DoesTheDogDieDotCom

My Dear Princess and Dear Fellows,

I have mentioned doesthedogdie.com before. It is now my go-to whenever we watch ANYTHING. From "Seven Psychopaths"* to "Rambo: Last Blood"** to "Crufts".

So today, when I decided to watch the dogcentric film "Togo", about a team of husky dogs undertaking a dangerous journey across perilous terrain in Alaska in 1925, I went STRAIGHT to doesthedogdie to ensure that Togo (the dog) and all of his mates make it.

The website assured me that Togo and his mates all survive and that although there is some dog injury, "care is promptly given". It went on to say that we are told in an epilogue that Togo dies of old age after a happy retirement.

Phew. So safe to watch then.

Ahem. Well. Sort of.

For you see, although you do indeed hear in the epilogue how Togo had many happy years after the dangerous dog sled adventure, and how he had lots of pups and although you don't see him die, you still hear from Willem Dafoe (playing the doggy owner) how much he LOVED his doggy and how he still sees his ghost everywhere and how... and how...

OH GOD, PASS ME A TISSUE! IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN!

"I knew this film would be like this!" snuffled Caro, accusingly.

So oops. That was definitely my fault. But despite the fact that Caro and me were both wrecks afterward, it is still a good film. Togo is a lovely doggy, especially in his naughty puppy years. But I'm glad I have cats with non-dangerous professions. 

On the subject of cats, you will see a picture of my hand in the extras. It has been mangled by Jasper, in playful mood. My other hand is just the same, only I can't take a picture with zero hands so you'll have to take my word on that. 

I know that Jasper loves me too. But, as "Togo" proves, love can be painful.

S.

* According to the website, "Many dogs and rabbits appear in the film. None are harmed or die because, as Billy says, 'You can't let the animals die in a movie, just the women'."

** According to the website, "Fortunately, John Rambo releases all of the horses from his ranch before planting the explosives and setting up all of the gasoline traps."