The Puppy That Came for Christmas: How a Dog Brought One Family the Gift of Joy
A Plume Book
A Division of The Penguin Group
Available Now
All Megan Rix ever wanted was a baby. Yet, month after month, Megan’s dreams were dashed. Would her life ever feel complete?
Megan and her husband, Ian, found a surprising answer when they began training golden retriever pups to become service dogs for people with disabilities. But opening their homes and hearts up to Emma, and then Freddy-only to have each move on after six months-eventually took its own toll. Megan and Ian didn’t know if they could continue. They needed to decide where they lives were really headed and if they needed a “forever pet” or foster another pet or have no pets at all.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This book is truly heartwarming and heartbreaking. To want a baby so badly and nothing works but we see how animals can sometimes fill that big void in a heart the way nothing else can.
While I have four healthy now adult children, a grandson and another grandchild on the way, I am also mom or grandma to six cats and two dogs. The two dogs and two of the cats are here wandering around everyday bringing so much joy to my life. The cats love to snuggle and even sit here on my desk and “help me type”, they will knock books out of my hand when they feel I should be giving them attention. The dogs warm my feet, are needing of regular head pats and belly rubs and curl up at the foot of the bed when it is time to sleep. Our pets are our family too. They are always happy to see whether we have been gone an hour or a day or even longer. Tails wagging, cheerful barks, huge meows tell us it’s about time we got home and they want our attention right now. Plus the difference between kids and pets, pets never ask for money or the keys to the car or complain they are bored with nothing to do.
This book shows how a puppy can bond a family together. It is very well written and gives a little different perspective than other books such as Marley & Me. I read it all in one sitting and really enjoyed it. Another nice book for the holidays!

**I will be including this book in a future giveaway hop!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Plume. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I’m a sucker for dog books and this one sounds delightful. I know the joy our ‘Bella’ brought into our lives after leaving an abusive marriage. Bella who we rescued from RSPCA gave my son someone to love and look after who unconditionally loved him back. Lovely review!
That cover is so cute. You just want to hug that dog. I love a good animal book. Especially if they make you cry and feel good at the same time.
Sue B
I was thinking about Marley and Me when I first read your review. I’m thinking I need to read this book , thanks for the recommendation!
duh I thought I’d commented but then doubted myself, I’m going to put this one on my wishlist 🙂