“Not My Dog,” But It Should Be

In the midst of a world full of Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Pomeranians, and Shibu Inus, it can be easy to miss a loyal black German Shepherd that has more love to offer than can even be returned. 

In the midst of a world full of Spider-Man, The Odyssey, Project Hail Mary, and Toy Story 5, it can be easy to miss a small independent film with a purpose. 

This is the spirit behind Trash Panda Pictures’ newest feature film, Not My Dog.  The film follows seventh-grader Bridget, who stumbles upon a black German Shepherd that she eventually names Nudge.  Nearly the entire film, Bridget is reluctant to accept the dog, nevertheless Nudge follows Bridget everywhere she goes as she encounters a myriad of characters.  Most of those characters are nice, but some aren’t.  There is a villain to this story, who has some serious Cruella de Vil energy, huge coat and all, trying to stop the dog “permanently.”  But most of the film is about Bridget and Nudge navigating Hartford, Connecticut (big shout-out, best East Coast town) and growing together, culminating in a resolution to the conflict that can’t help but make the viewer smile. 

The most obvious word that comes to mind while watching Not My Dog is “heartwarming.”  It brings back memories of family-friendly films, including classics like Stuart Little and more recent films like Christopher Robin.  There are numerous made-for-television films that at least attempt to elicit such a cozy feeling.  Some of them are quite cheap, and relatedly, Not My Dog is not a big-budget affair.  This is a small independent film, and in multiple ways that can become visible.  Trash Panda Pictures clearly invested heavily in high-quality equipment and the film echoes Hollywood productions, but whether it’s the occasional shaky cam or the difficulties with framing, there are technical craft aspects that could stand for improvement.  While these minor defects don’t have an overt effect on the viewing experience, it is apparent that writer-director Danny LeGare is skilled but hasn’t reached the peak of his powers yet. 

On the note of LeGare’s skill, the website TV Tropes has an entire page dedicated to a fact that echoes throughout all of filmmaking: “Never Work with Children or Animals.”  Rylie Pennington as Bridget and Inkosi as Nudge are on-screen during nearly all of the eighty minute film, and just being able to complete principal photography is incredibly impressive.  While Pennington is not quite as impressive as the child actors in recent theatrical releases like Buddy or Omaha, and Inkosi does occasionally walk around set in a way that seems undirected, this is all a matter of degrees.  LeGare impressively accomplished the filmmaking equivalent of herding cats, and it has a positive impact on the film. 

According to LeGare, Trash Panda Pictures has partnered with the 15/10 Foundation, and five percent of the net proceeds from Not My Dog are being donated to help shelter dogs with medical needs receive treatment and have a better chance at finding a home.  No matter how socially important films like Obsession or Leviticus are, it is a rare opportunity to support a film that has a concrete impact on the cause.  Not only can viewing Not My Dog inspire people to adopt a dog that may be facing tremendous odds, but even that simple action of watching has a social effect.  That matters a lot more than, you know, whether a particular scene is blocked correctly.