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Christmas at Battersea: True Stories of Miracles and Hope
Christmas at Battersea: True Stories of Miracles and Hope is full of heart-warming festive tales about the bond between man and animal, from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
'Battersea Dogs & Cats Home never closes its doors, not even on Christmas Day' - Paul O'Grady
On Christmas Day this year, an army of dedicated volunteers will be making the day as special as possible for the four-legged residents of Battersea, with knitted jumpers for poorly puppies and turkey dinners for hungry kittens.
Christmas at Battersea features tales of rescue from Battersea's staff, and of inspirational owners who find a place in their hearts and homes for abandoned pets.
You'll meet:
- Scrappie the mongrel puppy, left in a bin on the coldest day of the year
- Shadow the Pug, whose loyalty helps a widow through her first Christmas alone
- The litter of puppies named after Santa's reindeer, in urgent need of a home on Christmas Eve
- Rosie the Staffie, rescued from a freezing lake
Featuring tear-jerking but uplifting real life stories about the animals that have passed through Battersea's doors at Yule time, Christmas at Battersea is the perfect present for animal lovers.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is the oldest and most-loved animal home in the country, caring for thousands of lost, abandoned or unwanted cats and dogs every year. Royalties from the sale of this book go towards supporting the work of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (registered charity no. 206394).
'Battersea Dogs & Cats Home never closes its doors, not even on Christmas Day' - Paul O'Grady
On Christmas Day this year, an army of dedicated volunteers will be making the day as special as possible for the four-legged residents of Battersea, with knitted jumpers for poorly puppies and turkey dinners for hungry kittens.
Christmas at Battersea features tales of rescue from Battersea's staff, and of inspirational owners who find a place in their hearts and homes for abandoned pets.
You'll meet:
- Scrappie the mongrel puppy, left in a bin on the coldest day of the year
- Shadow the Pug, whose loyalty helps a widow through her first Christmas alone
- The litter of puppies named after Santa's reindeer, in urgent need of a home on Christmas Eve
- Rosie the Staffie, rescued from a freezing lake
Featuring tear-jerking but uplifting real life stories about the animals that have passed through Battersea's doors at Yule time, Christmas at Battersea is the perfect present for animal lovers.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is the oldest and most-loved animal home in the country, caring for thousands of lost, abandoned or unwanted cats and dogs every year. Royalties from the sale of this book go towards supporting the work of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (registered charity no. 206394).
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2014
41 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
37 books14 followersEstablished in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners; when we can’t do this we care for them until new owners can be found for them.
We’re one of just a few animal rescue centres that run a non-selective intake policy. This means we accept any breed of animal, at any age, including dogs or cats with serious medical and behavioural problems. Our expert team of dog trainers and veterinary staff give the animals in our care the best possible chance of a fresh start in a happy new home in the UK, or even further afield.
There is no time limit on how long an animal stays with us until the perfect new owners are found.
We work hard to educate the public about responsible pet ownership including microchipping, neutering and training. This includes educational talks and visits to schools and organisations, events, and publications.
We’re one of just a few animal rescue centres that run a non-selective intake policy. This means we accept any breed of animal, at any age, including dogs or cats with serious medical and behavioural problems. Our expert team of dog trainers and veterinary staff give the animals in our care the best possible chance of a fresh start in a happy new home in the UK, or even further afield.
There is no time limit on how long an animal stays with us until the perfect new owners are found.
We work hard to educate the public about responsible pet ownership including microchipping, neutering and training. This includes educational talks and visits to schools and organisations, events, and publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 21, 2016
This is an incredibly heart warming book, full of 14 chapters, talking about specific dogs and cats that have been rehomed from Battersea.
The introduction, explains just how the day works at Battersea Dogs & Cat Home, in all three of its sites, and it focuses on Christmas day, and just how amazing everyone that works there is, and just how well treated the animals they look after are. Right from the introduction this gave me far more knowledge of how the charity works, than I realistically knew before.
Then each chapter is a separate story, from a different pet owner's perspective, explaining their life before and after adopting a Battersea animal. Obviously the cases of cruelty in the rescue cats and dogs are touched on but not gratuitously, nor is it the focal point for the book.
The main focal point is just showing how wonderful and fulfilling adopting a rescue cat or dog can be, and just how much you can change their lives, and your own, with just some love and a good home.
I loved reading each individual story, and was a bit surprised that there were more dogs than cats featured, but there are some recurring themes. There are the stories of three puppies from the same litter, which are named after some of Santa's reindeer, interwoven in amongst the other chapters. Each one of them had very different personalities but all sounded great.
My favourite chapter was the one about working dogs, both police and rescue, and includes a mention of how Battersea keep an eye out for potential working dogs, and start doing initial training with them, to test their suitability. I found it fascinating and eye opening, and I am so glad I now have that insight.
There were quite a few moments during the book where I was on the verge of tears, both happy and sad, and depending on your personality type, it may be wise to have a box of tissues handy when you read this. I was originally going to read this slowly over a couple of days, but I found I couldn't help just racing through the chapters, as I wanted to meet all the owners and animals and hear what they had to say.
There are many moments that made me giggle, with the antics of the animals, but at the same time I was impressed with just how intelligent some of the dogs really were. The other thing I learnt is that if you have a slightly older dog, getting in a new younger one, can give it a new lease of life, and make it feel young and full of life again.
I am so glad that I spotted this book while I was scouring Amazon, and think it is a must read for all animal lovers.
The introduction, explains just how the day works at Battersea Dogs & Cat Home, in all three of its sites, and it focuses on Christmas day, and just how amazing everyone that works there is, and just how well treated the animals they look after are. Right from the introduction this gave me far more knowledge of how the charity works, than I realistically knew before.
Then each chapter is a separate story, from a different pet owner's perspective, explaining their life before and after adopting a Battersea animal. Obviously the cases of cruelty in the rescue cats and dogs are touched on but not gratuitously, nor is it the focal point for the book.
The main focal point is just showing how wonderful and fulfilling adopting a rescue cat or dog can be, and just how much you can change their lives, and your own, with just some love and a good home.
I loved reading each individual story, and was a bit surprised that there were more dogs than cats featured, but there are some recurring themes. There are the stories of three puppies from the same litter, which are named after some of Santa's reindeer, interwoven in amongst the other chapters. Each one of them had very different personalities but all sounded great.
My favourite chapter was the one about working dogs, both police and rescue, and includes a mention of how Battersea keep an eye out for potential working dogs, and start doing initial training with them, to test their suitability. I found it fascinating and eye opening, and I am so glad I now have that insight.
There were quite a few moments during the book where I was on the verge of tears, both happy and sad, and depending on your personality type, it may be wise to have a box of tissues handy when you read this. I was originally going to read this slowly over a couple of days, but I found I couldn't help just racing through the chapters, as I wanted to meet all the owners and animals and hear what they had to say.
There are many moments that made me giggle, with the antics of the animals, but at the same time I was impressed with just how intelligent some of the dogs really were. The other thing I learnt is that if you have a slightly older dog, getting in a new younger one, can give it a new lease of life, and make it feel young and full of life again.
I am so glad that I spotted this book while I was scouring Amazon, and think it is a must read for all animal lovers.
July 19, 2016
A good-natured holiday-themed collection of anecdotes from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home staff and members of the public who have adopted pets. These are stories of love and friendship: of bonds between existing pets and newly adopted ones, of the ways animals help their owners recover from illness and grief. Twelve of the 14 stories are about dogs, but cat lovers should be placated by the remaining two. The tale of Tonka and Bisbee, adopted as a pair, highlights not just these two cheeky cats but also the process of adopting an animal from Battersea.
My husband and I adopted Alfie, a Battersea cat, in June, so our Christmas looks different this year. Our spoiled cat has his own Advent calendar and a stocking to be filled with edible treats. I could relate to so many of the owners’ comments in this book, especially “He’s a cheeky little fella and he can be a pain in the bum sometimes, but he’s my pain in the bum.” This would make a perfect Christmas gift for animal lovers who enjoyed Marley and Me or A Street Cat Named Bob.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, in operation as a charity in the UK since 1860, has cared for more than 3 million stray animals.
(See my full review at Nudge.)
My husband and I adopted Alfie, a Battersea cat, in June, so our Christmas looks different this year. Our spoiled cat has his own Advent calendar and a stocking to be filled with edible treats. I could relate to so many of the owners’ comments in this book, especially “He’s a cheeky little fella and he can be a pain in the bum sometimes, but he’s my pain in the bum.” This would make a perfect Christmas gift for animal lovers who enjoyed Marley and Me or A Street Cat Named Bob.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, in operation as a charity in the UK since 1860, has cared for more than 3 million stray animals.
(See my full review at Nudge.)
December 15, 2015
A lovely Christmas book to begin the holiday season. Love that buying this book donates to them as well, since it's obvious they do some wonderful work in rehoming cats and dogs. I also loved how the book was broken down into individual stories, sometimes the new owners, or the fosters for the animal. Five stars!
Read
January 31, 2016This is a book for all pet lovers.It tells the story of dogs and cats that have been lefted at Battersea dog and cats home. Each chapter is about a different pet. how they came to live with the people that are now their owners. Some of it is sad and bits of it are funny. You may need a box of tissuces for some of the stories
January 3, 2023
An enjoyable seasonal read for viewers of ITV’s For The Love of Dogs. Having lost my beloved rescue dog in the last few months my heartstrings were regularly tugged on and waterworks unleashed. Ultimately, we don’t do right by the many domesticated animals that we bred to be totally reliant on us for the merest kindness, access to food/water/the outdoors etc. Spay, neuter and adopt is the mantra.
December 5, 2023
Christmas At Battersea is a delightful collection of fourteen stories of animal rescue and rehoming. The forward is written by the late, great, compassionate Paul O’Grady.
Each story is heart warming and heart breaking – dogs and cats in desperate need of rescue. We see the terrible conditions some are found in, as hearts and homes are opened to the animals in need.
The dogs and cats need rescuing but often they are the rescuers too. We hear of both human and animal hearts broken by loss, as new animals help to heal those sad souls. Animals give out unconditional love.
Each cat or dog has a unique personality and forms a loving bond with new owners.
This is a most charming collection – don’t forget the tissues though!
Each story is heart warming and heart breaking – dogs and cats in desperate need of rescue. We see the terrible conditions some are found in, as hearts and homes are opened to the animals in need.
The dogs and cats need rescuing but often they are the rescuers too. We hear of both human and animal hearts broken by loss, as new animals help to heal those sad souls. Animals give out unconditional love.
Each cat or dog has a unique personality and forms a loving bond with new owners.
This is a most charming collection – don’t forget the tissues though!
January 26, 2023
Must read
If you love all animals you need to read this book. Heartwarming and yet often heartbreaking the stories are inspirational. Battersea Dogs and Cats centres do an amazing job and need to be congratulated and appreciated by everyone but there is nothing these lost and at times broken animals need more than loving, forever homes. My beautiful boy Bailey was a rescue dog from Battersea. We shared our lives for 18 blissful years and my heart knows my life and my home will never be the same without him. This book touched my heart and made me smile and cry equally. Please if you get a chance have a read....
If you love all animals you need to read this book. Heartwarming and yet often heartbreaking the stories are inspirational. Battersea Dogs and Cats centres do an amazing job and need to be congratulated and appreciated by everyone but there is nothing these lost and at times broken animals need more than loving, forever homes. My beautiful boy Bailey was a rescue dog from Battersea. We shared our lives for 18 blissful years and my heart knows my life and my home will never be the same without him. This book touched my heart and made me smile and cry equally. Please if you get a chance have a read....
December 29, 2025
Warning: This book will make you want to take in a cuddly puppy or kitten, regardless of whether you have the money or permission from your landlord to do so. Read at your own risk!
In all seriousness, this is a lovely collection of heartwarming true stories about rescue cats and dogs finding loving homes. What else is there to say? 5 stars.
In all seriousness, this is a lovely collection of heartwarming true stories about rescue cats and dogs finding loving homes. What else is there to say? 5 stars.
February 7, 2018
Great book. I cried anspd laughed and remembered our own cats and dogs. I remembered our dogs and cats were in our house at Walker's and loved the pictures of the cats and dogs. I cried on number 94 bus to Cheltenham back from spa great in Cheltenham town.
February 24, 2019
This book is an excellent guide into the responsibility of keeping a pet and an excellent read.
A book that I recommend to any one swishing to embark on adopting or fostering a car or a dog
A book that I recommend to any one swishing to embark on adopting or fostering a car or a dog
January 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this book all the stories about people giving forever homes to dogs and cats that had unfortunately found themselves at battersea dogs and cats home for one reason or another.well written lovely stories.
December 11, 2021
A collection of absolutely precious and heartwarming stories of dogs (and some cats!) being adopted around Christmas time. It was super sweet but also very realistic about the difficulties of adopting and owing a pet. The pictures were adorable!
May 6, 2017
Review to follow
December 19, 2017
Brilliant Read for Animal Livers
If you like happy endings and a perking into the workings of Battersea Dog & Cats Home, you will enjoy this book. And all of the stories heartfelt.
If you like happy endings and a perking into the workings of Battersea Dog & Cats Home, you will enjoy this book. And all of the stories heartfelt.
December 28, 2018
Heart warming book, will definitely put tears into any animal lovers eyes. So sad to hear story's of the poor animals and the great work battersea does. A must read for any animal lover
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2021
Oh my goodness how many times did I cry reading this book of happy endings! Loved it though, very heartwarming as well as heart breaking!
February 12, 2022
Absolutely loved this book book from beginning to end. Heart warming and endearing.
May 6, 2022
Beautiful stories of cats and dogs who found their way to battersea and to loving homes. I found myself invested in thier lives just as I am when watching Paul O'Gragy on the telly.
November 23, 2023
A lovely book
January 16, 2024
A lovely read 📚 great stories
November 16, 2024
So sweet, heart warming!
December 17, 2025
This is a truly inspirational book of true life animals and peoples bond and the Christmas spirit! It was such a great read!
March 5, 2023
Good book full of true stories of rescue cats and dogs!
November 21, 2024
A great book for those who love Christmas, Battersea Dog's Home, Paul O'Grady and tales of dogs.
This was a lovely collection of stories with little miracles and hope as it's basis. A great gift for someone who loves animal stories.
This was a lovely collection of stories with little miracles and hope as it's basis. A great gift for someone who loves animal stories.
February 21, 2017
I've read similar books before now and enjoyed them, despite the sometimes heartbreaking endings to the anecdotes. This book however, often told the same story from both the Battersea staff's point of view, and the people who adopted the animal. This wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, had the writing not been drier than the Sahara rendered very 'same same' by the editing. Boring.
December 3, 2015
This book is probably the best I've read in a long time. it is absolutely one of the un-put-downable ones, I read it in two days. full of heartwarming stories of cats and dogs who are rescued when at deaths door and nursed back to health and finding new loving homes at Christmas..lovely, lovely Christmas read!!
February 15, 2015
Wonderful different stories of wither cats and dogs that have had a rough start in life but then how they found their way to Battersea and then how an owner was found for them all stories were told around Christmas and well worth reading. Very sad to learn of the hard start that they had.
Read
December 20, 2015This book was brilliant. I really enjoyed it. Was so pleased to see the dogs and cats getting the homes they so deserved in the end. Hope there are more books from Battersea like this one released because I will definitely buy them. Would certainly recommend it as a great read to anybody.
December 23, 2014
Really enjoyed reading these true stories about a UK Rescue facility in UK. Royalties from this book go toward supporting Battlesea Dog and Cat Home.
January 2, 2015
This was a wonderful heartwarming book to start 2015 off with. Moving stories of dog & cat characters given a second chance at life in loving homes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews