Buddy Film About Soldier & Dog Gets Thumbs-Up From Veterans
Hollywood has made countless movies about war, but fewer films have explored the strong bond between soldiers, veterans, and the working dogs by their sides.
But Dog–which opened in U.S. theaters in February 2022—-skips the fighting to focus on the bond between an army ranger (played by actor and dog-lover Channing Tatum) and a military dog named Lulu. And the road trip comedy film is getting a thumbs-up from veterans.
In the film, Tatum (who also directed the movie) plays an army ranger named Briggs charged with driving a K-9 down the West Coast to her handler’s funeral. But as Briggs and Lulu embark on their journey, Tatum quickly learns the dog won’t listen to anyone but her late partner. Misadventures ensue.
Dog is a fictional tale, but the comedy road trip film is inspired by the real-life bond between Tatum and his own beloved dog, who died in 2018.
In the movie, Lulu is played by three different Belgian Malinois–Lana, Britta, and Zuza–who take turns playing the complicated K-9.
A little over a year ago I got back from a road trip where I said goodbye to my best friend. Now I’m making a movie inspired by her. So proud to announce that DOG will be released by @MGM_Studios and in theaters next Valentine’s Day weekend. pic.twitter.com/JXDqEy85JZ
— Channing Tatum (@channingtatum) March 2, 2020
But even while “Dog” isn’t a true story, those who’ve worked with military dogs report the movie accurately represents the initial challenge–and last bonding bonds–that develop between working dogs and their handlers.
According to the Military Family Magazine, working with military dogs can require lots of patience.
“Military working dogs kind of act like toddlers in the sense of there’s some days where they wake up, and they’re like ‘I’m not going to do what anybody says; I’m not doing anything,’” said Cpl. Dominic Pastino, who works with a 6-year-old German Shepherd called Mex.
But once those bonds have formed, military working dogs will do anything for their handlers.
“Even though they can’t talk, they have so much to say,” Mex’s handler told the magazine. “We work with them so much that they have to be your best friend. Really it’s awesome, and it’s that companionship that you can’t really get from a human.”
Watch the trailer below:
Have you seen Dog? Let us know what you thought!
