A Dog Year
Inspiration comes from all walks of life.
2009 • 80 min • Comedy · Drama
Synopsis
Jon Katz is close to burnout. He's a writer with writer's block; his wife has left for her sister's because he's emotionally distant; he rarely answers his phone. A kennel sends him a border collie that's undisciplined because of abuse. Despite a series of mishaps, Jon decides to keep trying with the dog, and he rents a dilapidated farm house to give the dog room to run. A local handyman refers Jon to a woman who might be able to help him train the dog. Reluctantly, Jon gives her a try. Is the dog the problem, or the owner?
Our family guide
Best from age 6- 61 Audience · 90 · 100%
A burnt-out writer struggling with writer's block and a failing marriage adopts a traumatized border collie. As he tries to train the challenging dog, he learns to confront his own emotional distance and find a path to healing for himself and his new companion.
- Violence & peril
- 1/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 1/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 0/10
- Scary moments
- 2/10
Heads up
- A dog with a troubled past is adopted
- Some themes of emotional distance and marital strain
What it models well
- Redemption and personal growth
- The healing power of pets
- Patience and perseverance
- Self-improvement and facing challenges
Talk about it after
- How animals can help us understand ourselves
- The importance of patience when facing difficulties
- Overcoming writer's block or creative challenges
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for A Dog Year. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
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Top billed cast
Director: George LaVoo • Crew: Jon Katz, George LaVoo
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