The Dogs of Christmas

By: W. Bruce Cameron

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

While nursing a broken heart, Josh Michaels is outraged when a neighbor abandons his very pregnant dog, Lucy, at Josh's Colorado home. But Josh can't resist Lucy's soulful brown eyes, and though he's never had a dog before, he's determined to do the best he can for Lucy - and her soon-to-arrive, bound-to-be-adorable puppies. Soon in over his head, Josh calls the local animal shelter for help, and meets Kerri, a beautiful woman with a quick wit and a fierce love for animals. As Kerri teaches Josh how to care for Lucy's tiny puppies and gets them ready to be adopted through the shelter's "Dogs of Christmas" program, Josh surprises himself by falling for her. But he's fallen even harder for his new furry family, which has brought incredible joy into Josh's life.

He barely has time to sit down, between chasing after adventurous Sophie and brave Oliver, but when he does, his lap is quickly filled by the affectionate Lola. And Rufus and Cody's strong bond makes Josh wonder about his own relationships with his family. With Christmas and the adoption date looming, Josh finds himself wondering if he can separate himself from his beloved puppies. At odds with Kerri, Josh isn't willing to lose her, but doesn't know how to set things right. Can a surprise litter of Christmas puppies really change one man's life? W. Bruce Cameron's The Dogs of Christmas is a charming and heartwarming holiday tale that explores the power of love, trust, and a basket full of puppies.

An Audible for Dogs Pick: Make your dog's day. Cesar Millan shares how audiobooks can make dogs happier and calmer. Learn more.

©2013 W. Bruce Cameron (P)2013 Tantor

sweet

read the book in 2 days! I fully recommend it! Very heart warming and sweet.

Amazing story

Would you listen to The Dogs of Christmas again? Why?

Bruce Cameron has done it again! He got me with A dogs purpose and a dogs journey. This one isn't written from the dogs point of view but it is amazing, especially if you are a dog lover. It made me laugh, warmed my heart, made my eyes get watery. When it was over with I was sad and i wanted more of this type of book!

cute story not a great reader

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend the book but would suggest they read the actual book instead of listening to the audio.

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoy reading about someone who takes in dogs and puppies and does the right thing as I am a dog lover.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Kirby Heyborne?

Someone who had a clearer speaking voice as this narrator sounded like he has nasal issues.

Could you see The Dogs of Christmas being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I could definitely see this as a movie.

Any additional comments?

I have listened to one other of W. Bruce Cameron's books with same narrator and he definitely needs someone different. His books are good but new narrator needed from now on.

Too Cutsey.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It would depend on the friend. Some people like this style of writing. Too syrupy for me.

What do you think your next listen will be?

The God Virus.

Have you listened to any of Kirby Heyborne’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't. The narrator was fine...it was the material he had to work with that bothered me.

Could you see The Dogs of Christmas being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Definitely! Hallmark and/or Lifetime is probably knocking at Cameron's door as we speak.

Any additional comments?

I am a dog lover and would be devastated if anything happened to my little furry pal...but I'm not into equating the value of dogs with the value of humans. Also, conveying human emotions to dogs, as if they processed information the same way we do (continuing to refer to the "babies and their Mommy" almost drove me over the edge.) Josh is not all that believeable a character, sounded as if he was emotionally about 10 years old). Also, I didn't understand Ryan's motivation in taking the dog and then desperately trying to find a placement for it. If he was just trying to get even with Lucy's owner why not take the dog and then dump it somewhere. The author is a good writer but this story is too sticky sweet for my taste. If your taste runs to the anthropomorphic then you will most likely enjoy this.

It's a relationship you never lose.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to dog lovers, those who never have owned a dog and virtually everyone everywhere. Dogs teach us about what really matters in life. A dog's love bypasses the everyday minutiae and gets down to what really matters. Past relationships that didn't work out, those who left us before it was time and those who we can still let know we really love them unconditionally. Anyone who has ever owned a dog will know I am not spoiling the book. My Sheltie, Maggie, was taken from me 2 years ago and I am just now at the point where I know I need a dog in my life again. I am ready to give all the love that is spilling out of the seams of my heart in need of a dog to love forever how long that may be. Dogs don't talk in words but innately know how to express their feelings in many ways and this book expresses life with a dog who is also the best thing that ever happened in your life.

What other book might you compare The Dogs of Christmas to and why?

This dog seems similar to "Good Dog - The story of Orson - the dog who changed my life" by Jon Katz. And yet they are expressed in a very different manner, so you don't say haven't I read this story before? I didn't think that until this question was asked.

What does Kirby Heyborne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator does any excellent job expressing the many emotions the main character goes through without revealing the end.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I have never been a big fan of books made into movies. The casting is so important, This book would be marketed as a story for everyone regardless of age, gender or present or past circumstances in life.

Any additional comments?

I have not read any other books by W. Bruce Cameron. I think I have met an author who knows how to speak to my emotions and intellect.

It is in the top 20 of my favorites

The narrator could have been better. The story left me sad. I try to buy uplifting audiobooks to listen to at bedtime. The overall story was pretty good.

Loved this.

Awesome book. Good life lessons presented in a captivating way. Looked forward to returning each time I stopped listening. Thanks

A Feel Good Christmas Story

Would you listen to The Dogs of Christmas again? Why?

Probably not. . The first 'read' was enough. Cried and laughed in all the right places.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lucy. . .she sounds very much like my dog, accepting what comes her way and delirously happy when I return home.

Any additional comments?

While this is not Shakespeare --- it was a very nice pre-Christmas story to listen to while I sew! Plot might seem implausible to some but it isn't implausibe to any one who has experienced loses/trauma.Happy Holidays!!

Very Heart Warming

This is a very sweet, and relatable story. Plus, Kirby Heyborne, reads this perfectly. I’m never disappointed when reading, or listening to W. Bruce Cameron’s books.

Sweet Story

I loved it! The social ineptitude of the main character causes so much angst, (I suppose the story is based on his learning to live in society, though.) it is unnerving at times. Luckily, I was sure the ending was going to be a happy one, so I joyfully kept listening. I would have liked just a little more of some of the puppy personalities to be explored, only because I love their little quirky differences. It is okay as it is but I'm just a sucker for dog and puppy personalities, just like W. Bruce Cameron gives us in all of his books. I'm just being a bit nitpicky.

Kelly Heyborne does a fine job of narrating and I would listen to other books for which he performs.