The Christmas Dog

When I think of Christmas, I don't usually think of pets, probably because I don't have one - it seems that my holiday highlights never include any other warm blodded creatures. But in this story, a canine is at the center. He's an unlikely and unwelcome barking guest who changes what a lonely grandmother believes Christmas should look like. With the help of interesting characters, like a crabby misunderstood neighbor, and a runaway granddaughter, Betty Kowalski, opens her eyes to the meaning of the holidays. Though cute, cuddly, and easy to read, this story has several undeveloped characters whose actions seem rather far fetched. Though I wouldn't call this a 'must-read', it's a warm tale and would easily pass a snowy afternoon.

Here's an interesting little novel to dig into during the Christmas season. Imagine yourself living alone in a house. Your kids are grown and live far away from you. And you think your neighbourhood is going down because of a specific neighbour. Many around thinks that particular neighbour is bizarre and rude and probably not good news. Everyone seems scared of him.
Then a dog shows up in your yard. Dirty, scummy, hungry and you would think the dog belongs to the neighbour. You remember that your job is to love the ones that are hard to love... So you make an effort to encourage the neighbour and go buy food and toys for the dog. You delivery the goodies and the dog at his door and leave. Problem is - this is not his dog.... To top it off, your grand-daughter shows up at your door after running away from home. Mind you, she is old enough to know what she wants being in her 20s and such.
I'm not a fan of dog but this little novel was a delight to read. In the midst of holiday frenzy and birthdays galore, I was enjoying this little novel. It is fresh and simple yet captivating at the same time. The characters interact well between each other and we learn how simple love and kindness can melt the grumpiness away.
As you go through the story, you will discover with Betty what Christmas is really about and open your heart to love the ones around you - even the dog!

One of Betty's neighbours is an abrasive young man named Jack Jones, whose property unfortunately backs onto hers, and she's beginning to think she hates him. But as a Christian she needs to love her neighbour. She can't do it on her own, so she prays-once-for help.

All that seems to get her is more annoyance. Jack's unkempt dog shows up at her door-and keeps coming back.

Between the troublesome dog and Betty's 20-something granddaughter Avery, who turns up for a surprise visit after running away from home, Betty and Jack discover there's a lot more to each other than can be seen in a cursory, critical glance.

The Christmas Dog will leave you wondering what deeper value may hide in the people in your life. And it's a good reminder to check our own hearts for critical attitudes. Most of all, it's a heart-warming story for the holidays. Don't be surprised if it inspires Christmas baking.

Betty is a lonely, older widow who does not have the heart to get into the Christmas season. To make her life even more miserable, her new neighbour is carrying on with some questionable activities and she does not know what to make of him. When a dirty, scruffy, little dog appears on her doorstep it is the start of some changes in Betty’s life. When her granddaughter suddenly shows up at the door it brings even more challenges. This is a story of relationships – between friends, family and God. I enjoyed the book – it was an easy-read, a nice way to spend the afternoon.