Movie Lessons in Pet Ownership

by Adrian Johansen

If you’ve ever loved an animal, you know that they’re not just an accessory to your life. They’re very often the centerpiece of your life story, your entire family history. And that’s probably the reason why pets aren’t just ubiquitous in American homes. They’re also the heroes of Hollywood, the stars of some of the greatest, most iconic, and highest-grossing films.

But animals on screen aren’t just about entertainment. If you’re a pet owner, there’s a lot to be learned by turning to the silver screen. This article looks at some of the best and worst examples of pet ownership in movies — and what you and your furry companion might take away from them!

The Importance of Good Veterinary Care

If you’re a dog lover, then the 1983 box office blockbuster, Cujo is sure to break your heart and send a shiver down your spine. Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, it’s the story of a lovable Saint Bernard that contracts rabies and goes mad, ultimately killing his neglectful “owner” and terrorizing a mother and her young son.

The plot speaks to the responsibility of pet ownership and the terrible and long-ranging consequences of pet neglect. Not only did poor Cujo himself suffer a devastating fate, so too did innocent human beings who were menaced, hurt, and even killed, through no fault of Cujo’s. 

When you become a pet parent, you’re not only obligated to ensure the health and happiness of your fur baby through regular veterinary care, but you’re also responsible for any harm that might occur as a result of your negligence. For example, if you allow your dog to roam the neighborhood unleashed, even under your supervision, you are still likely to be legally responsible if your canine companion gets into a fight with another dog or attacks or bites a human.

Charges of negligence are especially likely if you’ve failed to keep your fur baby up to date on their vaccinations, or if you fail to exercise due caution with more aggressive dog breeds.

The Role of Obedience Training

Of course, diseases like rabies and risks such as a dog attack aren’t the only problems pet owners have to guard against. Your four-legged baby might not pose any threat, but, without proper obedience training, they can still be a holy terror. 

Take, for example, films like Beethoven (1992) or Marley and Me (2008). Both films tell the stories of big dogs with big personalities, causing big trouble. Both Beethoven and Marley soon become the beating heart of their family, a situation any parent of a loving but naughty canine can identify with. 

Nevertheless, pet guardians can learn from these entertaining romps how important obedience training from puppyhood can truly be. It can save a lot of frustration, a lot of stress and grief, and free you to enjoy more peaceful, happier times with your fur child.

The Need to Understand Your Pet

Of course, pet owners don’t just learn pet parenting lessons when our furry friends are being bad. In the delightful animated feature, The Secret Life of Pets (2016), audiences get a glimpse of the world from behind those soulful, heart-melting eyes. 

If you’re a pet parent, odds are you’ve suspected that your fur baby gets into some pretty wild hijinx when you’re not around. And The Secret Life of Pets speaks to that universal suspicion. 

In addition to being a cute and fun imagining of our pets’ realities separate from us, the movie also suggests that it might well be worthwhile to learn more about what’s going on with our babies behind our backs. For instance, you might invest in an in-home wi-fi surveillance system to help you keep an eye on your babies when you’re not at home. Some of these technologies even enable you to talk to your pet from your mobile device. There are even systems that enable you to play with your pet and dispense treats remotely!

Best of all, though, you can monitor your fur child, check in on them to make sure they’re well and safe, and identify any hazards they might be getting into while you’re aways. After all, those clever little souls have a particular knack for getting into trouble you never would have thought of!

The Takeaway

Our pets aren’t just animal companions. They’re our hearts and souls. They’re comfort when we’re blue. They’re entertainment when we’re bored. Above all, they’re the heart of the family, turning our houses into a home through their unconditional love and boundless spirit. It’s no wonder that Hollywood would be fascinated. But watching pets on the silver screen is more than just a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. It’s also perfect for learning lessons in pet ownership that can help you give your fur child the healthy and happy life they deserve.