Williams: Christmastime is dog-movie time

If you’re looking for me on Christmas Day you won’t have to look far. I’ll tell you exactly where I’ll be — in a theater somewhere watching the premiere of “Marley & Me.” For those of you who didn’t get an opportunity to read the bestselling book by John Grogan, it’s the story of a family’s life and adventures with their lovable but ill-behaved and out of control Labrador Retriever.

I read the book several years ago, enjoyed it, but as a trainer I did have a few reservations and hoped that it wouldn’t glorify undesirable behavior. I am one of those people who happen to believe a dog that is in a state of complete disarray like Marley is not a very happy dog. Dogs live by a hierarchy and do bet with limits and order in their lives. So when a dog is acting out in the way Marley does, he is in a state of flux and crying out for help. But I digress. I know that I will greatly enjoy the movie. I’m a sucker for all dog movies.

There have been so many great dog movies through the years. This holiday season, in addition to “Marley & Me,” I think I’ll watch a few more. In fact, I think I’ll pick a day to do nothing but curl up with my dogs on the sofa (yes, egads, my dogs get on the furniture), and enjoy my very own, nonstop dog moviefest. Here’s some titles that will definitely be on my list:

1. Lady and the Tramp – I must've been about 6 or 7 years old when I first saw this beautiful movie, and though I had to have watched other movies prior, this is, in fact, the very first movie I can remember seeing as a child. I remember my mother taking me to the theater to see it and I was absolutely mesmerized. I can still see the waiter in the Italian restaurant serenading Tramp and Lady as they eat spaghetti together. I guess you could say this was the first love story I ever watched on screen and it was every bit as meaningful as the Erich Segal version starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw.

2. 101 Dalmatians – Even though the Disney company single-handedly ruined the Dalmatian breed with this one, I must confess I love the movie and always have. To me there have been few villains in movie history viler than Cruella DeVille. Well, Hannibal Lector is up there too.

3. My Dog Skip – There is just something about the story of a boy and his dog that tugs at our heart strings. I’m sure it was the time in my life when I saw this heartwarming movie, but I remember crying almost uncontrollably when I left the theater. My first Irish Terrier champion Fiona had just turned 16 years old and wasn’t doing very well. Seeing the elderly Skip lay down on his boy’s bed for the last time sent me right over the edge. I will never forget it.

4. Eight Below – Is the story of a researcher who must leave his team of sled dogs behind in Antartica. This one caught me by surprise. I wasn't expecting much but I really found this movie to be very well done, so much better than the other sled dog movies in recent years. Can we spell “Snow Dogs”? I also like that it was inspired by a true story of an ill-fated expedition that actually occurred in 1958. Any movie that shows the resilience and fortitude of dogs is always a plus in my book.

5. Lassie – Okay, there are probably a dozen or more movies with Lassie as the heroine, even though most times the dogtor playing the part was a female impersonator. We have to give it up for the most popular dog movie star of all time. Lassie is the quintessential symbol of the most awesome dog ever. I could watch a Lassie movie or episode of the ‘50s television show anytime.

6. Balto – This is the ultimate underdog flick, the “Karate Kid” and “Rocky” of dog movies. This animated film is also based on the true story of the 1925 sled dog mission that transported diphtheria vaccine from Anchorage to Nenana, Alaska. Balto is the n’er do well sled dog who led the last leg of the trek. Who can resist a movie where a dog saves the day?

7. The Adventures of Milo and Otis – This is the movie that made the world fall in love with Pugs. It’s really just a cute story without a lot of substance about a little orange tabby cat and a little fawn Pug who find friendship and live happily ever after. But for me this charming little film means much more. I rented it from the video store one day when my son Bryan was home sick from school and we watched it together. I had never seen him so affected by a movie before. He cried and cried. And even the next day when he boarded the school bus he waved to me from the window and I could see he was crying again. Of course this made me start crying. Wait a minute, I’m crying now just writing about it. Bottom line, if you want to cry, see this movie!

8. Babe – “That’ll do, pig.” Now that’s a classic movie line if I’ve ever heard one! Okay so Babe is really more about a pig than it is about dogs, but there are dogs a plenty in it, namely Border Collies doing what they love to do!

9. Homeward Bound – The lengths that pets will go through to return to their loved ones is showcased in this live action remake of the 1963 film “The Incredible Journey.” The original is worth a look too. This updated version stars an American Bulldog named Chance, and elderly Golden Retriever named Shadow, and a Himalayan cat named Sassy. The three go endure treacherous terrain and weather to travel back to their blended family.

10. Rin Tin Tin – I am happy to report that I am too young to have seen the originals, but there are at least a dozen movies, several TV series and countless radio recordings starring this wonder dog. I only recently found out that there actually was a real Rin TinTin, not just a movie character. Though he had many successors, the original Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd puppy an American soldier found in France and trained to do some incredible stunts.

All of the above titles should be available on DVD. Now that I’ve let the cat out of the bag, I’m going to search for my copies right away. I know there’s going to be other dog lovers with plans for dog movie marathons of their own. Enjoy!

Stafford resident Laurie C. Williams is a certified pet dog trainer and local business owner. She appeared on the television reality show “Greatest American Dog” with her Maltese, Andrew. Reach her at onesmartpooch@aol.com.