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A Night at the Animal Shelter: A Unique Dog Story
The Blithedale Animal Shelter has just ended its annual holiday sale for dogs, and miraculously all but a few have been adopted. An unexpected, welcome surprise for the shelter staff, and great news for the lucky pups who found homes. But for the dogs that remain—a high-strung Lab puppy, a three-legged Chihuahua, a Golden Retriever, a hard-luck Pit Bull Terrier; and a smart, old dog—it will be a lonely and cold Christmas Eve. Their favorite employee, Ginny Collins, is cozying up their cages and giving them some love before the shelter closes for the holiday. The sun is setting, but a night to remember is about to begin.
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2014
About the author
Mark J. Asher
27 books88 followersMark J. Asher is the author of several dog books, including: All That Ails You (over 1,000 Five-Star Reviews), Humphrey Was Here (pet loss memoir), and Canine Rhymes (dog poems).
PRAISE FOR MARK’S BOOKS:
“Beautifully told story about how important dogs are in helping, healing and brightening your day.”
—Reader review of All That Ails You
“The honesty and wisdom that grace this book will serve as a balm for others coping with their own pain.”
—Best Friends Magazine on Humphrey Was Here
“These animals jump from the pages, warm the heart, and inspire the soul.”
—The Humane Society of the United States on Old Friends
PRAISE FOR MARK’S BOOKS:
“Beautifully told story about how important dogs are in helping, healing and brightening your day.”
—Reader review of All That Ails You
“The honesty and wisdom that grace this book will serve as a balm for others coping with their own pain.”
—Best Friends Magazine on Humphrey Was Here
“These animals jump from the pages, warm the heart, and inspire the soul.”
—The Humane Society of the United States on Old Friends
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 6, 2023
Christmas Eve at the Shelter
Ginny is a middle aged lady alone in the world who volunteers at the animal shelter because she understands their feelings of abandonment.
There is a cast of canine characters who have their own conversations about how they got there, what their lives were like before, and the kinds of homes they’re wishing for this Christmas.
It’s a short story, easy and cute read that everyone should read before adopting or abandoning an animal. The furry wisdom was sweet and wise and this is the time of year we don’t want to take a puppy home and later abandon the dog at a shelter.
Ginny is a middle aged lady alone in the world who volunteers at the animal shelter because she understands their feelings of abandonment.
There is a cast of canine characters who have their own conversations about how they got there, what their lives were like before, and the kinds of homes they’re wishing for this Christmas.
It’s a short story, easy and cute read that everyone should read before adopting or abandoning an animal. The furry wisdom was sweet and wise and this is the time of year we don’t want to take a puppy home and later abandon the dog at a shelter.
December 7, 2017
A cute story for middle grade kids
A story about dogs in a shelter discussing their life and hopes. A cute story for middle grade kids but I think it would appeal to more if it had a few pictures scattered around in the story.
A story about dogs in a shelter discussing their life and hopes. A cute story for middle grade kids but I think it would appeal to more if it had a few pictures scattered around in the story.
July 11, 2016
A Night at the Animal Shelter for Middle Grade and any age.
I purchased this on the recommendation of BookBub for my grandchildren as a middle grade recommendation, but I sat down to read it for myself immediately. The child in me wanted to know about that night and I wasn't disappointed. Five canine misfits at the animal shelter face a lonely Christmas Eve. Each dog shares their story as to why they have ended up at the shelter. The reasons are as different as the dogs. However, they are all the main reasons dogs find themselves in shelters. Some other reviewers have noted that it is simply written. It is, as would be expected of a middle grade book. It is powerful too, in its ability to touch your emotions. Your heart aches as the dogs relive their former happy homes and describe their yearning to find another. That night something special happens which in turn sets in motion happy futures for our five friends. While the book does communicate that dogs continue to come into the shelter, parents need not worry that the book is depressing. Even though dealing with a sad subject, the book is quite uplifting with the sweet ending the author gives it.
I purchased this on the recommendation of BookBub for my grandchildren as a middle grade recommendation, but I sat down to read it for myself immediately. The child in me wanted to know about that night and I wasn't disappointed. Five canine misfits at the animal shelter face a lonely Christmas Eve. Each dog shares their story as to why they have ended up at the shelter. The reasons are as different as the dogs. However, they are all the main reasons dogs find themselves in shelters. Some other reviewers have noted that it is simply written. It is, as would be expected of a middle grade book. It is powerful too, in its ability to touch your emotions. Your heart aches as the dogs relive their former happy homes and describe their yearning to find another. That night something special happens which in turn sets in motion happy futures for our five friends. While the book does communicate that dogs continue to come into the shelter, parents need not worry that the book is depressing. Even though dealing with a sad subject, the book is quite uplifting with the sweet ending the author gives it.
September 20, 2014
This was a really cute story of five dogs whom after a holiday sale at the shelter that they were in, did not get adopted. It is Christmas eve and a loving employee puts the dogs in kennels next to one another and gives them each a treat and some extra attention, well later when they are all alone a bit of magic begins to happen. A heartfelt and cute story of these, five interesting dogs.
This story said it was 104 pages, but I don't know if that also included, what I didn't see when I bought it which is:
*Note: This short story includes the first four chapters of the author's book All That Ails You: The Adventures of a Canine Caregiver.
I personally don't like to read chapters of a book, but would prefer just to buy it so I was a bit surprised when the story ended at 60% on my kindle.
Saying that, the story Love for Freedom was a story well worth reading.
This story said it was 104 pages, but I don't know if that also included, what I didn't see when I bought it which is:
*Note: This short story includes the first four chapters of the author's book All That Ails You: The Adventures of a Canine Caregiver.
I personally don't like to read chapters of a book, but would prefer just to buy it so I was a bit surprised when the story ended at 60% on my kindle.
Saying that, the story Love for Freedom was a story well worth reading.
May 20, 2014
A cute look inside the minds of the dogs trapped inside "doggy prison". In this short little novella we meet five different types of dogs. They each represent a type of dog that end up at the shelters. High-strung, older, unwanted, "damaged", or a dog unwanted because of breed. I enjoyed the interaction between the dogs and can relate to their care giver. I know there is something very special about the unconditional love a pet can give.
May 16, 2016
WOW! What a story! Love for Freedom!
I enjoyed this story very much Mark! And it had such a lovely ending for what can be for these dogs,yes? Therefore I would love to recommend this for five stars and for say a sixth grader and up who can sit still long enough to. finish reading this and who loves reading dog stories and rescue animal stories,too! I received this ebook for free and in return, here is my honest review. Great job Mark! By Angela
I enjoyed this story very much Mark! And it had such a lovely ending for what can be for these dogs,yes? Therefore I would love to recommend this for five stars and for say a sixth grader and up who can sit still long enough to. finish reading this and who loves reading dog stories and rescue animal stories,too! I received this ebook for free and in return, here is my honest review. Great job Mark! By Angela
July 11, 2016
A great family read.
A great story with loveable realistic characters.
The only way it could be better would be to have gone into more depth with the endings.
Both my husband and I loved this story and the kids loved us sharing it with them.
The ideal bed time story.
A great story with loveable realistic characters.
The only way it could be better would be to have gone into more depth with the endings.
Both my husband and I loved this story and the kids loved us sharing it with them.
The ideal bed time story.
January 6, 2018
Fun but sad what people do to dogs
Fun but sad what people do to dogs. Story narrative from the point of view of the dogs who are in the animal shelter at Christmas time. Each has a story and most are due to human neglect or not respecting canine life.
Fun but sad what people do to dogs. Story narrative from the point of view of the dogs who are in the animal shelter at Christmas time. Each has a story and most are due to human neglect or not respecting canine life.
December 18, 2017
Dog Stories
This short work provided inspiration for an acting piece I am working on for speech contest from the perspective of a pooch.
This short work provided inspiration for an acting piece I am working on for speech contest from the perspective of a pooch.
December 14, 2017
This was a very touching and heartwarming story about the activities on Christmas Eve night at the Animal Shelter. We have all known pets like the ones in this story so you can understand how they feel and why they act the way they do. The story also underscored how thoughtless and uncaring humans can be at times. As the night unfolded, it brought happiness and warmth back into the story. I would happily recommend this book to everyone.
December 17, 2017
Heartwarming
I wish all people could be as kind as Ginny. I love this story and hope it brings attention to how many great dogs out there need good homes.
I wish all people could be as kind as Ginny. I love this story and hope it brings attention to how many great dogs out there need good homes.
December 11, 2017
A best pick for animal lovers
A very good and emotional short read. Loved it. A very good one for young readers as it showcases what dog love or love in general is.
A very good and emotional short read. Loved it. A very good one for young readers as it showcases what dog love or love in general is.
December 10, 2017
Sweet story about shelter dogs!
A quick read and good storytelling! Love the dogs' perspectives! Well worth reading! Great adventure story of dogs being dogs!
A quick read and good storytelling! Love the dogs' perspectives! Well worth reading! Great adventure story of dogs being dogs!
December 10, 2017
Very sweet
This was a short, sweet story with well-described characters (dogs). The writing style was good and my heart was warmed.
I also learned several new words!
This was a short, sweet story with well-described characters (dogs). The writing style was good and my heart was warmed.
I also learned several new words!
November 5, 2014
Light read, short and very enjoyable!
I really needed this book tonight Having some really sad times in my life lately, this is just what I needed. Believable story ..well I guess it depends on what you believe a true dog companion can do & something tells me my loving lab would be right in the mix. I don't understand how people take dogs into there life like an expendable lifes!
I really needed this book tonight Having some really sad times in my life lately, this is just what I needed. Believable story ..well I guess it depends on what you believe a true dog companion can do & something tells me my loving lab would be right in the mix. I don't understand how people take dogs into there life like an expendable lifes!
July 27, 2015
A short story, this is the tale of shelter dogs on Christmas. There are different reasons why each is in the shelter, but all are waiting for a forever home. The dogs talk and tell why they are afraid they will not be adopted.
July 11, 2016
Short but sweet
I loved the story of Maisie, Dutch, Peg, Georgie and Raider. Although it was
a bit short, the story was well executed and wonderful. I would definitely recommend this to a reader who loves dogs.
I loved the story of Maisie, Dutch, Peg, Georgie and Raider. Although it was
a bit short, the story was well executed and wonderful. I would definitely recommend this to a reader who loves dogs.
August 24, 2016
I loved this book
As a person that is involved in animal rescue I really enjoyed this light hearted story. Not all dogs are as lucky as to be in a shelter like this one. The dogs did sum up humans with great comments about the truth as a dog sees it. Good job Mark.
As a person that is involved in animal rescue I really enjoyed this light hearted story. Not all dogs are as lucky as to be in a shelter like this one. The dogs did sum up humans with great comments about the truth as a dog sees it. Good job Mark.
July 1, 2017
Great books. Kids will love this!
This would be a great book to read to elementary kids. It's a good story with a great ending. As an adult, I loved the characters and thought of my crew who are all mixed breeds and were once homeless on the streets and shelters.
This would be a great book to read to elementary kids. It's a good story with a great ending. As an adult, I loved the characters and thought of my crew who are all mixed breeds and were once homeless on the streets and shelters.
June 7, 2015
Very sweet short story about a few dogs that have not been adopted and it's Christmas Eve. They've been left alone and share an adventure that raises their spirits.
January 24, 2016
Very sweet!!!!!
This short story made me cry and smile. Very well written!! I look forward to reading more by this author.
This short story made me cry and smile. Very well written!! I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 13, 2016
I enjoyed it.
It was a very sweet story and I enjoyed it. I have a rescue dog and I can't imagine her being in a cage.
It was a very sweet story and I enjoyed it. I have a rescue dog and I can't imagine her being in a cage.
July 23, 2016
Sweet story
Simple story that's quick and easy to read. Children will love the animals and their personalities. Great for a quick summer read - easy to complete in short time.
Simple story that's quick and easy to read. Children will love the animals and their personalities. Great for a quick summer read - easy to complete in short time.
July 28, 2016
Cute!
Such a cute story from a shelter dog's point of view. Though fictional, I wish I could take them all home with me.
Such a cute story from a shelter dog's point of view. Though fictional, I wish I could take them all home with me.
December 30, 2016
Great short story
Makes you want to run out and adopted a shelter dog. Sad to think how they get taken to a shelter and left like they never mattered.
Makes you want to run out and adopted a shelter dog. Sad to think how they get taken to a shelter and left like they never mattered.
November 4, 2017
Cute
A Nice little Christmas tale. I found the ending just a little weak, but all in all a fun read for a cold evening.
A Nice little Christmas tale. I found the ending just a little weak, but all in all a fun read for a cold evening.
February 27, 2018
Great read aloud for the grandkids.
Fun story for young dog lovers. A good read aloud. Short enough to be read in a few sittings. Plan to read other stories by this author.
Fun story for young dog lovers. A good read aloud. Short enough to be read in a few sittings. Plan to read other stories by this author.
April 5, 2018
Excellent
This book was so well written, holds great motivation of living your pets to the end, and there feelings of hope for just being loved and properly cared for!
This book was so well written, holds great motivation of living your pets to the end, and there feelings of hope for just being loved and properly cared for!
October 9, 2019
Reality lovely reality
I chose this rating because I want life to turn and become this good 👍!
The world should be seen from eyes this clear.
I chose this rating because I want life to turn and become this good 👍!
The world should be seen from eyes this clear.
October 15, 2019
A Sweet “tail” :)
A very sweet, heartwarming story showing a shelter dog’s point of view. It made me want to adopt them all!
A very sweet, heartwarming story showing a shelter dog’s point of view. It made me want to adopt them all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews