A Dog Named Duke (2012)

Director: Mark Jean

Starring: Steven Weber, Sarah Smyth, Allison Hossack

A homeless veteran leaves his dying dog and best friend, Duke, on the doorstep of an animal clinic. The dedicated staff nurse Duke back to health, and then launch a campaign to locate the veteran and re-unite him with his best pal.

Dog movies have a tendency to make me reach for the tissue box. No, not necessarily when they’re sad, but because of the heartwarming feeling dogs generally generate. I’m a HUGE dog lover!

‘A Dog named Duke’ is inspired by a true story, and tells the story of Terry Pulaski (Steven Weber), a war veteran recovering from an injury. Terry’s wife, Bethany (Kendall Cross) is a teacher, and when a dog one day simply walks into her class, she takes him home. Terry immediately takes a liking in Duke. When Terry receives word he can’t return to Service because of his injury, he is devastated. The agony and memories of war causes tension between him and Bethany.

The film then jumps ahead ten years, and Terry is separated, homeless and living in a trailer – with Duke still by his side. However, when Duke suddenly gets sick and Terry doesn’t have money for the Vet, Terry’s life is shattered. He decides to leave Duke on the Vet’s doorstep.

The story then revolves around the Vet – and Terry’s daughter – trying to find Terry again. What follows is a heartwarming story destined to make you reach for the tissue box! This movie is about so much more than just a dog, and it’s beautiful. I loved every character, and I especially enjoyed Steven Weber’s emotional performance as Terry.

Would I watch it again? Yes.