There is never a shortage of amazing things one can find on the web, and the site I recently came across is no exception.
As both an animal and movie lover, I am particularly sensitive to animal suffering and death on film. I have a very hard time watching cruel or violent treatment of any animal even if I know it’s an animatronic sit-in for the real animal. It’s still inordinately painful. I also much prefer to know that the animal lives happily in the end, but I know, realistically, that may not be the case. I also know, despite the oversight by a humane organization, that unacceptable behavior towards animals in film has been known to occur.
So if I’ll be upset by animal suffering, what about children? How much and at what age can they accept and understand animal suffering or the dog/cat/horse/whatever dying at the end, even though it may be a logical plot ending?
Well, here’s the site that will guide you to whatever you or your kids can tolerate – Does the Dog Die? Does the Dog Die has currently reviewed 680 films and indicates by a happy, neutral or crying dog icon if animals live, recover or die in the end. Click on any of the film names and you’ll get details about how every animal in that film is treated and what happens to it.
There’s an awful lot of violence and death in films (and TV) today, both human and animal. Sometimes we just don’t need to watch it. So check out Does the Dog Die? and decide for yourself how much you want to take in.
Still A Dreamer 
I love this Jeanne!! Thank you so much for sharing this awesome link (which I’ve now saved for easy use). Just the other day I was recalling my annoyance with the part in the movie Michael where Sparky gets hit. I was annoyed because it felt too formulaic, like they were trying to force me to cry. That tends to annoy me. Sure enough, the listing on this great site you’ve provided warns with an unhappy dog face that yes, Sparky dies (being a part of the formula so the angel can bring him back). The movie had great parts and I felt it didn’t need that tear-jerking addition. Hugs to you my friend! xo Gina
LikeLike
Hi Gina, Glad you liked this post – it’s good to have resources, right? I know that human and animal characters die in films, and oftentimes it’s an integral and important part of the plot, but sometimes it’s gratuitous or just unnecessary or forced – like you mentioned in Michael. I hope they keep adding more movies! Take care,
Jeanne
LikeLike
Hey Jeanne, this is a very interesting resource. I had no idea such a site existed for such considerations.
I don’t understand why some people think that animals don’t suffer or feel pain as humans do.
Thanks and hello.
LikeLike
Hello to you, too! It is amazing what’s on the web, is it not? I agree, I don’t know how people are not brought up with compassion for animals as well as humans. We’re all inextricably connected in my book.
LikeLike