More silver screen fur friends

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz with friends.

The JOLT News Staff

This week our column is going to be about animal movies, but we were asked to make a request by our Friends of JAS (Joint Animal Services). 

 Every dollar you give makes life better for the animals being cared for by JAS staff, volunteers and fosters.  Your support makes it possible for Friends of JAS to complete projects. With your continued support, there will be many more to come. 

• Provide soft, warming blankets so pets recovering from surgery feel sorted. 

• Brighten the Get Acquainted Room, giving adopters and pets a cheerful   place to meet and make lasting connections. 

• Add a fun dog agility course to the play area, giving dogs much needed exercise, enrichment and joy while they wait for their forever homes. 

• Provide disposable scratching pads for cats to satisfy their natural instincts and reduce stress during their stay.  

Your generosity brings comfort, healing and play to pets who need it most. 

Join Friends of JAS, and if you would like to become a member of Friends of JAS, please visit their website to learn more and to join (located in Olympia). 

 Now, on with our main attraction.

With the official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggesting a winter forecast of below-average temperatures coupled with the possibility of above-average precipitation, this winter may shape up to be one of those stay-at-home with a good book or movie, and a hot cup of tea (or beverage of your choice).  If you are looking for something to watch in the movie or television show category, here are some of our recent favorites. 

Warning: While all these movies and shows contain animals, with some based on true stories, we feel it is our duty to inform you that some of these movies are tearjerkers bordering on “three handkerchief movies.”  We will try not to give out any spoiler alerts. 

"Arthur The King" (2024) - Mark Wahlberg and Ukai, the dog, in the title role. 

It is based on the true story of an adventure racing team who, while racing in the Dominican Republic on a 435-mile trek and after the team captain played by Mark Wahlberg befriends him, is then accompanied by the wounded stray dog who they name Arthur the King. Inspired by the 2016 memoir, “Arthur - The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnor,” we found it a heartwarming story and just plain fun to watch. Some of the strongest bonds are formed under extreme situations. 

We give it 5 out of 5 dog treats. 

Stephen King’s "Cats Eye" (1985) - Drew Barrymore, James Woods and Alan King 

A horror anthology written by Stephen King (mild by today’s standards but a little creepy none the less). Two segments are adaptations with the third being an original just for the movie, and are all connected by the presence of a mysterious tabby cat. While some of the stories may seem tame, and are a little bizarre, please remember this is Stephen King in 1985 when anything he touched was turned into a movie. But it does have a wonderful stray tabby who ends up with three different names. 

Roger Ebert gave this 3 out of 4 stars, but we give it 4 out of 5 cat treats. 

"Rescued by Ruby" (2022) - Grant Gustin, Kaylah Zander and Scott Wolf 

Another film based on a true story, this one follows a Rhode Island state trooper who dreams of joining the elite K-9 Search and Rescue unit. He is unsuccessful in achieving his goal until he adopts a rescue dog from a local shelter. The film does explore a little touched subject that not all adoptions from shelters work out and sometimes the animals are returned for various reasons. In this story, Ruby has been returned several times and, despite some initial failures and successes, the trooper realizes that both he and the dog have a lot of the same admirable traits and personality quirks, which enables them to learn to work together. This film is very inspirational. 

We give it 5 out of 5 dog treats. 

"Cats & Dogs" (2001) - Jeff Goldblum, Michael Clarke Duncan and Sean Hayes 

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the world of our beloved cats and dogs? Well wonder no more as this movie exposes it all as an army of cats set out to destroy a vaccine that, if it works as expected, would destroy all human allergies to dogs, with the dog’s armies bent on thwarting their evil plan. And, as if this wasn’t enough for you, there are two additional sequels. 

To be fair, we are giving 2.5 dog treats with 2.5 cat treats for a total of 5. 

"Backyard Wilderness" (2018) - Short film

Backyard Wilderness will entrance you with the beauty of nature that is right in our own backyards, as seen through the eyes of a young child noticing it for the first time.  It reveals a side of us that some may forget to experience, as we get caught in the day-to-day trappings of life.  It’s a short film and just what we need.  

Easily a dog treat, cat treat, bird seed and some peanuts for the squirrels. 

"Hudson & Rex" (2019-present) - John Reardon, Inspector Rex and Mayko Nhuyen  

Based off the Austrian-Italian drama "Kommissar Rex," Hudson & Rex is an action-packed, hourlong drama series about a detective, Charlie Hudson, and his German shepherd partner, Rex, as they solve a variety of crimes in and around St. John’s, New Foundland. Very enjoyable. While there are lighthearted moments, this is definitely not a comedy.  Season eight is out now, but the actor who played Hudson is off the show, so the jury is out if the fans will still enjoy it. 

Seasons one thru seven all earn 5 doggie treats. 

Rounding out this year’s selection are two films, one being the original and the second being a remake. 

"Quill:  The Life of a Guide Dog" (2004) - Kaoru Kobayashi and Kippei Shiina 

Based off a Japanese novel, it is told in a story like narrative, as we see a Golden Labrador puppy hand-picked to live with a couple, who as volunteers, train guide dogs to help the blind. He earns the name “Quill” due to the unique birthmark he has.  We then follow him as a young adult where he is sent to a guide dog school for more formal training.  From there he is paired with an older man, who upon losing his sight has become bitter but is eventually won over by Quill’s patience, skill and devotion. 

"Little Q" (2019) - Simon Yam, Roger Kwok, Gigi Leung and Charlie Yeung 

While this is another retelling of the story made famous in a Japanese novel, it is the incredible performance by the great Hong Kong actor Simon Yam that makes this movie a treasure to watch. His portrayal of a famous pastry chef, who is going blind, and the Golden Labrador guide dog who gives him hope and saves him from suicide proves why he is a screen legend. 

Both films earn our coveted 5 Golden Biscuits out of 5. 

 Paws for thoughts

“Time spent with cats is never wasted” - Sigmund Freud

Thom Donitz and Trish Lynn are neighbors and close friends who share their love of animals and wildlife. Trish and Thom are residents of Tumwater. Contact them at  pets@theJOLTnews.com.