A Stray Dog for Christmas: How Suzy Was Adopted

PreS-Gr 3–In this fictionalized account of the author’s real-life experience, a family gives a stray dog a second chance as they embark on an unplanned pet adoption. “She didn’t yet have a name, but she would soon be called Suzy.” Readers brave a snowstorm along with a shivering Suzy, as her treacherous journey leads her to stumble upon an open door into a warm home, where she falls asleep. The next morning, Emily and Jack, the owners of the house, find Suzy there. “Will she like me?” Suzy thinks as she leans towards Emily. “Will she be my friend?” Gentle, affectionate, and well-behaved, Suzy captivates Emily, Jack, and even their dog George. After a trip to the veterinarian, Suzy becomes part of the family. Tan’s digital illustrations emphasize the chill of the snowstorm and the warmth of the house, as well as Suzy’s big, adorable brown eyes. With an increase in pet adoptions during the holidays and abandonment shortly after, this book successfully provides insight for children and caregivers interested in adopting animals by demonstrating the level of planning and commitment involved when deciding to care for a rescue animal. An author’s note describes the impact of Jokinen’s story going viral; they used the donations that came in for Suzy’s medical bills to sponsor hundreds of other pet adoptions.