A Dog Named Christmas


Posted on Feb 20, 2009
By Tanya Turgeon

 

by Greg Kincaid

Doubleday, 2008
148 pages
$14.95

Though the holiday season has come and gone, the lingering wintry weather provides a great excuse to curl up in a comfy chair with a mug of hot cocoa and this feel-good story. Within a few pages you will find yourself right back in the warm familial atmosphere of late December.

The plot focuses on a developmentally challenged young man who wishes to participate in an animal shelter's holiday adoption program by taking in a dog for Christmas week. Todd still lives with his family on their farm and the ensuing parental debate over the pros and cons of dog adoption will ring a bell for anyone whose childhood memories include asking for a dog.

As we experience the days leading up to Christmas the McCray characters gain depth, none more so than the father, who acts as narrator and roadblock to granting Todd his wish. It becomes obvious that George's hesitations are a much more personal issue than having to do with Todd. "Another dog was likely to bring back a flood of dark feelings, of losses and pain and lives cut short."
 
While George's complicated emotions certainly give dogs credit for the impact they have on our lives to the extent of defining eras and memories of times past, they simply can't compete with the basic human-canine attraction that drives Todd. Todd's determination changes the life of a big, black lab retriever mix and sets off an avalanche of good intentions encompassing the McCrays' neighbors, a whole slew of shelter dogs, and of course in the end, George.

A Dog Named Christmas is a nice reminder that whatever pain accompanies the loss of a beloved pet should never hinder loving again; especially when there are so many dogs stuck in shelters who have so much love to give. This debut novel by lawyer Greg Kincaid is a heartfelt read during any season, but for those really on the ball, add this to your list of Holiday Gifts to Give in 2009.

Available on Amazon.com.
 

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