Hallmark to share Olathe author’s Christmas story with the nation

Olathe author Greg Kincaid knew he had something special when he wrote a Christmas story for his children 10 years ago.

His children disliked the original ending of the story, so he re-wrote it, and it became an instant hit the following Christmas.
“I wouldn’t have dreamed it would go this far, though” Kincaid said.
He turned the short story into a novel, “A Dog Named Christmas,” which found moderate national success.
It then became a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, which will air on local CBS affiliate KCTV-5 at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
The movie’s producers weren’t sure if they would finish production in time for Christmas this year. “There was some likelihood it wouldn’t get done until next year,” Kincaid said.
However, a short time after producers told him about the delay, Kincaid received a call that Hallmark was going to show the movie this holiday season.
Kincaid is excited about the movie, especially considering the number of books that are optioned for movies but never make it to production.
“Maybe one out 10 optioned for the big screen turn into a movie,” he said. “The percentage is much better with television and we thought there was a pretty good chance.”
His story now mirror’s the ending of his book and it’s a happy one.
“A Dog Named Christmas” tells the story of a developmentally challenged young man living on his parents’ farm in Kansas. He learns that the local animal shelter needs temporary homes for its dogs during the holiday season.
Overcoming his father’s objections, the family adopts a dog that the young man names Christmas. He then persuades others in town to adopt dogs as part of the “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.”
The town soon learns the true meaning of the Christmas spirit through the small acts of kindness toward man’s and woman’s best friend.
Kincaid’s story also has caught on in real life. A veterinary clinic in Pensacola, Fla., ran with the idea and worked with local media to have an adopt-a-dog program for Christmas. The clinic had 30 dogs, but more than 100 people wanted to adopt one.
“I thought it would work, but didn’t know for sure,” Kincaid said of the idea. “But when I heard about the clinic, I said, ‘My gosh, this really can work.’ ”
Now the idea is heading to the national stage.
“That’s the most exciting thing about the whole experience,” Kincaid said.
Kincaid will narrate a segment at the end of the movie Sunday that will encourage people to participate in a program to provide foster homes for lonely pets during the holidays. Petfinder.com, CBS, Random House and the Hallmark Hall of Fame will be sponsors of the program. More than 2,000 shelters and clinics across the nation are expected to participate.
Kincaid said he enjoys the idea of his novel becoming a movie and is excited about the foster program, but his first loves still remain writing and reading.
He’ll share some of his insights during a visit to Olathe’s Indian Creek Branch Library, 12990 S. Black Bob Rd., at 7 p.m., Dec. 7. He will discuss the book, the movie and the holiday foster program for pets. Copies of the book will be for sale and Kincaid will sign copies after the discussion. Registration is required, which can be made by calling 913-971-6879.