Customer Reviews

A Dog Named Christmas

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

This is really a cute story about a family and a Christmas dog. The book is a page-turner and is suitable for anyone. It's easy to read and is a charming little story. It's not gut wrenching, but it's heart warming and a breath of fresh air.
I don't want to give away the story, but the magic between animals and the people they sometimes pick is magical.

It's a wonderful and heartwarming story of a farmer who was once a Vietnam vet and had his heart broken by the death of two previous dogs he'd owned, a gentle wife and sweet son who know him better than he does himself, and the perfect dog. There isn't an earthshaking message in this story, but if you love dogs as much as I do--especially since the dog on the cover looks very much like a somebody I love dearly--you will laugh and smile at Greg Kinkaid's wonderful, conscience arousing story. Like people, dogs need love and value too. The idea of getting an entire community to empty out a run-down shelter for the holidays and perhaps permanently placing these animals in homes is a wonderful concept.

Told with heart and humor, this is a wonderful little novel that doesn't take long to finish and stays with you long after you close the cover. Buy this book for your family, a friend, or anybody who cares about the plight of animals and the magical effect they can have on people who need emotional closure. I bet Hallmark makes a movie version of it and, if they don't, someone should. Destined to become a classic.

A Dog Named Christmas, by Greg Kincaid is a uplifting book just in time for the holidays.

Todd McCray is a developmentally challenged young man who learns that the local animal shelter needs some temporary homes, over the holidays for its dogs since the shelter will be terribly short staffed. He begs his parents to allow him to select a dog to care for over the holidays. Todd's dad is reluctant, as he had lost two special dogs years ago and does not want the family to experience the pain he experienced.

Well although it comes as no surprise, Todd does get to select a dog, which he names Christmas. Despite the lack of a surprise element in this sweet little book (fewer than 200 pages), the book is more about the message: how small acts of kindness can make such a difference to both humans and the animals as well.

A Recommended read for the holidays or it might make a sweet gift for an animal lover.

A beautiful story filled with love and surrounded by touching relationships. A great read for all, young and old alike, and the perfect gift, whether for Christmas or any occasion. A perfect example of being able to give, and receive, unconditional love from your fellow human beings and wow, even a dog. Find out why we all need a "thinking stool". This is a story that will evoke pleasant memories for years to come and each time the story is told or read again.

This is a wonderful story that may bring a tear or two but even better, spark the idea of pet adoption. When an entire town decides to pitch in and empty a shelter at Christmas, the dogs are rewarded with a warm home, the people are rewarded with something that animal lovers know well....that unforgettable experience of having a pet love you. This book brings that out for all of us. Read it, gift it, bring out each Christmas. This should become a holiday classic.

I loved this book for its wonderful warm characters. The story revolves around a dog that is adopted for the Christmas holidays. It is a touching tale of how he effects the lives of the family especially the father and mentally challenged son. I really enjoyed the sweetness of the characters and the loving way they related to each other. This is good reading for the whole family, and a great stocking stuffer.

It seems like I got on a "dog" kick with books lately, so I am not surprised that I ordered this book; however, I am thrilled with the results. This book touched my heart, making me think more about what I can do to help homeless animals and animal shelters place rescued animals. I enjoyed reading this book so much and thought it had such a heartwarming rescue tale that I ordered this book for my book club girls for their Christmas gift. I anticipate that 22 girls will have the same impression and call to action that I had when I read this book: how can I make a difference?