Dog wardens have a lot to answer for, don't they?
Ok, their presence means that we don't have to slide around on lumps of excrement on pavements (whatever happened to white dog muck?).
But since the worldwide determination to round up strays we now have no chance of stories like Greyfriars Bobby, the Japanese equivalent Hachiko and, of course Red Dog.
Come to think of it, how would Lassie have coped with tough council rules and regs?
I remember when our neighbour's dog used to regularly walk on his own to the shops half a mile away and back again without anyone batting an eyelid.
If his antics were eyebrow-raising, they were puppy steps compared to Red Dog.
This amazing hound traipsed all over western Australia in the 1970s and his exploits are the subject of this dramatisation by Kriv Stenders, based on the book by Louis De Bernieres (yes, the Louis De Bernieres) and Daniel Taplitz.
This is a treacly sweet movie which will have hound-lovers all of the world giving a collective 'aaah' of appreciation and the rest of us wondering what the fuss is about.
Essentially, Red Dog suddenly appeared out of the Australian desert to befriend the entire community of an iron works.
They all have their own stories to tell about his loyalty and derring-do as he lies, facing death after drinking poison.
John Lucas, Rachael Taylor and Noah Taylor have key parts of those who pay tribute to this prince among dogs.
His antics reminded me of a canine Skippy (ask your mum or dad if you are too young to understand that reference).
I would have found it all thoroughly far-fetched if it hadn't have been true.
Laughs: one
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 6/10
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