ith their eagerness to listen to us, love us and lick us, no questions asked, it's no wonder dogs are man's--and everyone else's--best friend. It's also no surprise that pups--playful, courageous, clever, or even a bit naughty--are at the heart of so many great tail-wagging tales.

Families from coast to coast were unanimous in their praise for the dog-themed films we suggested. An upstate New York family wrote, "We enjoy watching these kinds of family movies very much. Both Homeward Bound and Far From Home had beautiful scenery and happy endings that we all liked." And another East Coast family is among those who found the subject matter irresistible. "Our boys (ages 1, 2, and 4) just love animals and like to watch and read anything about them," said Mom Alison. Steven Krabacher agrees, "Abby (7) and Sam (1) like to watch anything with animals." Amy M. of California added, "We all loved the movies."

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 60 percent of households in this country own at least one pet and you can bet that a good number of those are colorful canines. Whether a dog is already part of your family or you just like to watch pooches from afar, you'll enjoy these videos about some very special furry friends.

• Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey [0] (Disney, rated G, ages 4-up)
  
  The three brave pets in this video will amaze you. When their owners have to take a trip out of town, wise old dog Shadow, peppy pup Chance, and prissy cat Sassy are supposed to stay on a friend's ranch. But the pets get nervous without their owners around and decide to leave the ranch and find their way back home. They make a daring trek, starting across some of California's mountains, and though they are hungry, tired and even injured, they continue to head toward home, where their favorite people are waiting (and worrying). If you don't get a lump in your throat at the end, check your pulse.

• Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog [0] (rated PG, ages 8-up)
  
  When Angus and his yellow Labrador retriever become stranded in the wilderness, they must learn to survive. This story tugs at the heart by addressing issues of friendship, courage and trust.

• Shiloh [0] (rated PG, ages 8-up)
  
  When 11-year-old Marty befriends a skittish Beagle he finds near his home, he never imagines that his new four-legged pal belongs to the family's nasty, dishonest neighbor Judd Travers who has abused the dog. How all of their lives are changed makes this a wonderful and touching family story. Kids who really get caught up in this story will enjoy Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's triology of books about Shiloh.

• Old Yeller [0] (Disney, rated G, ages 4-up)
  
  A Texas family adopts a spirited stray dog in this story set in 1869. You'll definitely want to share this classic, filled with moments of humor and tenderness, with the whole family. And don't forget to have the Kleenex on hand for the ending.

• Lady and the Tramp [0] (Disney, rated G, ages 3-up)
  
  Tramp, a dog from the streets, woos Lady, a sophisticated pooch who lives with a human family uptown. The dogs' romance blossoms and we get to meet all their entertaining friends, too, in this top-notch animated classic with memorable musical numbers.
  

Disney's Lady and the Tramp was pretty much considered best in show, even by those who had already seen it many times. "I like Lady and the Tramp because it's simple and not scary," commented dad Steven Krabacher. The LaClair family noted, "We rented Lady and the Tramp for Christine (4), who didn't remember it from when we had watched it before. We thought the movie had the most romantic dinner scene (the spaghetti scene) of any cartoon ever created." And another K. family also found much to like: "The kids liked the animation and the songs of Lady and the Tramp--it puts all of those lame cartoons to shame," wrote mom Alison. "Lady and the Tramp was always one of my favorites, so we had fun watching it together," said Amy Mayfield, mother of Addison (7), Kyle (5) and Delaney (1).

Homeward Bound tickled the imagination of the Mayfield family as well. "The adventure on Homeward Bound is great!" said mom Amy. "Addison and Kyle laugh about the dogs' speaking voices in the movie. Now they want a dog that can talk!"

Shiloh was a hit with older kids who were perhaps familiar with the novel it is based on. "Ryan (12) had read Shiloh so he was able to tell us the differences between the movie and the book," said Peggy LaClair.

Seeing dogs on screen brought up some pet issues at home, too. "Our family has a one-year-old mixed breed dog with lots of energy, (to put it nicely)," said an upstate New York mom."These dogs remind us of the dog we wish we had. Not all dogs are like the ones on the movies. I'm now inspired to keep trying with our dog who is still young and has a lot of good qualities; she just needs lots of time and work." The Mayfield home doesn't have a pet yet, but "we are ready to get one soon," said mom Amy.

So, go ahead, don't miss out on all the four-legged family fun. Check out some of these videos today. And for those parents out there who have a night off coming to them, you can continue this dog theme in the theatres by seeing the new release comedy that takes a satirical look at the dog show circuit, "Best in Show".

Take It From Me: "Clifford the Big Red Dog (now on PBS) is a great cartoon my boys (all dog lovers) look forward to every day. It is very simple and has good themes for the toddler set."
--Alison K.

This article © 2001-2004 Studio One Networks.

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