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A Lonely Dog on Christmas
Christmas Day is fast approaching. For Beckham, the family bulldog, it means just another year of being ignored while chaos and mayhem reign throughout the house. In this holiday short story full of laughter and family dysfunction, Beckham narrates an ill-conceived plan to create an unforgettable landmark moment in order to reclaim the spotlight as the center of attention. As the extended family gathers to make merry and observe their annual tradition, Beckham has another idea in mind to celebrate and make it a day to remember. A Lonely Dog on Christmas is not intended for children and contains language unsuitable for young readers.
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2012
654 people are currently reading
1166 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Yearly
8 books7 followersPatrick's latest book is a Christmas short story narrated by the family bulldog who gets caught up in the dysfunction of the holiday season.
In the summer of 2012 he released "The Firestorm Election", a short novel to coincide with the 2012 presidential campaign.
His other work includes a four-part series, "They Were Giants", to commemorate the unheralded accomplishments of people around the globe who did not seek the limelight, but made the world a better place.
He also served as editor for his father's World War II diary,"My Life as a Sailor", which details his service in the Navy while at the scene of the D-Day invasion and other key events during the war.
In the summer of 2012 he released "The Firestorm Election", a short novel to coincide with the 2012 presidential campaign.
His other work includes a four-part series, "They Were Giants", to commemorate the unheralded accomplishments of people around the globe who did not seek the limelight, but made the world a better place.
He also served as editor for his father's World War II diary,"My Life as a Sailor", which details his service in the Navy while at the scene of the D-Day invasion and other key events during the war.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
December 27, 2018
It was very tongue-in-cheek. Cute, but in an odd way. I liked the ending best :)
January 15, 2015
All I can say is that I really like the cover.
October 3, 2023
Entertaining holiday listening 🎶🔰
This is a free novella e-book from Amazon.
The English bulldog has been adopted by this Virginia family. Now comes Christmas day and the family is getting together. The dog is ignored all day long. I would recommend this cute family relationships novella and author to 👍 readers of holiday novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒🐕🏡
This is a free novella e-book from Amazon.
The English bulldog has been adopted by this Virginia family. Now comes Christmas day and the family is getting together. The dog is ignored all day long. I would recommend this cute family relationships novella and author to 👍 readers of holiday novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒🐕🏡
December 6, 2015
Thank God it is a short story! A Christmas spirit through dog's eyes, a bulldog named Beckham. It's obvious he's named after the expensive football legs of Mr. David... I've never ever liked Beckham so from the beginning I was familiar of coming disaster. Unfortunately, I haven't found Christmas spirit, at all. I had to remind me all the time that the dog is the one who's telling the story. The big family was shown as greedy and boring - Christmas time is only for presents and food. I know that somewhere live people like that but I don't want to read about them. I want to be surrounded by happy people and I think it's not too much for a wish.
I liked the cover and Christmas is almost near, two reasons for the two stars. Otherwise...
I liked the cover and Christmas is almost near, two reasons for the two stars. Otherwise...
October 4, 2013
"A Dog's Observation"
Christmas is sometimes not the joyful time of the year for many people. It's full of stress, and maybe not fond memories. But, in this case, it's the family dog who is not looking forward to Christmas! Written from the dog's perspective, Beckham is an English Bulldog living with Ryan and Karla and their three children. They're a great family and Beckham knows he's very lucky. However, Christmas Eve is bedlam in the home and Beckham has learned to stay out of the way and is forgotten by all until the day after Christmas ... no walks, no smiles, no pats, no "good boy." There will be 14 people in the house this year and one very cute, overlooked bulldog will not even get a Christmas cookie. Well, this Christmas, Beckham is going to change the routine ... he's determined he going to get his deserved attention. This short story has great potential, but it ends suddenly realising that Beckham is not a dog of his word. It ends disappointingly for those looking for a little holiday chaos caused by Beckham. With a little editing of a few crude words, and expansion of the ending, this can be a great story.
Christmas is sometimes not the joyful time of the year for many people. It's full of stress, and maybe not fond memories. But, in this case, it's the family dog who is not looking forward to Christmas! Written from the dog's perspective, Beckham is an English Bulldog living with Ryan and Karla and their three children. They're a great family and Beckham knows he's very lucky. However, Christmas Eve is bedlam in the home and Beckham has learned to stay out of the way and is forgotten by all until the day after Christmas ... no walks, no smiles, no pats, no "good boy." There will be 14 people in the house this year and one very cute, overlooked bulldog will not even get a Christmas cookie. Well, this Christmas, Beckham is going to change the routine ... he's determined he going to get his deserved attention. This short story has great potential, but it ends suddenly realising that Beckham is not a dog of his word. It ends disappointingly for those looking for a little holiday chaos caused by Beckham. With a little editing of a few crude words, and expansion of the ending, this can be a great story.
December 27, 2013
A Lonely Dog on Christmas by Patrick Yearly
This book is from the viewpoint of a dog and how stressed out everybody gets over Christmas.
Starting out with the event of Halloween and then Thanksgiving..
The dog lays out the household and then moves on to how they decorate for the holidays.
He watches as some open their gifts and are astonished when they discover what it is they got-nothing like they expected.
The ages in the family range from an infant to the older adults and more are due to arrive after church. Sounds like grand central station-at our house in the past years.
Beckham the dog despite all the chaos recalls when the girl brought him home to live with them and it's once again a merry Christmas.
This book is from the viewpoint of a dog and how stressed out everybody gets over Christmas.
Starting out with the event of Halloween and then Thanksgiving..
The dog lays out the household and then moves on to how they decorate for the holidays.
He watches as some open their gifts and are astonished when they discover what it is they got-nothing like they expected.
The ages in the family range from an infant to the older adults and more are due to arrive after church. Sounds like grand central station-at our house in the past years.
Beckham the dog despite all the chaos recalls when the girl brought him home to live with them and it's once again a merry Christmas.
December 20, 2013
Plain and simple, no way a short story with such a handsome cover model could be bad. I thought the finish was a little abrupt and unexpected, but Beckham was right in the end. I wouldn't consider this deep reading, just a lighthearted story about the craziness that is Christmastime in many families. In our house though, if there is a big meal being served, our dog is right underfoot and impossible to neglect, so perhaps Beckham should be a little less passive in his role. Granted, I doubt the family wants heaps of bulldog drool on the floor, but a subtle reminder here or there that he's feeling excluded would help.
December 11, 2016
Very, very disappointed - no need to make fun of people
So disappointed, I had very high hopes when I chose to read this book ; after all, I love dogs & Christmas. Unfortunately the author chooses to go south in the book real quick when she wrote "Kaley always makes fun of fat people behind their back so this should be interesting. She says they should hold an eating competition for fatties at the Olympics and call it MOO for the Morbidly Obese Olympics.". Really, was that necessary or relevant to the storyline? I wouldn't know, I just couldn't read any more. I tried, but just couldn't get myself to read any further. I think I've only stopped reading a couple of books in my lifetime, but this one will go to the top of the list.
So disappointed, I had very high hopes when I chose to read this book ; after all, I love dogs & Christmas. Unfortunately the author chooses to go south in the book real quick when she wrote "Kaley always makes fun of fat people behind their back so this should be interesting. She says they should hold an eating competition for fatties at the Olympics and call it MOO for the Morbidly Obese Olympics.". Really, was that necessary or relevant to the storyline? I wouldn't know, I just couldn't read any more. I tried, but just couldn't get myself to read any further. I think I've only stopped reading a couple of books in my lifetime, but this one will go to the top of the list.
March 5, 2014
Cute bulldog on the cover telling a story. I just couldn't resist. Is it a bad sign that I started wondering whether to just stop reading the book or if I should just trudge on through? I mean, it's a short story! Maybe my expectations were to high. Still... my dog would've written a better story.
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January 9, 2014A Lonely Dog on Christmas
my
This is a piece of fiction that could realistically be part of any family holiday where teens and pets coexist. Are you sure the author wasn't hiding out behind my Xmas tree?
my
This is a piece of fiction that could realistically be part of any family holiday where teens and pets coexist. Are you sure the author wasn't hiding out behind my Xmas tree?
December 1, 2012
Cute story.
December 14, 2018
Beckham, the family pet bulldog tells a short story how he feels about Christmas and other holidays from his point of view as A Lonely Dog on Christmas. Some of the humor was funny, some not so much; I think the best humorous situation was when the little kid put left over pizza in the dryer to reheat it. (An aside and not part of the Christmas story.) One saving factor for Beckham is that he moves from a selfish point of view to realizing he is part of a family that takes good care of him and is thankful.
December 12, 2024
A very cute short story
This short story is written from a dog's point of view.
He is not a very big Christmas fan as much as he would love too. But with all the fuss around the festivitie's preparations, he is the one that gets left behind.
Even though he thinks of getting a small revenge on the fact that no one is acknowledging him on Christmas, one look back at the family that's gathered at the table, makes him think twice.
This short story is written from a dog's point of view.
He is not a very big Christmas fan as much as he would love too. But with all the fuss around the festivitie's preparations, he is the one that gets left behind.
Even though he thinks of getting a small revenge on the fact that no one is acknowledging him on Christmas, one look back at the family that's gathered at the table, makes him think twice.
December 20, 2017
I like bulldogs and I downloaded this short story for free on my Kindle thinking it might be nice to read a Christmas story this time of year from the perspective of the family bulldog, Beckham. I was wrong. The author is trying so hard to be funny and failing at it so spectacularly that I would say this is even a bit cringe worthy. It only took a half hour or less to read and I still like bulldogs (even if this one isn't funny.)
July 1, 2017
I have always enjoyed books that were told from the viewpoint of animals and I find it disturbing as many web posts that we have that show animals talking in broken English that is mostly phonetically spelled. Instead I love the depth and details that many animal viewpoint authors use since I believe in a world that we cannot understand their language and we don't strive to learn theirs they watch us more than we can imagine while it is proven by many pet-lovers that animals can read us a whole lot more than we can imagine.
This was definitely a short story and it was told pertaining for the most part to one subject - the issues of a lonely animal around the holidays. I feel that the author did a great job in actually detailing what a family life is like when it revolves around the holidays (as the dog says the Christmases that I have celebrated have never been like the television versions) and the sometimes forgotten pet who is forgotten within the chaotic mess that is part of the "special time".
The ending was a bit cliché and it was a bit of a disappointment although it was cute in its own way. And I like how the wisdom of the world's experiences did open the eyes of the dog but still he shouldn't have been forgotten.
The only other thing I didn't like about the book was the crudeness of both the dog and some of the other characters. It definitely added to the character of the book in a sense by making it human but it wasn't something I would have wanted to read. Definitely a good read though!
This was definitely a short story and it was told pertaining for the most part to one subject - the issues of a lonely animal around the holidays. I feel that the author did a great job in actually detailing what a family life is like when it revolves around the holidays (as the dog says the Christmases that I have celebrated have never been like the television versions) and the sometimes forgotten pet who is forgotten within the chaotic mess that is part of the "special time".
The ending was a bit cliché and it was a bit of a disappointment although it was cute in its own way. And I like how the wisdom of the world's experiences did open the eyes of the dog but still he shouldn't have been forgotten.
The only other thing I didn't like about the book was the crudeness of both the dog and some of the other characters. It definitely added to the character of the book in a sense by making it human but it wasn't something I would have wanted to read. Definitely a good read though!
November 13, 2013
Synopsis: "Christmas Day is fast approaching. For Beckham, the family bulldog, it means just another year of being ignored while chaos and mayhem reign throughout the house. In this holiday short story full of laughter and family dysfunction, Beckham narrates an ill-conceived plan to create an unforgettable landmark moment in order to reclaim the spotlight as the center of attention. As the extended family gathers to make merry and observe their annual tradition, Beckham has another idea in mind to celebrate and make it a day to remember."
My Review: Awe this is such a cute story, and a little sad at the same time. I love that it is written from the dog's point of view and seems to keep with that voice. He rambles at times like you would expect a dog to when they get distracted. All in all a fun fly on the wall type story about the craziness of a Christmas celebration, and kind of puts some things into perspective. Just remember your little four legged family members (mine are spoiled and not only get gifts under the tree but also full sized stockings).
My Review: Awe this is such a cute story, and a little sad at the same time. I love that it is written from the dog's point of view and seems to keep with that voice. He rambles at times like you would expect a dog to when they get distracted. All in all a fun fly on the wall type story about the craziness of a Christmas celebration, and kind of puts some things into perspective. Just remember your little four legged family members (mine are spoiled and not only get gifts under the tree but also full sized stockings).
December 10, 2013
Being a person who loves dogs, I read this hoping it would be a cute, humorous story with some silly doggy antics thrown in. What I got was lame joke after lame joke.
As I read, instead of picturing what was going on in the book, I could only see a family together at Christmas and someone saying, "Guess what everyone...Patrick wrote a story!" "
"Read it! Read it!" everyone chanted.
So Patrick reads his story and his family says, "Awww, Patrick, that was so cute. I love how it was written from the dog's perspective. You should publish it. I hear that's so easy these days anyone can write a book and put it out."
I gave it an extra star because everything was spelled correctly, at least.
As I read, instead of picturing what was going on in the book, I could only see a family together at Christmas and someone saying, "Guess what everyone...Patrick wrote a story!" "
"Read it! Read it!" everyone chanted.
So Patrick reads his story and his family says, "Awww, Patrick, that was so cute. I love how it was written from the dog's perspective. You should publish it. I hear that's so easy these days anyone can write a book and put it out."
I gave it an extra star because everything was spelled correctly, at least.
October 28, 2014
Short and simple! Loved it. The fact that I got to see celebration time from the eyes of a pet was a totally fresh experience in itself. Remained glued to the tale and managed to finish reading or should i say enjoying it in a single day :)
To me it was more like a fresh breeze and yes did manage to make me laugh and ponder at the same time.
Thanks to the author for opening up a beautiful world.
A must read :)
To me it was more like a fresh breeze and yes did manage to make me laugh and ponder at the same time.
Thanks to the author for opening up a beautiful world.
A must read :)
December 21, 2015
I loved this short story in Beckham (the dog's) POV. He tells us what it's like for the family dog at Christmas and how he's ignored while his family rips open the presents and waits for dinner, that they tear into. His thoughts had me chuckling all the way through and I didn't want it to end. I sure hope there are more stories about Beckham.
I highly recommend this quick holiday read.
I highly recommend this quick holiday read.
December 25, 2016
Se de início a ideia do ponto de vista de um cão quanto à celebração do Natal na família em que se insere parece engraçada, com os planos de vingança do cão por ter sido relegado para segundo plano e os comentários sarcásticos em relação aos membros da família... Tudo acaba inesperadamente com o cão a mudar de ideias...
May 1, 2014
I really like this book however it or not this is the first book I have completed in my inter life
this book makes me deals bad when I don't get my dog something for Christmas
the reason I gave this book five stars is because I actually like it
this book makes me deals bad when I don't get my dog something for Christmas
the reason I gave this book five stars is because I actually like it
October 20, 2014
Another Dog Day
This book is written by a dog who clearly wants some attention on Christmas, but doesn't know how to get it. He is hilarious in his ideas and thoughts and I loved him. It is a good read, just too short. Of course, its a short story, so I have to be content.
This book is written by a dog who clearly wants some attention on Christmas, but doesn't know how to get it. He is hilarious in his ideas and thoughts and I loved him. It is a good read, just too short. Of course, its a short story, so I have to be content.
November 30, 2014
It's really a nice heart felt book and all that crap as they say in the book
but overall it humorous and nice and it kind of reminds you what Christmas is all about so I would rate a four star book
but overall it humorous and nice and it kind of reminds you what Christmas is all about so I would rate a four star book
December 10, 2014
Lol this was a short funny story. I just had to read it being that it's told from a bulldog ' s POV. Beckham was very funny and reminded me of my bulldog Pumba. His funny feisty attitude is exactly how I think Pumba would react to the holidays!
December 16, 2014
Good book
I think this is a good book for people who like novels. It is a good book for preteens who love novels. The main character is a dog named Beckham . Thank you for looking at my opinion on this great book.
I think this is a good book for people who like novels. It is a good book for preteens who love novels. The main character is a dog named Beckham . Thank you for looking at my opinion on this great book.
December 18, 2014
Cute read
This is a short simple story that's light hearted for the holiday season. Every year I try to find a nice happy or funny christmas story to read to start the holiday season. This book filled the spot this year.
This is a short simple story that's light hearted for the holiday season. Every year I try to find a nice happy or funny christmas story to read to start the holiday season. This book filled the spot this year.
November 23, 2014
Really?
I don't even know what else to say besides this was absolutely NOT for me!
Nothing personal against anyone I just did NOT like the read at all.
Cute dog on the cover though!
I don't even know what else to say besides this was absolutely NOT for me!
Nothing personal against anyone I just did NOT like the read at all.
Cute dog on the cover though!
November 17, 2015
I think it was supposed to be funny. It wasn't. The bulldog was supposed to be cute. He wasn't.
June 14, 2019
He's a Whiner. (And, no, not a Wimer.) He's a Pity-Me Canine. And, he's a Doggie Story-teller, of sorts. His name is Beckham, the English Bulldog, that sits piously for the cover photograph of A LONELY DOG ON CHRISTMAS, an ebook, published in 2012 by Patrick Yearly.
For 300 plus pages, Beckham, in his own sarcastic and unappreciative descriptions, tells the story of his personal account of holiday loneliness, beginning with whisking the reader through the American traditions of Halloween and Thanksgiving, neither of which delight him. Soon, he spins his loneliness-and-neglected tale that occurs during the Christmas season in the Mathison family household, detailing in particular the 24 hours from Christmas Eve until the end of Christmas Day.
How is it that in 2019 ebooks, such as A LONELY DOG ON CHRISTMAS, packaged and promoted as a children's picture book, are not? With fowl language, no illustrations, three hundred short pages, and an animal's negativity toward a Christian holiday, it should be categorized as a short story for adults. Should the author consider cutting out the story's wordiness and bad words, and hire an illustrator, then, the genre would be appropriate for the children's marketplace. If he does not, the story remains RUFF! (Patricia Ann Timbrook, PatSays, Children's Book Reviewer)
For 300 plus pages, Beckham, in his own sarcastic and unappreciative descriptions, tells the story of his personal account of holiday loneliness, beginning with whisking the reader through the American traditions of Halloween and Thanksgiving, neither of which delight him. Soon, he spins his loneliness-and-neglected tale that occurs during the Christmas season in the Mathison family household, detailing in particular the 24 hours from Christmas Eve until the end of Christmas Day.
How is it that in 2019 ebooks, such as A LONELY DOG ON CHRISTMAS, packaged and promoted as a children's picture book, are not? With fowl language, no illustrations, three hundred short pages, and an animal's negativity toward a Christian holiday, it should be categorized as a short story for adults. Should the author consider cutting out the story's wordiness and bad words, and hire an illustrator, then, the genre would be appropriate for the children's marketplace. If he does not, the story remains RUFF! (Patricia Ann Timbrook, PatSays, Children's Book Reviewer)
October 29, 2023
Funny short story! Beckham an English Bulldog rants about humans and their love for Christmas. His tirade is full of sarcastic wit and at times a potty mouth. Ebenezer Scrooge has nothing on this grumpy pooch whose got the smoke for everybody!
🎄Book Quotes:
"I will not be marginalized."
"It's now Year Three to have to wear the ugliest Christmas dog sweater on the planet."
"If you're wondering how I'm able to sound so educated, you would be too if you spent countless hours watching reality television, the backbone of higher learning."
*Content warning: profanity, expletives
🎄Book Quotes:
"I will not be marginalized."
"It's now Year Three to have to wear the ugliest Christmas dog sweater on the planet."
"If you're wondering how I'm able to sound so educated, you would be too if you spent countless hours watching reality television, the backbone of higher learning."
*Content warning: profanity, expletives
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews