In December 2004, an aging black Labrador retriever on the first 
hunting trip of her long, good life spooked at the sound of gunshot 
and was lost amid the frigid rice fields of the Texas coastal prairie. 
For a week her owner searched for his old companion, knowing that 
her age and inexperience were stacked against her survival. When 
family obligations pulled him halfway across the country, sadness 
and gloom pervaded the approaching holiday. Then a freak 
snowstorm, a distant phone call, and a friend's lucky timing brought 
an unexpected reminder of the magic of Christmas.

_________________________________________________________

Award-winning conservationist ANDREW SANSOM is executive 
director of the Rivers Systems Institute at Texas State University. He 
has also served as executive director of both the Nature Conservancy 
of Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He and his 
dog, Scout, live in San Marcos.



What people are saying about this book

“ . . . the perfect companion to an evening in front of the fire with man’s 
best friend. A story that can help children understand the hard work 
that owning a pet can me, the happiness that good training can bring to 
both pet and owner, and the bond that can grow between a dog and its 
master, Scout, the Christmas Dog will be a favorite holiday read for 
anyone who has treasured a pet.”—Texas Illustrated Magazine, 
October 2006

"This is a story for hunters, Gulf coast outdoor enthusiasts or anyone 
who's a sucker for a dog story."—Houston Chronicle, December 2006