A Dog's Perfect Christmas

By: W. Bruce Cameron

Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The perfect, feel-good holiday gift from W. Bruce Cameron, the number one New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the A Dog's Purpose series

The problems fracturing the Goss family as Christmas approaches are hardly unique, though perhaps they are handling them a little differently than most people might. But then a true emergency arises, one with the potential to not only ruin Christmas, but everything holding the family together. 

Is the arrival of a lost puppy yet another in the string of calamities facing them, or could the little canine be just what they all need? 

A Dog’s Perfect Christmas is a beautiful, poignant, delightful tale of what can happen when family members open their hearts to new possibilities. You’ll find love and tears and laughter - the ideal holiday listen. 

A Macmillan Audio production from Forge Books 

©2020 W. Bruce Cameron (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Nice Story

I realize I only have this 3 stars, but I did enjoy it. There are a couple of reasons I didn't rate it higher:
**VERY mild spoilers ahead**
1) This was written a bit differently than a typical W Bruce Cameron book. It's a bit heavier, first of all--tackling complex family dynamics and grief. There was also MUCH less emphasis on the dogs in the story--in fact, we don't even meet one of them until midway through. It was still well written, but it was different. And, while I did appreciate the human interest and family dynamics, I often found myself thinking, "Where are the DOGS in 'A DOG'S Christmas?!?'"
2) This wasn't much of a Christmas story. Although it happened at Christmastime, and ended on Christmas Day, there wasn't really that much Christmas content. I wanted a Christmas story--not just a story that happens at Christmas.

Overall, this was a good story and I did enjoy it. It just didn't really ring the Christmas bell or doggie fix for me.

This book has very little to do with dogs

This book focuses far too much on human angst in modern times (especially tween/teenage drama). Two hours into listening before I had the "stick a fork in me, I'm done"

Merry Christmas Tails

I needed a book like this. I get depressed around the holidays and books like this one snap me out of it. I too am a widower and my only companion is my dog Toby. Like Sander in the book I am Daddy to my dog. I can' relate to the husband and wife as I think I would have been there for my wife had I had the chance but her death was sudden. I can relate to ELLO in part that I got my first puppy around 11 and I was never alone during those akward years of puberty.
I loved the book and recommend it as an annual Christmas story..

A Wonderful Family Story

My family has always loved R. Bruce Cameron's books. We have listened to all of them as a family and this one did not disappoint. A true feel good family story!

Family & Dog's Christmas Story

I'm a big fan of Cameron's books about dogs, particularly the A Dog's Purpose series. That's why I picked up this Christmas-themed dog story.

The story follows a multi-generational family, each facing their own struggles: jobs, parenting, the loss of a loved one, and more. Then there are the dogs. An older family dog moves slowly, in step with the family's daily lives. A second dog, a puppy, was later added to the story.

The addition of a Christmas dog or puppy to the story is sudden. This story is more about the humans than the dogs. The scenes featuring the older dog and the puppy are brief and pass quickly. I was disappointed that the dog's story and its purpose in the book were not explored further. Christmas feels like an event that will happen at some point, rather than a story that revolves around celebrating it.

The human stories are written in-depth, and each has enough time to establish the plot and reach a better, even happy, ending for each family member. This was done well and was enjoyable to read.

Overall, it was an entertaining story, but it lacked dogs for me.

Very entertaining

Different from other Cameron books, but loved the story and how the family worked together to meet challenges.

Very sophomoric

I am almost finished with the book and don't know why it refers to a dog. The dog is barely mentioned until the end. It's like they used that snippet to attract dog lovers. Very sophomoric family contention.

story more about family rather than a dog

narrator ruined the story. I had to force myself to finish. Dogs weren't primary story.

A Puppy Brings Joy at Christmas Time!

This family is going through a lot of troubles, but an abandoned puppy brings them joy at Christmas time. To a puppy, everyday is the best day EVER! I alternate between “The Dogs of Christmas,” and “A Dog’s Perfect Christmas,” every year, which are both written by W. Bruce Cameron. Every year I hope he writes another to go along with these wonderful stories!

Perfect For Teens And Up

I liked this book because one little puppy can help a teenager and her family be happy again during the holidays!