bernieres' Red Dog, you'll love this." Your Choice Magazine "Here's a book to curl up with in front of the fire!" Dogs Today
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
GREG KINCAID, when not writing, is a practicing lawyer, specializing in divorce and family law mediation. He lives on a farm in eastern Kansas with his wife, three horses, two dogs, and two cats.
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More About the Author
Greg Kincaid was born in Providence, Rhode Island on March 30, 1957. He has lived in rural Kansas most of his life. He is married and has five children. His first book, Death Walk at Acoma, was a young adult novel publihsed in 1992 by Sunstone. In 2008, his second novel, A Dog Named Christmas (Random House), made it to the the New York Times Extended Best Seller's list. In 2009, it was released as a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that was enthusiastically received by over twelve million viewers. His third novel, Christmas with Tucker, the prequel to A Dog Named Christmas, is scheduled for release by Crown Books in November of 2010. Greg is an attorney and an advocate for both animal shelters and literacy.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
50 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Just in time for the holidays is a touching story of a young man, his doubting father and a stray dog.
Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man, hears about a special program the local animal shelter is running for the holidays. In an effort to clear the shelter for the holidays when there is not enough staff available to care for the animals, the town shelter is asking the public to "bring a dog home just for the holidays." The idea is that families will choose a dog to visit them for a couple of weeks at Christmastime and then return the dog after the holidays are over.
Todd immediately wants his family to participate, but his dad, who in the past has dealt with the death of two very special dogs, wants no part of the program. Given the title of the book and that it is a holiday release, it is fairly obvious from the beginning that the McCrays are going to participate. To what extent they become involved and how their involvement changes their lives is really what the book is about.
I initially had some trouble with the basic idea behind the book. I worried about how the dogs that were taken back to the shelters after Christmas would feel. Would they think they had done something wrong? Would it be harder on them to have been in a family and returned than not have had a family at all? Finally I quelled those feelings and just sat back and read the book. I'm glad I did.
In this relatively short book (the actual story is only 143 pages long), author Greg Kincaid has written a story so warm, so tender that it will have readers both laughing and crying at the same time.
Armchair Interviews says: A Dog Named Christmas will give readers a shot of pure Christmas joy.
Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man, hears about a special program the local animal shelter is running for the holidays. In an effort to clear the shelter for the holidays when there is not enough staff available to care for the animals, the town shelter is asking the public to "bring a dog home just for the holidays." The idea is that families will choose a dog to visit them for a couple of weeks at Christmastime and then return the dog after the holidays are over.
Todd immediately wants his family to participate, but his dad, who in the past has dealt with the death of two very special dogs, wants no part of the program. Given the title of the book and that it is a holiday release, it is fairly obvious from the beginning that the McCrays are going to participate. To what extent they become involved and how their involvement changes their lives is really what the book is about.
I initially had some trouble with the basic idea behind the book. I worried about how the dogs that were taken back to the shelters after Christmas would feel. Would they think they had done something wrong? Would it be harder on them to have been in a family and returned than not have had a family at all? Finally I quelled those feelings and just sat back and read the book. I'm glad I did.
In this relatively short book (the actual story is only 143 pages long), author Greg Kincaid has written a story so warm, so tender that it will have readers both laughing and crying at the same time.
Armchair Interviews says: A Dog Named Christmas will give readers a shot of pure Christmas joy.
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By G. Fritz
Format:Hardcover
A Dog Named Christmas is the perfect holiday read. The story is about a unique young man who shows his family and others the meaning of Christmas through his devotion to a dog adopted from a shelter. Anyone who has worked on behalf of homeless pets will cheer this important message. I recommend this book to any dog lover. Even better, adopt a homeless dog and read the book together.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By J. Melton
Format:Hardcover
Greg Kincaid has captured the essence of pet adoption in this short, timely book for the holidays. When they turn a pet into an adoption agency, people give many reasons why a pet "didn't work out," and many of the reasons translate to, "It just wasn't convenient." Adopting a pet is a commitment, not a convenience. Greg's story shows us the healing power of love between family members -- pets included. I'm going to give copies of the book to everyone for Christmas, and to the assisted living facility where my mom is, so that they can read it aloud at Story Time. They will love it!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Story
Loved this book. Another great read for any animal lover. It is another story of Todd, a developmentally challenged young man. Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. Severson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Slow moving dog
Spent a long time getting to the dog. Reading aloud to sight impaired seniors this book was chosen expecting a dog story,
Published 1 month ago by FloridaBanana
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Dog Named Christmas
I have already read this book twice. I did a review for our book club which the girls enjoyed hearing about.
Published 1 month ago by Glenys Bobbermien
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
Thought this book one of he best dog stories I have read in a long time.
Will recommend it to all I know that love dogs. I do.
Will recommend it to all I know that love dogs. I do.
Published 2 months ago by tess
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cute holiday time read...
Around Christmas time, I like to stop reading my mystery books and pick up some good spirited short novels. This was definitely a great one! Read more
Published 2 months ago by JD
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
The book demonstrates the need for independence and also shows the need of individuals and pets for personal interaction and loyalty.
Published 3 months ago by jhs1948
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real Christmas treasure
This was a Christmas present for one of our children. The story is heartwarming - you will need a few tissues. The book was in excellent condition and arrived early.
Published 3 months ago by Sniffles71
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Dog Named Christmas
They say for those born with or those who lose a limb or sense, God makes up for it in other ways.
Todd is the youngest of the McCrays children and was born less in some ways,... Read more
Todd is the youngest of the McCrays children and was born less in some ways,... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mystccwby
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Dog Named Christmas
I saw the movie on the Hallmark channel and really enjoyed it. When I saw it was based on a book, I wanted to read the book as well. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Cylb
5.0 out of 5 stars
great feel good story
this is a great story about the love of animals, family and towns where people really care about each other
Published 3 months ago by Sandy Hunt
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