When we first saw the trailer for upcoming film A Dog’s Purpose, it looked a wonderful story about the love that dogs share with us, as their owners, so was on our radar to watch.
The film, based on the best-selling book by W. Bruce Cameron, concerns a dog who over several lifetimes and owners, looks to discover the purpose of his life.
The several lifetimes and owners got our alarm bells ringing that this could be quite a tearjerker, although giving when it comes to dog films we are pretty much always ready to cry, rest assured if anyone hurt Pepper, I would go ‘John Wick‘ on you =)
But the dog film that made us cry the most was one we have not seen, nor never will, it was a direct to DVD Disney sequel called Snow Buddies that followed Air Buddies.
The puppies that were hired included some that were underage, who contracted parovirus on set, which resulted in 5 dying. The breeder was charged for fraud for releasing false health documents but the damage is done.
It is something we were reminded of when a video was released by TMZ, which allegedly showed a dog on the set of A Dog’s purpose, being forced into the water, and the dog called Hercules does look scared.
Yet representatives from the American Humane society, who monitor use of animals on films were on set and have not highlighted any concerns.
Since the footage has been leaked. PETA and many others have set out to warn all of seeing this film, to the extent that the studio cancelled the premiere of the film and its box office is expected to be greatly damaged.
But there are inconsistencies, TMZ claim director Lasse Hallstrom was on the set all the time, which he denies. The footage also has a large gap from the dog going into the water, until the end.
Many of the cast including Josh Gad, who voices one of the dogs, as well as the director, turned to social media to share their concerns after the footage was released.
Since then a full investigation has been requested, Dennis Quaid an actor in the film has shared on the Today show, that Hercules had done the scene many times in rehearsals and we should not be concerned, he speaks as a major dog lover like us.
The Films producer Gavin Polone, who is also a columnist for THR has written a lengthy article about it too, he admits the dog looks concerned and lessons need to be learned, but also highlights inaccuracies in the reporting and of course the big point, why was did TMZ only release this 8 weeks prior to films release when filmed a year ago, when as they claim, the footage is so distressing?
It does seem Hercules was not feeling it that day, as he had done the scene in many earlier rehearsals; he is indeed fine today as has appeared since on USA today.
It is such a shame that this has happened as the film is about the love a dog can give us and that we can give back. Hercules reaction to getting in the water is very much like Pepper’s around getting in the bath, but unlike the benefits of a bath, we are sure the scene could have been delayed to when he was more comfortable.
As such we are having second thoughts about seeing a Dog’s Purpose, PETA have suggested if you do boycott the film why not give your ticket cost to a local pet charity? This of course is a good idea, as these organisations all need help!
As for now, we think we will read the book it is based on and see what comes out of the ongoing investigation before we make a decision to watch the film but how about you, will you see a Dogs Purpose or will you avoid it? We would love to hear your thoughts
You can see the Dogs Purpose trailer at its website here:
Or you can buy the book here:
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