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A Dog Named Christmas #1
A Dog Named Christmas
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.
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.
148 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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4209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 825 reviews
December 26, 2021
Todd ist 20 Jahre alt und wohnt zusammen mit seinen Eltern auf einer Farm in Kansas. Als er erfährt, dass das örtliche Tierheim über die Weihnachtsfeiertage Hunde vermittelt, ist er sofort begeistert. Er überredet seine Eltern, über Weihnachten einen Hund bei sich aufzunehmen, und so kommt der Labrador "Christmas" auf die Farm. Ganz besonders für den Vater George ist das Zusammensein mit dem Hund letztendlich sehr heilsam...
* Meine Meinung *
Eine wunderschöne, gefühlvolle Weihnachtsgeschichte, die nicht nur für Tierfreunde und Hundeliebhaber geeignet ist.
Alle, die zur Weihnachtszeit einmal ein ruhiges, besinnliches Buch lesen möchten, werden bestimmt ihre Freude an diesem Roman haben!
Die Handlung ist einfach, aber überhaupt nicht langweilig. Ein roter Faden führt durch die Geschichte, die nachdenklich stimmt und einfach zauberhaft ist.
Insgesamt einfach eine schöne und zu Herzen gehende Weihnachtsgeschichte für Jung und Alt!
* Meine Meinung *
Eine wunderschöne, gefühlvolle Weihnachtsgeschichte, die nicht nur für Tierfreunde und Hundeliebhaber geeignet ist.
Alle, die zur Weihnachtszeit einmal ein ruhiges, besinnliches Buch lesen möchten, werden bestimmt ihre Freude an diesem Roman haben!
Die Handlung ist einfach, aber überhaupt nicht langweilig. Ein roter Faden führt durch die Geschichte, die nachdenklich stimmt und einfach zauberhaft ist.
Insgesamt einfach eine schöne und zu Herzen gehende Weihnachtsgeschichte für Jung und Alt!
January 25, 2025
This is a story that starts with a young boy named Todd who wanted to foster a dog. And then how that dog from the animal shelter, whose name is now Christmas changes the McCray family and the townspeople.
Shall we break out the Kleenex here, please!
And I mean that in the best possible way!
Because who doesn’t love a sweet tale about a little boy who learns how to foster a dog?
And…Let us not stop there.
Because…What about a whole tsunami of love for all the dogs in the shelter to find homes at Christmas-time, too?
But the biggest lesson of all, comes for Dad, George.
Sometimes a story about love and dogs and even one named Christmas can come at any time of the year.
It is even a Hallmark Movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbkWV...
Shall we break out the Kleenex here, please!
And I mean that in the best possible way!
Because who doesn’t love a sweet tale about a little boy who learns how to foster a dog?
And…Let us not stop there.
Because…What about a whole tsunami of love for all the dogs in the shelter to find homes at Christmas-time, too?
But the biggest lesson of all, comes for Dad, George.
Sometimes a story about love and dogs and even one named Christmas can come at any time of the year.
It is even a Hallmark Movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbkWV...
December 22, 2014
A Dog Named Christmas is a heartwarming short story easily read in one afternoon. Perfect for that Christmas holiday read.
This is not only a doggie feel good story it lightly touchs on subjects like PTSD, which George seemed to suffer from after his service during the Vietnam war, also Todd's disability and how his family cope with this and their worry about his place in society.
A feel good story suitable for all ages.
This is not only a doggie feel good story it lightly touchs on subjects like PTSD, which George seemed to suffer from after his service during the Vietnam war, also Todd's disability and how his family cope with this and their worry about his place in society.
A feel good story suitable for all ages.
December 11, 2023
2023 Reread
Just as much fun and enjoyable as the first time I read it.
This story was so sweet! I love dogs, but I'm not one of those "save the animals" people, however, while this story did involve helping the dogs in the local animal shelter, it was so much more than that. Basing this story on his own family experience, Greg Kincaid weaves a wonderful story full of laughter, tender moments, and a dog named, Christmas. I'm planning on reading this book again this year.
Just as much fun and enjoyable as the first time I read it.
This story was so sweet! I love dogs, but I'm not one of those "save the animals" people, however, while this story did involve helping the dogs in the local animal shelter, it was so much more than that. Basing this story on his own family experience, Greg Kincaid weaves a wonderful story full of laughter, tender moments, and a dog named, Christmas. I'm planning on reading this book again this year.
May 29, 2023
This was so bittersweet. I have a dog of 11 years so I always love a good book or movie that there is a dog in it. This one touched me so deeply and the ending, I teared up. Absolutely beautiful!
December 21, 2021
A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid shattered my heart again. Christmas with Tucker was the sequel, and A Dog Named Christmas is the first book. I'm absolutely a sucker for a Christmas book with a dog on the cover. Greg Kincaid certainly knows how to grab his readers attention and DOES NOT let you go! A Dog Named Christmas WILL NOT disappoint you, this story will take you on a crazy emotional roller coaster ride, but it is also a feel good heartwarming Christmas story.
In A Dog Named Christmas you will meet Todd McCray, George McCray's and Mary Ann McCray's son. George is now married to Mary Ann, his best friend from middle school. Todd is a developmentally challenged teenager and lives on his parents Kansas farm. Mary Ann and George want nothing but the best for Todd, but with his disability some things can be very tough. When Todd hears that their local animal shelter is having a program called Adopt A Dog for Christmas, Todd knows exactly what he wants for Christmas. George is very hesitant when Todd asks to help the animals because George lost his two dogs a while back.
George objects to letting Todd adopt a dog for Christmas, but soon Todd proves to his parents that he is responsible and quickly wins out with his persistence. The McCray family soon becomes the short term foster family for a dog they name Christmas. The animals are supposed to go to a home for Christmas and come back December 26th right after Christmas. George wants Todd to learn to keep his promise, so, Todd knows the dog is just short term. Todd is worried about the other dogs who won't have a home for Christmas.
Todd is determined to use his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the Adopt A Dog for Christmas Program. When a local news reporter hears about Todd's determination to help out the other animals, the reporter decides to interview Todd and cover his story on the news. After reading A Dog Named Christmas and meeting Todd, he will hold a special place in my heart, while reading this story I often found myself cheering Todd on from the very beginning.
In A Dog Named Christmas you will meet Todd McCray, George McCray's and Mary Ann McCray's son. George is now married to Mary Ann, his best friend from middle school. Todd is a developmentally challenged teenager and lives on his parents Kansas farm. Mary Ann and George want nothing but the best for Todd, but with his disability some things can be very tough. When Todd hears that their local animal shelter is having a program called Adopt A Dog for Christmas, Todd knows exactly what he wants for Christmas. George is very hesitant when Todd asks to help the animals because George lost his two dogs a while back.
George objects to letting Todd adopt a dog for Christmas, but soon Todd proves to his parents that he is responsible and quickly wins out with his persistence. The McCray family soon becomes the short term foster family for a dog they name Christmas. The animals are supposed to go to a home for Christmas and come back December 26th right after Christmas. George wants Todd to learn to keep his promise, so, Todd knows the dog is just short term. Todd is worried about the other dogs who won't have a home for Christmas.
Todd is determined to use his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the Adopt A Dog for Christmas Program. When a local news reporter hears about Todd's determination to help out the other animals, the reporter decides to interview Todd and cover his story on the news. After reading A Dog Named Christmas and meeting Todd, he will hold a special place in my heart, while reading this story I often found myself cheering Todd on from the very beginning.
December 22, 2009
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 (even if it's a dog) not just at Christmastime, but all year long. It is also a heartwarming story of the bond between a father and son and how they both grow and change through their shared experience of fostering a dog over the Christmas holiday.
Although there are several secondary characters who appear in the story, this book is really about the McCray family, the dad, George, the mother, Mary Ann, and Todd, their developmentally challenged adult son who still lives with them. I really like that the McCray family is a loving and close-knit one who get along well and don't have any major family conflicts. Mary Ann is a feisty but fair woman who is the rock that keeps both George and Todd grounded. Todd is a sweet and endearing young man who reminds me a lot of Forrest Gump. He may be slow on the uptake about some things, but he also has a very perceptive nature and is high-functioning, making him able to do a lot of things that “normal” people can do. He also has an amazing talent with handling and caring for animals. It is Todd's plea to his parents that initially sets things in motion for them to offer a temporary foster home to Christmas, the dog, and it is also Todd's determination to see every dog have a place to spend the holidays which empties out the shelter in time for Christmas.
Although he doesn't really seek to be the “star” of the story, in my opinion, the main character (besides Christmas of course) is really George McCray. A Dog Named Christmas is told in first-person from his perspective, and even though he plays a pivotal role in the adoption of all the dogs and is proud of the accomplishment, he tries to keep the spotlight on Todd. What ends up happening though, is that George has a transformative experience himself. After two “bad” (read heartbreaking) dog experiences as a young man, both of which occurred during his time in the Vietnam war, George is reluctant to ever have a dog in his life again. He has always used the excuse that he's a farmer who has plenty of animals to care for and doesn't need another. Todd can be very persuasive though, and eventually talks George into the temporary adoption. The two of them go to the shelter together to pick out Christmas, and bring him home to discover that he's the best dog ever. Throughout this whole process, George is seeking to teach his son a valuable life lesson about the importance of keeping his word. When all is said and done, Todd has surprised his father with a maturity that George didn't think he possessed, and George is the one who has learned a lesson about dealing with the past and moving forward to the future.
I really enjoyed the way that the author painted Christmas as an independent dog who picked the McCray family every bit as much as they picked him. I strongly believe that animals can be quite perceptive and have always thought that our pets “chose” us too. When adopting them, I always looked for that special connection, and was blessed to find it, so I can really relate to the relationship between Christmas and the McCray's. There were several fun, light-hearted moments in the book that had me smiling, and overall, I found A Dog Named Christmas to be a pleasant, uplifting and heartwarming read, that has found a spot on my keeper shelf to be enjoyed again during future holidays seasons. A Dog Named Christmas is a very gentle story with no objectionable content which would make it a great book to share with the entire family as a holiday reading tradition. I highly recommend this book to all animal lovers or anyone looking for a short, relaxing read during this busy time of year, and it would make a wonderful holiday gift too. A Dog Named Christmas was also made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that aired on television a few weeks ago. I recorded the program and am really looking forward to watching it.
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 (even if it's a dog) not just at Christmastime, but all year long. It is also a heartwarming story of the bond between a father and son and how they both grow and change through their shared experience of fostering a dog over the Christmas holiday.
Although there are several secondary characters who appear in the story, this book is really about the McCray family, the dad, George, the mother, Mary Ann, and Todd, their developmentally challenged adult son who still lives with them. I really like that the McCray family is a loving and close-knit one who get along well and don't have any major family conflicts. Mary Ann is a feisty but fair woman who is the rock that keeps both George and Todd grounded. Todd is a sweet and endearing young man who reminds me a lot of Forrest Gump. He may be slow on the uptake about some things, but he also has a very perceptive nature and is high-functioning, making him able to do a lot of things that “normal” people can do. He also has an amazing talent with handling and caring for animals. It is Todd's plea to his parents that initially sets things in motion for them to offer a temporary foster home to Christmas, the dog, and it is also Todd's determination to see every dog have a place to spend the holidays which empties out the shelter in time for Christmas.
Although he doesn't really seek to be the “star” of the story, in my opinion, the main character (besides Christmas of course) is really George McCray. A Dog Named Christmas is told in first-person from his perspective, and even though he plays a pivotal role in the adoption of all the dogs and is proud of the accomplishment, he tries to keep the spotlight on Todd. What ends up happening though, is that George has a transformative experience himself. After two “bad” (read heartbreaking) dog experiences as a young man, both of which occurred during his time in the Vietnam war, George is reluctant to ever have a dog in his life again. He has always used the excuse that he's a farmer who has plenty of animals to care for and doesn't need another. Todd can be very persuasive though, and eventually talks George into the temporary adoption. The two of them go to the shelter together to pick out Christmas, and bring him home to discover that he's the best dog ever. Throughout this whole process, George is seeking to teach his son a valuable life lesson about the importance of keeping his word. When all is said and done, Todd has surprised his father with a maturity that George didn't think he possessed, and George is the one who has learned a lesson about dealing with the past and moving forward to the future.
I really enjoyed the way that the author painted Christmas as an independent dog who picked the McCray family every bit as much as they picked him. I strongly believe that animals can be quite perceptive and have always thought that our pets “chose” us too. When adopting them, I always looked for that special connection, and was blessed to find it, so I can really relate to the relationship between Christmas and the McCray's. There were several fun, light-hearted moments in the book that had me smiling, and overall, I found A Dog Named Christmas to be a pleasant, uplifting and heartwarming read, that has found a spot on my keeper shelf to be enjoyed again during future holidays seasons. A Dog Named Christmas is a very gentle story with no objectionable content which would make it a great book to share with the entire family as a holiday reading tradition. I highly recommend this book to all animal lovers or anyone looking for a short, relaxing read during this busy time of year, and it would make a wonderful holiday gift too. A Dog Named Christmas was also made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that aired on television a few weeks ago. I recorded the program and am really looking forward to watching it.
November 27, 2024
Cute quick read. I always love holiday stories that have dogs in them. 🐕 ♥️ 🎄
November 8, 2023
This was the first installment from Greg Kincaid’s series “A Dog Named Christmas”. I had previously read the prequel about a young George McCray and this one seems to be about 40yrs later with George and his youngest son, Todd. The book summary lays out the premise for the primary storyline. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that the prologue is a third person narration from the perspective of a stray dog, named Jake. Jake realizes that he actually likes roaming on his own until he realizes that something is following/tracking him – a big cat! Lucky for Jake, he soon meets Todd, George’s youngest son. Jake decides it’s time to hang out with the humans for awhile if for no other reason, but to have a safe place to sleep at night.
Todd loves animals and will always do whatever he can to help stray, orphaned, injured or sick animals, often to the dismay of his parents. While his parents, older and overwhelmed with raising a developmentally challenged Todd while managing their farm, allow him to help these animals, they are not willing to take on the responsibility of having another animal they have to take care of – until Todd brings home Jake. Initially, I found this to be a really strange turn of events since in the prequel, George was very much a dog person. So, to find that, regardless of his PTSD, George not only didn’t want another dog, but he also refused to allow any of his children to have a dog, until Jake.
Most of the story revolves around the local shelters “Adopt a Dog for the Holidays” program where people can foster a dog over the Christmas holiday. George and Todd and the rest of the family encourage many of their friends, relatives and neighbors to participate in the program. The program is very successful with more than half of the fosters failing when the foster families adopt their foster dogs. Well into the second half, there is a very scary and intense scene with a cougar that was an example of just how fierce and loyal a great dog is.
Initially, this didn’t start off that well for me. I found George a bit of a %^head, especially about dogs. Grieving the loss of a beloved fur baby is incredibly sad and gut-wrenching, but that is life with a dog; we are destined to outlive them. However, there are so many great dogs out there that need a loving home with someone who will care for them and truly love them for the amazing creatures they are. FOSTER & ADOPT!!!
Todd loves animals and will always do whatever he can to help stray, orphaned, injured or sick animals, often to the dismay of his parents. While his parents, older and overwhelmed with raising a developmentally challenged Todd while managing their farm, allow him to help these animals, they are not willing to take on the responsibility of having another animal they have to take care of – until Todd brings home Jake. Initially, I found this to be a really strange turn of events since in the prequel, George was very much a dog person. So, to find that, regardless of his PTSD, George not only didn’t want another dog, but he also refused to allow any of his children to have a dog, until Jake.
Most of the story revolves around the local shelters “Adopt a Dog for the Holidays” program where people can foster a dog over the Christmas holiday. George and Todd and the rest of the family encourage many of their friends, relatives and neighbors to participate in the program. The program is very successful with more than half of the fosters failing when the foster families adopt their foster dogs. Well into the second half, there is a very scary and intense scene with a cougar that was an example of just how fierce and loyal a great dog is.
Initially, this didn’t start off that well for me. I found George a bit of a %^head, especially about dogs. Grieving the loss of a beloved fur baby is incredibly sad and gut-wrenching, but that is life with a dog; we are destined to outlive them. However, there are so many great dogs out there that need a loving home with someone who will care for them and truly love them for the amazing creatures they are. FOSTER & ADOPT!!!
December 10, 2018
A humorous tale with lots of heart!
I'm quite the dog person, so if you've got a story of Christmas spirit that includes a dog as a main part of the tale—sign me up. (Bonus points if the pet survives through every single page, because...just don't do that to me. I'll cry harder than I would over a character death. Slight exaggeration.) And Christmas was a lab! So that was sweet. <3
From Todd, to his parents, to Hannah and all the neighbors, to Christmas and the dogs at the shelter—this book is full of entertaining and endearing characters.
If you've saw and enjoyed the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie based on this book, you definitely should give it a read. The movie is amazing, but the book provides a bit more depth to the characters and their backstories.
Four tennis balls out of five!
I'm quite the dog person, so if you've got a story of Christmas spirit that includes a dog as a main part of the tale—sign me up. (Bonus points if the pet survives through every single page, because...just don't do that to me. I'll cry harder than I would over a character death. Slight exaggeration.) And Christmas was a lab! So that was sweet. <3
From Todd, to his parents, to Hannah and all the neighbors, to Christmas and the dogs at the shelter—this book is full of entertaining and endearing characters.
If you've saw and enjoyed the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie based on this book, you definitely should give it a read. The movie is amazing, but the book provides a bit more depth to the characters and their backstories.
Four tennis balls out of five!
October 16, 2020
So is it weird that I'm reading Christmas type books when Halloween hasn't happened yet? No, okay - let's go with it.
A Dog Named Christmas was a really quick read. Now even though it had some cute moments and all the holiday sparkle.. it really dove into some tough topics. For example, PTSD. In it, George suffers from this very thing due to being in the Vietnam War.
Having previous family members, who have passed long ago, who went through this just made the book that more interesting to me. I, for one, have never gone through this situation and I have no idea if I ever will but for people who have it - it's sort of a mystery. Especially when it comes to triggers or really anything.
Other than that, the characters were easy to like and the story overall was easy to devour. Definitely getting into the holiday spirit and I look forward to winter coming. Like please, right now, 2020 needs to go.
A Dog Named Christmas was a really quick read. Now even though it had some cute moments and all the holiday sparkle.. it really dove into some tough topics. For example, PTSD. In it, George suffers from this very thing due to being in the Vietnam War.
Having previous family members, who have passed long ago, who went through this just made the book that more interesting to me. I, for one, have never gone through this situation and I have no idea if I ever will but for people who have it - it's sort of a mystery. Especially when it comes to triggers or really anything.
Other than that, the characters were easy to like and the story overall was easy to devour. Definitely getting into the holiday spirit and I look forward to winter coming. Like please, right now, 2020 needs to go.
December 31, 2013
5 Wonderful Stars!! The perfect Christmas read/listen!!
It doesn't get much better than this as far a Christmas reads go. The story was so touching, it was like the most delicious cup of hot chocolate, it warmed me to my soul and left me feeling good!
The dad in the story, George, wants to teach his son, Todd, a life lesson, but he's the one who comes away gaining the most from the experience. It will break your heart when you find out why he's been so resistant in getting a dog. Everyone should have the honor of having someone like Todd in their lives. His simple thinking, and I mean that in the nicest way, was full of big ideas! I loved him.
Mark Bramhall did an amazing job with the narration! If you have the opportunity to listen to this book...do it...it will really add to the overall experience that this book offers!
December 12, 2014
George, father of Todd who has a mild intellectual disability, gives his son the gift of minding a rescued dog from the local animal shelter for the holidays. As George points out, while Todd may not have the usual traits associated with normally developed people, he has his own unique qualities. One of these is his affinity with animals. A black Labrador cross, given the name Christmas by Todd, comes into the McCray household and melts everyone's hearts, including that of George, who is carrying scars, both physical and mental, from his war service in Vietnam. Meantime Todd launches a campaign to get every dog residing in the shelter into a family home for the holidays, which again demonstrates his special qualities.
This is a charming, mildly amusing, light read. It has some gentle, good vibes about it. The story sends some good messages about family relationships, honesty, trust and caring. It is pleasant holiday reading, which will not tax the reader's brain much at all.
This is a charming, mildly amusing, light read. It has some gentle, good vibes about it. The story sends some good messages about family relationships, honesty, trust and caring. It is pleasant holiday reading, which will not tax the reader's brain much at all.
December 31, 2021
Širdį sušildanti knyga ❤️
🖋️ Ir žmogui, ir žvėriui didžiausia laimė - būti, kas esi, ir daryti, kas tau skirta daryti.
🖋️ Visi nudžiunga, kai ateina tas, kuriam jie skirti.
🖋️ Iš žmogaus elgesio su šunimi, galima spręsti apie jo sielą.
🖋️ Svarbu turėti kelias rinktines vietas pasėdėti ir pamąstyti, nuošalias vietas, susijusias su gražiais prisiminimais.
🖋️ Ir žmogui, ir žvėriui didžiausia laimė - būti, kas esi, ir daryti, kas tau skirta daryti.
🖋️ Visi nudžiunga, kai ateina tas, kuriam jie skirti.
🖋️ Iš žmogaus elgesio su šunimi, galima spręsti apie jo sielą.
🖋️ Svarbu turėti kelias rinktines vietas pasėdėti ir pamąstyti, nuošalias vietas, susijusias su gražiais prisiminimais.
October 14, 2020
What a wonderful and beautiful story this was. I really liked it.
February 12, 2017
A cute little story about a family that adopts a dog during Christmas.
After I started reading it, I realized I had already seen the movie.
After I started reading it, I realized I had already seen the movie.
November 10, 2009
I wish I could give this book 10 Stars! I highly recommend this book to get you into the wintery Christmas spirit. Even though it is only 148 pages, it is full of love, happiness, and lots of laughter. There were several places in the book where I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Read and find out about George McCray (vietnam veteran), his wife Mary Ann (High School Teacher), and their special son Todd whom they had 10 years later after raising 4 other children - Todd may be retarded but he has other special talents with animals that make up for his slowness.
Lets just say that the Dog Named Christmas changes their lives.
All I can say is that I will be reading this book over again ever year around Christmas.
Read and find out about George McCray (vietnam veteran), his wife Mary Ann (High School Teacher), and their special son Todd whom they had 10 years later after raising 4 other children - Todd may be retarded but he has other special talents with animals that make up for his slowness.
Lets just say that the Dog Named Christmas changes their lives.
All I can say is that I will be reading this book over again ever year around Christmas.
November 17, 2020
This is the story about a family that reaches out to friends and neighbors to find homes for all of the local shelter dogs over the Christmas holiday. It's definitely a feel-good story and I love the way the story's narrator fell in love with the dog named Christmas. The length is perfect and I felt happy when the story was finished.
Audiobook Notes: I chose to listen to the audiobook because my favorite narrator reads the story: Mark Bramhall. I loved that I could listen while I ran errands all day long. I see that Mr. Bramhall narrates the other dog books by Greg Kincaid, so I'll be listening to those as well during this holiday season.
Title: A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid
Narrator: Mark Bramhall
Length: 3 hours, 27 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Audiobook Notes: I chose to listen to the audiobook because my favorite narrator reads the story: Mark Bramhall. I loved that I could listen while I ran errands all day long. I see that Mr. Bramhall narrates the other dog books by Greg Kincaid, so I'll be listening to those as well during this holiday season.
Title: A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid
Narrator: Mark Bramhall
Length: 3 hours, 27 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
December 28, 2015
I've had this audiobook on my iPod for over two years - decided to start listening to it while taking a walk, and when we got back home I just sat down and listened until I finished it. Very heartwarming, with a family facing some very realistic and challenging problems - trust Todd to figure out how to do some healing!
January 2, 2024
If you are a dog lover, you will enjoy this heartwarming story about a family (including a special needs adult son) who decided to foster a dog for Christmas.
Favorite quote: “Our house was a museum of Christmas treasures, past and present.” (Just like my house, every December!)
Favorite quote: “Our house was a museum of Christmas treasures, past and present.” (Just like my house, every December!)
July 8, 2024
A real heart-warmer of a story. I read this in an evening with the rain bouncing off the caravan roof. Highly recommended ❤️
November 7, 2023
Listened to audio (short, 3 hours). What a delight. Quick and beautiful and heart warming story.
December 8, 2012
Such a sweet story! I've been lacking the desire to read these days and thought that maybe a Christmas themed book would put me in the mood. This book did the trick. Here's some reasons why I loved it.
1. I'm a big dog lover, so any story that centers around finding homes for lonely, unwanted dogs is going to easily win me over.
2. I have a huge soft spot for special needs people. I used to work directly with them and it was nice see one in a book for a change, especially when their inabilities aren't the main focus of their character, but rather the unique personality they have instead.
3. The story is told from the Dad's point of view and while you think you're reading a story about his "special" son, in the end it's really more about his needs than his sons. It's humbling.
Overall this story has that touching, Christmas sweetness to it that could put any person in a better mood if they read it. I cried happy tears while reading.
1. I'm a big dog lover, so any story that centers around finding homes for lonely, unwanted dogs is going to easily win me over.
2. I have a huge soft spot for special needs people. I used to work directly with them and it was nice see one in a book for a change, especially when their inabilities aren't the main focus of their character, but rather the unique personality they have instead.
3. The story is told from the Dad's point of view and while you think you're reading a story about his "special" son, in the end it's really more about his needs than his sons. It's humbling.
Overall this story has that touching, Christmas sweetness to it that could put any person in a better mood if they read it. I cried happy tears while reading.
January 12, 2022
Started off a reasonably cute book, and then got better. Not real fancy prose, but overall good story telling. Nice aspect toward rescuing dogs without being preachy. Got good when they pulled out a few Christmas miracles. The book says it is 'now a Hallmark Hall of Fame Television Event', and it definitely has that nice feeling to it.
I am going to give it a 5 stars. Until it got to the nice twist, I might have rated it a little lower. I don't want people to think it is the best book with a dog it, but it made me feel all friendly and nice so wanted to give it a good rating to match the feeling.
I am going to give it a 5 stars. Until it got to the nice twist, I might have rated it a little lower. I don't want people to think it is the best book with a dog it, but it made me feel all friendly and nice so wanted to give it a good rating to match the feeling.
December 7, 2012
A Dog Named Christmas By Greg Kincaid Jake, a dog that roamed ended up at an animal shelter. He was temporairly adopted for Christmas. He was a hero in his adopted household and knew where he wanted to be; not at the shelter. He escaped and found his way back to the farm. He was needed because he filled the needs of all the household; the husband who missed having a dog, the wife seeing her family united by a pet and the son that was mentally challenged that felt that now he had a purpose . His new name became Christmas.
December 17, 2021
This could not catch my interest. I gave up on it when it seemed the exposition would never end. Disappointing, because what could be better than short holiday fiction about a dog?
Audiobook, borrowed through Audible Plus catalog.
Audiobook, borrowed through Audible Plus catalog.
July 5, 2025
What a sweet story! All the characters are loveable, especially the dog, Christmas, who is the best dog. It’s an easy read that is heartwarming and uplifting. Worth the read!
May 5, 2019
Un libro entretenido, emotivo como sólo puede serlo una historia protagonizada por un perro.
En un pequeño pueblo de Kansas la perrera municipal organiza para Navidades la acogida de los perros por familias durante las fiestas. Y gracias a este evento, la familia formada por el veterano de guerra George, su mujer y su hijo Todd, un joven con necesidades especiales, acoge temporalmente a un labrador al que llaman Christmas (Navidad).
Me ha gustado, se lee rápido y es tierno y dulce, como toda historia de Navidades y perros.
En un pequeño pueblo de Kansas la perrera municipal organiza para Navidades la acogida de los perros por familias durante las fiestas. Y gracias a este evento, la familia formada por el veterano de guerra George, su mujer y su hijo Todd, un joven con necesidades especiales, acoge temporalmente a un labrador al que llaman Christmas (Navidad).
Me ha gustado, se lee rápido y es tierno y dulce, como toda historia de Navidades y perros.
November 28, 2019
I read this in about 2 hours, what a feel good dog-Christmas book. Even if it's fictional, you know dogs are pretty amazing and can sense the needs of humans, a very sweet story.
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