Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Revell (2009), 176 pages
Description
Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. There's church, of course. But who can she bake for these days? And who would care whether or not she pulled out the Christmas decorations? Her new neighbor just adds to the problem. He's doing home improvements that don't appear to be improving much of anything. These days when Betty looks out the window, she sees a beat-up truck, a pile of junk, lots of blue tarps, and--horror of horrors--an old pink toilet. But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn a very important lesson about what Christmas is all about. This contemporary Christmas story is a timely yet gentle reminder that God can work miracles through something as seemingly insignificant as a little brown dog.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member ReviewsbyMolly
Carlson's main character, Betty, isn't sure she has mcuh patience left this christmas. With a mysterious neighbor, and an even more mysterious dog, she feels she's not into Christmas this year. But, wiht a boost from God(and a little dog!), she tries to make the best of it.
love Carlson's
Grab a copy of this great book and fall in love with this adorable little dog that can teach a lesson!
Five stars, two thumbs and praises to a gifted author!
**This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group**
love Carlson's
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characters, as well as the message she puts in the lines of this charming holiday read! Loving your neighbor as your self, having faith and the spirit of Christmas are just a few of the lessons learned in this great book! Grab a copy of this great book and fall in love with this adorable little dog that can teach a lesson!
Five stars, two thumbs and praises to a gifted author!
**This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group**
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LibraryThing member sgcallaway1994
Summary: Betty is finding it difficult to get excited about Christmas this season. Her children have grown up and moved away. She will be alone for the holidays. The neighborhood she lives in is changing, not for the better and she's contemplating moving. In addition, her new next door neighbor,
Ramblings: This story takes place in suburbia, in an affluent neighborhood. The neighbors are very judgmental, including the main character Betty an elderly woman, probably in her early seventies. It was difficult to feel too much compassion for the old woman's situation, because she seemed somewhat hypocritical, claiming to be Christian, but her actions seemed just the opposite of her beliefs. The story opens with a lot of belly aching, complaining and whining. All directed towards the new neighbor, the young Jack who has moved in and began a massive remodel project next door. Its almost over the top, more than most readers could take. However, don't give up just yet, A Christmas Dog does begin to redeem itself when Betty's granddaughter, Avery enters the story. Avery, a twenty-three year old lost soul, trying to find her own way in the world is a very endearing character. She has real life problems, but hasn't been left with a cold heart. Avery is the one who first open's herself up to the little stray dog, most likely because she finds both their life situations similar. A Christmas Dog is a quick read, which wraps up in a satisfying way. Its not totally predictable, plus it is warm and fuzzy.
Recommendation: A quick, easy to read, which only took me a couple of days to get through. The story has enough drama and unanswered questions to keep the reader entertained enough to continue reading to find out how the author comes to a point of resolution. I would say it would suit adult readers and animal lovers looking for a little pick me up read for Christmas. It does have religion and christian themes, but they are definitely subtle and wouldn't ruin the story for those who have a different faith. Though the title leads the reader to believe the story is mainly about a dog - it isn't. So if you are reading it for just this reason and no other - skip it. I guess what I'm saying is I would have like to have read more about the dog!
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Jack is creeping her out. Not to mention the feuding between them over property boundaries. In a downer mood, Betty is seriously considering not even bringing out her Christmas decorations, because really, who would ever notice? Everything changes though when two things happen: 1.) a mangy, stray dog keeps showing up at her doorstep and 2.) she gets an unexpected visit from her adult granddaughter who may end up sticking around for the holidays. Somehow these two visitors lead Betty to re-discover the true meaning of the Christmas season.Ramblings: This story takes place in suburbia, in an affluent neighborhood. The neighbors are very judgmental, including the main character Betty an elderly woman, probably in her early seventies. It was difficult to feel too much compassion for the old woman's situation, because she seemed somewhat hypocritical, claiming to be Christian, but her actions seemed just the opposite of her beliefs. The story opens with a lot of belly aching, complaining and whining. All directed towards the new neighbor, the young Jack who has moved in and began a massive remodel project next door. Its almost over the top, more than most readers could take. However, don't give up just yet, A Christmas Dog does begin to redeem itself when Betty's granddaughter, Avery enters the story. Avery, a twenty-three year old lost soul, trying to find her own way in the world is a very endearing character. She has real life problems, but hasn't been left with a cold heart. Avery is the one who first open's herself up to the little stray dog, most likely because she finds both their life situations similar. A Christmas Dog is a quick read, which wraps up in a satisfying way. Its not totally predictable, plus it is warm and fuzzy.
Recommendation: A quick, easy to read, which only took me a couple of days to get through. The story has enough drama and unanswered questions to keep the reader entertained enough to continue reading to find out how the author comes to a point of resolution. I would say it would suit adult readers and animal lovers looking for a little pick me up read for Christmas. It does have religion and christian themes, but they are definitely subtle and wouldn't ruin the story for those who have a different faith. Though the title leads the reader to believe the story is mainly about a dog - it isn't. So if you are reading it for just this reason and no other - skip it. I guess what I'm saying is I would have like to have read more about the dog!
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LibraryThing member sultrydiva
I think I must have read a different book! The neighborhood wasn’t affluent. I don’t think it was ever a wealthy area, but it was changing. Betty was having trouble dealing with the change. That comes from getting old. I could identify with her.
Watching Jack throw out all the things that she
In the end it worked out for everyone. A cute little story with a lot to teach us.
Watching Jack throw out all the things that she
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could identify was unsettling. That along with both of them misjudging each other at their first meeting.. Of course her neighbor’s wild imagination coupled with her own didn’t help matters. In the end it worked out for everyone. A cute little story with a lot to teach us.
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LibraryThing member cyderry
Betty is an elderly widow, living in the same neighborhood for years, but things are changing. Old friends are dying or moving away and new neighbors are not very neighborly. Add to that a stray dog that frequents her backyard and her favorite dogwood, and Betty is not happy.
Enter Betty's missing
It was entertaining but not very emotion grabbing. Just a cute story.
Enter Betty's missing
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granddaughter and you have the scenario of a young woman making friends with the nasty neighbor and also falling for the stray dog.It was entertaining but not very emotion grabbing. Just a cute story.
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LibraryThing member judyg54
If you have a soft spot for dogs then you are going to enjoy this story. This was a cute and endearing story of how a cute little dog brought people together. It is also a story of how easy it is to let our imagination get the best of us when it comes to people and who we think they are without
Betty is an older lady who lives in a nice neighborhood. But her neighbors who passed away now have a young man living in their house, who seems to be stand-offish and likes to work late at night and plays loud music and has all the neighbors wondering about him. Betty one day discovers a stray "mutt" in her backyard and assumes it is the new neighbor, Jack's dog. It is in desperate need of a bath and some tender loving care. Betty decides to do the nice neighborly thing and returns the dog and leaves him on Jack's porch. The next day Jack returns the dog to Betty and they play this, who is going to take care of this dog routine. Then Betty's grand-daughter shows up at her front door and wants to move in. Avery, the granddaughter, falls in love with the dog and from there this little "mutt" will begin to bring all three people together in a very tender but fun way. It was enjoyable to see how showing a little kindness and getting to know your neighbors can change your outlook on life.
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getting a chance to truly know them.Betty is an older lady who lives in a nice neighborhood. But her neighbors who passed away now have a young man living in their house, who seems to be stand-offish and likes to work late at night and plays loud music and has all the neighbors wondering about him. Betty one day discovers a stray "mutt" in her backyard and assumes it is the new neighbor, Jack's dog. It is in desperate need of a bath and some tender loving care. Betty decides to do the nice neighborly thing and returns the dog and leaves him on Jack's porch. The next day Jack returns the dog to Betty and they play this, who is going to take care of this dog routine. Then Betty's grand-daughter shows up at her front door and wants to move in. Avery, the granddaughter, falls in love with the dog and from there this little "mutt" will begin to bring all three people together in a very tender but fun way. It was enjoyable to see how showing a little kindness and getting to know your neighbors can change your outlook on life.
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LibraryThing member okjlsaz
I really enjoyed The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson. I'd had it waiting in my BookShout!(tm) Web Reader for several weeks before Christmas but finally got around to reading it yesterday. The formatting was very good in BookShout! By the end of one day, I was completely finished with the book.
The
Now Betty's children were grown and married. Her son had a stepdaughter named Avery, age 23, who had been missing for several months to her parents great dismay—especially annoying to her mother, Stephanie, who needed Avery to make an appearance at Christmas to impress Stephanie's friends and mother. Stephanie treated Avery like she was only 14, hence the rift between mother and daughter.
Shortly before Christmas a small terrier showed up in Betty's yard. She assumed that the dog belonged to the man named Jack who lived directly behind Betty's house. Betty tried several times to take the dog home, but Jack keep sending him back without any communication between them. She was extremely frustrated. Meanwhile her step-granddaughter shows up on her doorstop without any possessions beyond the clothes on her back. Betty agreed to let Avery stay with her as long as Avery called her parents the next day to let them know she was safe. Avery fell in love with the dog instantly and named him Ralph.
I could keep going on & on telling the story, but I think you should discover the rest on your own. Suffice it to say that you will enjoy this book if you enjoy stories about a well-meaning senior citizen, a cute dog, a troubled young adult, and neighborhood conflicts with Christmas thrown in to change the way people see each other.
The
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main character, Betty Kowalski, reminded me of several older women that I've known in the past. For the most part she was set in her ways, but she could also adapt to changes when she realized she was wrong. Betty had raised two children alone after her husband passed away at a young age. I smiled when I learned that she used the "envelope" system for her monthly budget. One of my friends used a similar "can" system for her budget.Now Betty's children were grown and married. Her son had a stepdaughter named Avery, age 23, who had been missing for several months to her parents great dismay—especially annoying to her mother, Stephanie, who needed Avery to make an appearance at Christmas to impress Stephanie's friends and mother. Stephanie treated Avery like she was only 14, hence the rift between mother and daughter.
Shortly before Christmas a small terrier showed up in Betty's yard. She assumed that the dog belonged to the man named Jack who lived directly behind Betty's house. Betty tried several times to take the dog home, but Jack keep sending him back without any communication between them. She was extremely frustrated. Meanwhile her step-granddaughter shows up on her doorstop without any possessions beyond the clothes on her back. Betty agreed to let Avery stay with her as long as Avery called her parents the next day to let them know she was safe. Avery fell in love with the dog instantly and named him Ralph.
I could keep going on & on telling the story, but I think you should discover the rest on your own. Suffice it to say that you will enjoy this book if you enjoy stories about a well-meaning senior citizen, a cute dog, a troubled young adult, and neighborhood conflicts with Christmas thrown in to change the way people see each other.
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LibraryThing member fuzzi
Betty is feeling lonely: her children live too far away to visit her, her granddaughter doesn't communicate, her friends are busy with their own families, and Christmas just around the corner isn't helping. Her new neighbor is also making it hard to be neighborly, and when a filthy and hungry dog
Despite it being predictable and not terribly well-written, I did enjoy this story, as a sweet and simple tale about love lost, and found again.
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shows up on Betty's steps, she just knows it's Jack's way of aggravating her further.Despite it being predictable and not terribly well-written, I did enjoy this story, as a sweet and simple tale about love lost, and found again.
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LibraryThing member LaurasReading
Yes, I am sentimental. This heartfelt holiday drama has tension, nerves, family drama, relationship issues, neighbor drama and misunderstandings. Need I mention a sweet dog who doesn't believe his life exists in only one yard?
Does he have special powers in bringing understanding and comfort to
Melody Carlson writes about troubles and solutions and builds beautiful experiences.
Does he have special powers in bringing understanding and comfort to
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people?Melody Carlson writes about troubles and solutions and builds beautiful experiences.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Another day, another Christmas book! I am steadily reading my way through the Christmas category on my Kindle. And what better way to treat myself but with a novella by the Queen of Christmas Books! I think that Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Dog, just might be my favorite of her many titles. I
Betty is tired and lonely and not really willing to get out of her ruts. But when her adult granddaughter and a lost little dog show up on her doorstep, Betty is challenged to look beyond the surface and challenge what she can see with her eyes. And with a belligerent neighbor, her pastor’s sermon to love her neighbor is really put to the test.
I loved that the focus of The Christmas Dog was on an older woman. Betty has had a lot of challenges in her life — an early widowhood and raising 2 children on her own. She believes her life is confined by her limited income and her circumstances. But a dog, a granddaughter and a neighbor work together to get Betty beyond herself. Not really selfish as much as self-focused, Betty’s character evolves within the story. The book also challenged my own fears, insecurities and rush to judgment.
A good choice for holiday reading, I recommend The Christmas Dog.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
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loved this book, and think you will to.Betty is tired and lonely and not really willing to get out of her ruts. But when her adult granddaughter and a lost little dog show up on her doorstep, Betty is challenged to look beyond the surface and challenge what she can see with her eyes. And with a belligerent neighbor, her pastor’s sermon to love her neighbor is really put to the test.
I loved that the focus of The Christmas Dog was on an older woman. Betty has had a lot of challenges in her life — an early widowhood and raising 2 children on her own. She believes her life is confined by her limited income and her circumstances. But a dog, a granddaughter and a neighbor work together to get Betty beyond herself. Not really selfish as much as self-focused, Betty’s character evolves within the story. The book also challenged my own fears, insecurities and rush to judgment.
A good choice for holiday reading, I recommend The Christmas Dog.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
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LibraryThing member Maydacat
It might take a whole village to raise a child, but it only takes one small dog to bring peace and understanding to a neighborhood. Betty and her neighbors distrust and fear their new neighbor, and Betty considers moving, just to avoid him. But her pastor tells his congregation that they should
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love their neighbors and so Betty tries. But is it not until a small and very dirty stray dog appears that real communication begins. This delightful Christmas story is a quick read and happy tale. There are problems to be solved, but the Christmas spirit of goodwill can’t be stopped, especially when it’s a canine who is spreading it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carol420
It’s a delightful, heartwarming story about how something as small as a dog can enter our lives and offer friendship, comfort and love. One truly outstanding aspect of this story is the excellent, detailed development of the main character, Betty. You will feel sympathy for her plight and at the
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same time she will drive you crazy. The author manages to bring all of the characters into the plot and connect their lives. This book is definitely a keeper. Show Less
LibraryThing member Beverlylynnt
I have to admit, I got quite a chuckle from reading this story. The story is not meant to be humorous, but to me the silliness of the main character was what set off my funny bone. I suppose it's because I know a few people just like our main character, Betty Kowalski. You know the type. Betty is a
The part I find funny is her attitude toward a new neighbor. She knew who used to live in that house when it was in its prime. Now, the house is old and worn and more than a little bit shabby. She's convinced that he must be a squatter. When hammering and sawing sounds came from the house at night and the pink toilet appeared in the back yard, she was even more suspicious. Then when that viewpoint didn't seem to work, she wondered if he was a criminal. He never answered the door. He didn't talk to anyone, and no one had ever seen him smile. It wouldn't have been so bad if she'd kept her thoughts to herself, but she was not as quiet as she should have been with her opinions to her friends and neighbors. Now the newcomer is ignored and snubbed by most of the neighborhood.
Betty's attitude was worth several eye rolls in my opinion, and even one of her daughters felt she was being unfair. But that happens when fear overrules reason and you are alone. The author did a great job writing about this type of fear and isolation so that the reader would feel somewhat irritated while still understanding the woman and her ridiculous assumptions. This is not a typical Christmas story.
The turning point happens when a little dirty unclaimed dog appears and Betty assumes he belongs to the neighbor. He in turn assumes it is hers, so for a little while we are viewing a ridiculous tug of war. Poor dog. In the end, this dog actually becomes an integral part of transformed attitudes, but you're going to have to read the book to find out how.
A rebellious granddaughter shows up at Betty's house after Thanksgiving, and adds to the confusion of conflicts. My favorite part is how the little scruffy dog wins over hearts little by little and brings about quite a transformation of attitudes. But things have to get worse before they get better. As usual my favorite author of Christmas stories has penned another winner.
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widow, living in her house alone; her grown children have their own children and are busy with their lives and are scattered all over the country. Unlike some people she knows, she does not live in a gated community with security built in, nor does she live in a secured building with buzzers. Her neighborhood is a typical neighborhood with friends she's lived near about half her life. The part I find funny is her attitude toward a new neighbor. She knew who used to live in that house when it was in its prime. Now, the house is old and worn and more than a little bit shabby. She's convinced that he must be a squatter. When hammering and sawing sounds came from the house at night and the pink toilet appeared in the back yard, she was even more suspicious. Then when that viewpoint didn't seem to work, she wondered if he was a criminal. He never answered the door. He didn't talk to anyone, and no one had ever seen him smile. It wouldn't have been so bad if she'd kept her thoughts to herself, but she was not as quiet as she should have been with her opinions to her friends and neighbors. Now the newcomer is ignored and snubbed by most of the neighborhood.
Betty's attitude was worth several eye rolls in my opinion, and even one of her daughters felt she was being unfair. But that happens when fear overrules reason and you are alone. The author did a great job writing about this type of fear and isolation so that the reader would feel somewhat irritated while still understanding the woman and her ridiculous assumptions. This is not a typical Christmas story.
The turning point happens when a little dirty unclaimed dog appears and Betty assumes he belongs to the neighbor. He in turn assumes it is hers, so for a little while we are viewing a ridiculous tug of war. Poor dog. In the end, this dog actually becomes an integral part of transformed attitudes, but you're going to have to read the book to find out how.
A rebellious granddaughter shows up at Betty's house after Thanksgiving, and adds to the confusion of conflicts. My favorite part is how the little scruffy dog wins over hearts little by little and brings about quite a transformation of attitudes. But things have to get worse before they get better. As usual my favorite author of Christmas stories has penned another winner.
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LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
The picture I had of Ralph in my head didn't look anything like the dog on the book cover.
At first, I didn't realize Betty was a widow. I guess I misread the first church scene because to me, it made it sound like her husband was there with her. Betty seems a bit lonely and down. She's concerned
Then a stray dog shows up, one whom Betty decides must belong to the new neighbor. Betty's twenty-something granddaughter (Avery) shows up too. Both of them open Betty's eyes to being more connected within her neighborhood. But there are a few bumps along the way.
I thought the story itself was kind of "fluff" but I was glad to see Avery bring her grandmother out of the rut she was in. I was glad to see Avery start being more mature as befits her twenty-something age and that instead of avoiding her mother and stepfather, she does take the initiative to call them when Betty asks.
At first, I didn't realize Betty was a widow. I guess I misread the first church scene because to me, it made it sound like her husband was there with her. Betty seems a bit lonely and down. She's concerned
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that the new owner of a neighbor's house is changing it too.Then a stray dog shows up, one whom Betty decides must belong to the new neighbor. Betty's twenty-something granddaughter (Avery) shows up too. Both of them open Betty's eyes to being more connected within her neighborhood. But there are a few bumps along the way.
I thought the story itself was kind of "fluff" but I was glad to see Avery bring her grandmother out of the rut she was in. I was glad to see Avery start being more mature as befits her twenty-something age and that instead of avoiding her mother and stepfather, she does take the initiative to call them when Betty asks.
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LibraryThing member dara85
Betty is a widow on fixed income. She and her neighbor, Jack whose backyards adjoin are having a dispute. Christmas is coming soon and Betty is having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. A dirty little, hungry dog appears in Betty's yard, she is not pleased. Soon after that Betty's
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granddaughter, Avery appears having had a fight with her parents and asks to stay at her home. Avery takes to the dog and bathes him and feeds him. Betty does not want the dog and secretly plans to drop him off at the animal shelter. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
176 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
080071881X / 9780800718817