Movies to Watch After You Lose a dog

So, your dog died.

I won’t ask you how you are after this tragic event, because if you're anything like me the answer is probably “not well.” But I will say, "try to take care of yourself during this time. I hope you are surrounded by individuals that are there for you when you are ready to talk about it.” But what better way to process your grief than watching movies that highlight the bond between one and their dog?

This is not a holistic list but it is your starter pack.. If you find this in poor taste, I don’t recommend proceeding. We all grieve and process in different ways, and mine has always been through film and television. Media can be a momentary escape or a function to help unpack emotions that you may find challenging to explain. If film or television has ever served a similar role for you, I hope you continue reading for some helpful suggestions!

Today, I compiled a list of movies to watch after losing a dog. I should probably preface this by adding that you don’t have to lose a dog to watch them.For my cat and turtle people out there, I can work on another list for you if you are so inclined. Without further ado here's the list:

Marley and Me: This is the most poignant piece out of the line up and deserves to be ranked at the top. Marley was integral to the family structure in the story, and the movie demonstrates how you grow alongside each other. It’s a touching piece to watch and a bit cathartic seeing my own experiences mirrored on screen in the span of two hours. I remember watching this movie when I was younger and not fully understanding the weight of losing one's pet, but a rewatch has allowed me to appreciate it more.

Unfortunately, Marley and Me loses some points at the end. I don't find it believable that the human characters weren't crying more over the loss of their pet! That dog was your family. Feel something goddammit!

John Wick: It may not be your typical pick due to being an action thriller franchise, but it holds up under scrutiny. If you didn’t understand John’s actions before, I think you would now after losing your own pet. I’m not condoning violence, but in this fictional world full of hitmen there is no reason to mess with the retired one that just lost his wife. John’s actions were a warranted response to (spoiler alert) losing his dog Daisy, the last gift from his dead wife. If you happen to like the first movie you can watch the next three in the series, no more dogs die in those!

Isle of Dogs: For all the Wes Anderson fans, this one's for you. If you have not seen this movie I highly recommend it, including its portrayal of the bond between humans and their pets. It is a beautiful, witty film, with exquisite stop motion animation that captivates you, that altogether serves as a push to watch on a rainy day. Plus, as a bonus, if you say Isle of Dogs slowly it sounds like you're saying “I Love Dogs,” (I really liked that fact, so hopefully it can bring you some joy as well).

Honorable Mentions: Airbud, Old Yeller, Because of Winn Dixie, 101 Dalmatians, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Secret Life of Pets, A Dog’s Purpose.

That concludes the list, so you can now keep it in your back pocket if you want to watch something during this time. Thank you to all the dogs out there and may they always know their importance in the world. And shoutout to my own dog Milo, for granting me a wonderful thirteen and a half years by his side.