In this heartwarming novel, author Greg Kincaid tells the tender story of how one very special dog changed the lives of his adoptive family&#... read full description
reviews
Mar 15, 2010
Julie (Mom2lnb)
rated it: 
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Sometimes it's nice to just kick back with an easy, uncomplicated story that doesn't have any major emotional turmoil, serious conflicts or evil villains to vanquish. In fact, the main purpose of A Dog Named Christmas seems to be that of providing the reader with a feel-good story that is sure to put one in the holiday spirit. A Dog Named Christmas is a simple, straightforward tale of looking for joy in the little things in life and about being of service to others More...
Sometimes it's nice to just kick back with an easy, uncomplicated story that doesn't have any major emotional turmoil, serious conflicts or evil villains to vanquish. In fact, the main purpose of A Dog Named Christmas seems to be that of providing the reader with a feel-good story that is sure to put one in the holiday spirit. A Dog Named Christmas is a simple, straightforward tale of looking for joy in the little things in life and about being of service to others More...
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Feb 01, 2012
Cathy
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Very heartwarming story about a shelter that is running an "Adopt a Dog for Christmas" program. The dogs can be returned after Christmas but, of course, the shelter is hoping the families who foster the dogs will decide to keep them.
Todd is a farmer's son. He is developmentally disabled but that doesn't stop him from helping around the farm. In fact, he has a special way with animals. When Todd hears about the foster program he hopes to persuade his father to be one of the fos More...
Todd is a farmer's son. He is developmentally disabled but that doesn't stop him from helping around the farm. In fact, he has a special way with animals. When Todd hears about the foster program he hopes to persuade his father to be one of the fos More...
Nov 08, 2011
Julie
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With the holiday season virtually upon us, it’s time to pickup a heart-warming story, sit by the fire, and enjoy an evening.
In Greg Kincaid’s sleeper hit of 2008, A Dog Named Christmas takes readers to Cherokee County, Kansas. The snow is beginning to fall on the McCray farm. George has lived there most of his life, and he has raised his family there. Four of his five children have left home and have families of their own. All except Todd.
Todd’s was a late-in-life baby. More...
In Greg Kincaid’s sleeper hit of 2008, A Dog Named Christmas takes readers to Cherokee County, Kansas. The snow is beginning to fall on the McCray farm. George has lived there most of his life, and he has raised his family there. Four of his five children have left home and have families of their own. All except Todd.
Todd’s was a late-in-life baby. More...
Jan 10, 2011
Matt
rated it: 
This may be the worst book I've ever read. I expected a sentimental, uplifting, feel-good story about how a dog changed a family's life. I expected it to be sappy and simple, so none of that is the problem. The problem was that it was boring. Very little happened. A father got a dog he didn't want to keep, and he decided to keep it. Seriously, that's all that happened in this story. That and they convinced some other people to get dogs and help out the local animal shelter during the holidays.
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Dec 08, 2010
Corky
rated it:
As most "holiday" reads are, this was short and to the point. Todd is a developmentally delayed young adult who, at 20, still lives with his parents. He is an avid radio listener and hears something that touches his heart in the deepest way. The local animal shelter is trying to empty the shelter for the week of Christmas to give the dogs a chance at some happiness. Todd's dad is reluctant to agree as he has suffered the loss of 2 dogs he was very close to as a boy and young man. Needl
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Dec 02, 2008
Diane
rated it:
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 p More...
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 p More...
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Jan 19, 2012
Faithann
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Can you imagine growing-up on a farm, and not having a dog. Well, that's exactly what Todd is doing. His dad George suffered through the loss of two dogs, and this has left him afraid to open his heart to another dog. All this however is about to change. It's Christmastime, and Todd is listening to his radio, he hears a comercial that will change his life forever. The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is running a program, Adopt a dog for Christmas. George gives in to his sons pleas, with one
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Dec 16, 2008
Brian
rated it: 
"Do you want to see one more?" Hayley asked.
She led us into an area at the very back of the shelter where a few empty cages sat. The only occupied cage held a large black lab retriever mix. Another "big black dog problem," it appeared.
Hayley offered her comments. "He's an older dog. You can tell by the gray around his muzzle. He's quiet, not a barker. We don't allow the dogs to be adopted for the first three days. This gives the owner a chance to More...
She led us into an area at the very back of the shelter where a few empty cages sat. The only occupied cage held a large black lab retriever mix. Another "big black dog problem," it appeared.
Hayley offered her comments. "He's an older dog. You can tell by the gray around his muzzle. He's quiet, not a barker. We don't allow the dogs to be adopted for the first three days. This gives the owner a chance to More...
Dec 23, 2010
Gayle
rated it:
Borrowed from Commerce Public Library (Book on CD version).
I loved this story. It is a simple little Christmas story of man's best friend. It's a quick read (or listen, of you get the audiobook) and an uplifting tale for the Christmas season. I don't think black labs have green eyes, however.
I had to edit this. I did a little research and it is rare, but possible, for a black lab to have green eyes.
So no problem there!
(But he doesn't have green eyes on the cover.)
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I loved this story. It is a simple little Christmas story of man's best friend. It's a quick read (or listen, of you get the audiobook) and an uplifting tale for the Christmas season. I don't think black labs have green eyes, however.
I had to edit this. I did a little research and it is rare, but possible, for a black lab to have green eyes.
So no problem there!
(But he doesn't have green eyes on the cover.)
More...
Jan 16, 2012
Donna
rated it:
A Dog Named Christmas is the sequel to Christmas With Tucker.
As you remember George McCray loved Tucker and eventually got to keep the dog. George went off to Vietnam and left Tucker behind, and the dog eventually died. George also had befriended a stray dog in Vietnam, which the platoon named Good Charlie. Charlie met his death when he stepped on a land mine.
Now, George is married with children. Most of the children have grown and left to have families and lives of t More...
As you remember George McCray loved Tucker and eventually got to keep the dog. George went off to Vietnam and left Tucker behind, and the dog eventually died. George also had befriended a stray dog in Vietnam, which the platoon named Good Charlie. Charlie met his death when he stepped on a land mine.
Now, George is married with children. Most of the children have grown and left to have families and lives of t More...
Dec 14, 2010
Amy
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 18, 2011
Laura
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I know its an overused adjective but I'd say this book is heartwarming. As a long time dog lover I know how much they can comfort, heal, and teach us dumb humans. I think Greg Kincaid did a good job painting the picture of a man who desperately needed to be comforted, healed, and taught something by a dog. Another thing I liked about this story was the role of Todd. The authors portrayal of this handicapped character was well done.
Mark Bramhall was the narrator of the book and he More...
Mark Bramhall was the narrator of the book and he More...
Mar 29, 2009
Stephanie
rated it:
What a fantastic book!! I picked it up on a whim at the library and I'm so glad I did. It was a quick read, finished in less than 24 hours. I was so sucked into the story I often found myself laughing, and even crying along with the characters. This was such a good book and so well written, that I continually was asking myself, "are you sure this isn't a real story", but in fact it is fiction. A cute story and a wonderful read for any pet lover.
Jan 01, 2011
Samantha
rated it:
*A Novel*
One special dog changed the lives of his adoptive family- an an entire town- for ever.
Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man knows exactly what he wants for the holidays.
His father objects but Todd's persistance quickly wins out. His small act of kindness grows into something that touches not only his father's heart but the heart of the community.
Very heart-warming, cheerful, endearing story! I could relate to the small town feel very well More...
One special dog changed the lives of his adoptive family- an an entire town- for ever.
Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man knows exactly what he wants for the holidays.
His father objects but Todd's persistance quickly wins out. His small act of kindness grows into something that touches not only his father's heart but the heart of the community.
Very heart-warming, cheerful, endearing story! I could relate to the small town feel very well More...
Dec 25, 2011
Stacie
rated it:
LOVED this story - Mark Bramhall MADE it this good. I saw a snippet of the movie after I read the book and listening to this one is the way to go - I would not have liked this story nearly as much. A mentally challenged adult son of a farmer and his wife, Todd McCray is an avid radio listener and when he hears that the local shelter has an 'Adopt a Dog for Christmas' campaign, return the dog Dec. 26, no strings attached, and Todd wants to call right now. His father's numerous dog-loss-caused bro
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May 20, 2009
Andrea
rated it:
A Dog Named Christmas is one of those books that you know before you even start reading it, that by the time you reach the final page you'll be sniffling.
At least this book makes the tears happy ones. Unlike Marley and Me that has you sobbing at the end, because that was a memoir of a dog. This is a novel about how one dog changed the lives of a family that took him in for a shelter project at Christmas.
The characters are all very real and lovable though you'll be hard pr More...
At least this book makes the tears happy ones. Unlike Marley and Me that has you sobbing at the end, because that was a memoir of a dog. This is a novel about how one dog changed the lives of a family that took him in for a shelter project at Christmas.
The characters are all very real and lovable though you'll be hard pr More...
Nov 26, 2008
Amy
rated it:
A nice, feel-good story. The premise of the book was very good and there were some parts that struck me as heart-warming or thought provoking, such as the Buddhist thinking the dog who had died protecting the soldiers was a former soldier reincarnated. The writing style tended to be more toward juvenile literature. With that in mind, I could probably read aloud/share with my 10 year old son.
Dec 31, 2008
Katie
rated it:
I could really relate to this author and later found out that he resides on a farm in eastern Kansas! It's no wonder then since that is also where I call home! In addition, I have to confirm that there are cougars in Kansas. It's funny that this "legend" plays a central role in the novel because we also have seen cougars and have had people tell us that it is impossible in Kansas. Christmas will tell you otherwise though! ;-)
Dec 21, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
This was a good one and I highly recommend it for anyone who needs an easy read and a heart warming story. Greg Kincaid, the author, writes a kind and tender story about a young man named Todd, along with his parents, who adopt a dog for the Christmas holiday. See how this dog, along with a community wide adopt a dog program teaches everyone about good will towards man and animals.
Feb 11, 2009
Rhonda
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Nov 28, 2009
Laura
rated it:
Todd, a mentally challenged adult who lives with his parents, wants to help the local animal shelter by adopting a dog for the holidays, but first he must convince his father that it's a good idea. Todd is a character that you can't help but love, especially when you hear him on the audiotape! If I were a dog lover myself, I probably would have given this book five stars.
Dec 08, 2008
Angie
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This is such a sweet and inspiring story! It's not really about Christmas, it just takes place at Christmas time...it's really about a young man and his family who think they are helping a dog by taking him in for the holiday. In reality, the dog helps them in ways they do not expect. It's a feel good story!
Dec 09, 2010
Jaclynn
rated it:
An easy read, but not "juvenile", and although the dog seems to the star of the story, he really isn't. This book deals with so much more than that, mainly a young man with developmental disabilities and his father, who has had a rough experience with losing dogs and is afraid to love another. A sweet but thought provoking read.
Aug 11, 2009
Heidi
rated it:
This was a great book on cd! I think the narrator added a little more character to the story than simply reading this would have done. This book made me think of sitting around a warm fire listening to a grandfather retell a story of his past- the narrator's voice coupled with the story itself was fantastic. You don't necessarily have to be a dog lover to like this book. Great holiday read!
Oct 13, 2010
Naomi
rated it:
Predictable, sometimes unsettling in the level of sentimentality, but if, like me, you love the genre of making room at the inn and discovering the blessings in doing so, then add this sweet to your list. If you're prone to the weepies, then you'll want a box of hankies nearby.
Dec 10, 2008
Jackie
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A fun Christmas story for dog lovers. There is nothing like a good dog to warm your heart and remind you about the important things. A really good book to read aloud to your family for the holidays. It will make you want to run down to the shelter and foster a dog.
Dec 19, 2011
JennLynn
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An intellectually challenged young man helps rally his entire community around the local shelter's "Adopt a Dog for Christmas" program. In the process he helps his father cope with unresolved issues from the past and realize he is the one who needs a dog most. B-
Jan 27, 2009
R
rated it:
A nice, feel good Christmas story. I like that the author is from Olathe Kansas. My favorite quote was "Adults have to learn that things can be good without being forever." I look back on my life and see many things that I can apply that truism to.
Jul 20, 2009
Laurie
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Okay, so I needed a short book to travel with and I received this as a Christmas gift and figured it would be a quick read. Simple story with a good message behind it; nothing too complex or profound. Nevertheless, adding it to my list of books completed...
Dec 14, 2009
Kathryn
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I wanted to read this before I saw the TV movie. We recorded the movie and I read the book in a couple of days. The father in the story I just had trouble liking which is why I gave it four stars instead of 5. How anyone could take the approach he did on Christmas the dog is beyond me. It has a terrific ending and the "goorey" parts are hardly anything....a great Christmas read.
