Dickens & Rumi
Cover of A Dog's Way Home

film

A Dog's Way Home

2019

The adventure of Bella, a dog who embarks on an epic 400-mile journey home after she is separated from her beloved human.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard product presence, not excessive commercialism.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Includes the death of a parent of an acquaintance met on the road; focuses on emotional aftermath.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild; some scenes show a dog injured or hungry, but it is not graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language, mainly occasional insults or exclamations.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

A same-sex couple appears briefly in a non-central role; LGBTQIA+ representation is present but not a major part of the story.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Subtle romantic interest for the human protagonist, but it is background detail.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Includes tense situations where the dog is lost or in danger of predators.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Brief, non-glorified depictions of adult social drinking.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes encounters with wild animals like wolves and mountain lions, and brief scuffles.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The central journey requires sustained bravery and endurance, while human characters also face hardship and act to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Shows animal ingenuity and problem-solving in survival scenarios.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a diverse cast of characters in supporting roles.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into animal behavior and the challenges of pet ownership.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy toward animals and people, friendship, caregiving, and mutual help are recurring and important elements.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes emphasize loyalty, perseverance, belonging, compassion, animal welfare, and helping people who are vulnerable or marginalized.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows great dedication and loyalty as a pet; human characters show compassion.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in A Dog's Way Home would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in A Dog's Way Home, and what caused that change?
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