Book Review: A Dog's Journey (W. Bruce Cameron)

  "Some people just don’t appreciate having a dog around. It’s sad to think there are people like that. I knew Gloria was that way—maybe that’s why she could never be truly happy." - A Dog's Journey

   I have just finished today reading the sequel of "A Dog's Purpose," book by W. Bruce Cameron. He is my new favorite author when it comes to dog novels. I have seen all of his novels that were made into movies namely, "A Dog's Purpose," and "A Dog's Way Home." I have both enjoyed watching these films.

"A Dog's Journey," will be shown in theaters this 2019, and I am excited to watch it. Movie adaptation, aren't really 100% the same as with the novel. There's a difference. Plus, you cannot really put all the story details in the movie, because of the limited time. If you plan on reading the book, and watching the movie, then you shouldn't continue reading this blog post of mine.

I have read, "A Dog's Purpose," and there are differences in the novel, and movie. In the book, Ethan died, while in the movie the ending is happily ever after with Hannah, and Buddy (Bailey). The novel, "A Dog's Journey," picks up after Ethan died, and Buddy was recalling his memories with 'his boy' Ethan, and then Clarity or CJ for short was introduced as a tiny tot, together with her mom Gloria, whom I considered a sort of villain in the novel. In the movie Ethan asked Buddy to take care of Clarity as Bailey (Buddy) did for him. Then in the book we see how Molly (Bailey, Buddy in his past life) crossed paths with a grown Clarity. We are also introduced to her best friend Trent, who has a dog also, named Rocky. In this lifetime Molly (Bailey), and Rocky were siblings. The writer of this novel incorporates the theory of reincarnation in his stories, as Bailey becomes reborn again, until he finds the person he's meant to watch over.

Molly will die in the beginning of the story, due to a car accident. Then she will be reborn again, and be a small dog named Max. He will find his way, and will be back in Clarity's arms. She's an adult now. The character of Clarity, or CJ is kind of problematic. She has issues with herself. You will know that she has an eating disorder. She always pukes (vomits) after eating. I'm glad that she has a good friend like Trent who has been there all her life. CJ seems to be choosing the wrong things in her life, especially the man in her life. During her teenage years she was imvolved with a delinquent guy, and because of that guy, she was ordered to do a community work. She chose a dog program. After all the ups, and downs in the story, CJ and Trent ended up together. But its not happy ending still. Trent has cancer. Max, having the memory of Molly makes the signal when he smelled Trent's breath. CJ will remember the previous actions of her late dog Molly. In the novel, dogs were trained to signal, when they smelled something off in a person's breath. In the book it is mentioned that dogs have a sense of smell that's as much as a hundred thousand times more intense than ours. I believe in this. Dogs have a super sense, and a super smell. since I read that a dog helped a person with a skin cancer detect her condition in an earlier stage. (The dog licked a suspicious mole everytime, and the woman had it checked. It was skin cancer.)

Fast forward, Trent was cured. CJ continued her treatment and medication. She committed suicide before, and it resulted to the damage of her kidneys. Because of that they cannot have babies. Despite of that, Trent didn't love her less. Trent died ahead of CJ, she's a bit older now, and her mom, Gloria is in some sort of facility where they care for the sick elderly. CJ also worked there after the death of her mother, and she even got herself admitted. This time Toby (Molly, Bailey) was there again. Toby helped a lot of patients. He knows when a person is gonna go (die), and he goes to them to comfort them. What I like in this novel is that it is really realistic. Life is not always a bed of roses. We each all have a burden to bear. Not all of us have perfect families. We all get depressed. Also, death is inevitable. I remember when I posted on the social media before that "I am sad." My former co-teacher/friend before, commented "Get a dog." I took that advice negatively before. Because, I thought what I want is a person, not an animal. It is only now that I get to appreciate, and realize how special dogs are, now that I have my own dog.

The novel has a happy ending. Ethan, and Bailey were united in the afterlife together with CJ, and all of their loved ones. I'd like to think that there are dogs in heaven too, and when I also leave this world, I and my beloved dog will meet again someday. I'm sure, God made dogs to be our companions, also because dogs are good teachers too of loyalty, and love.

"A Dog's Journey," is one beautiful, tearjerker novel. I did cry while reading this. I'm glad I picked up this novel. If you are a dog lover/owner. I recommend this book for you. Two thumbs up!

Movie Review: Hearty Paws (Heart Is...)

  I have just finished watching Hearty Paws, also known as Maeumi. This is a 2006 South Korean film. Spoilers ahead! If you plan to watch the movie, please do not read this review of mine.

This movie is about two siblings, Chan yi and So yi. They live in their aunt's house since their mother left them. For her younger sister's birthday Chan stole a puppy to give to his sister, as a birthday present. They named the dog, Hearty. The dog's real life name is Dolly, and she's a Labrador Retriever. (Dolly also starred in another Korean suspense/thriller movie entitled, Blind.) Just an update Dolly left this world on May 2016.

Life was happy for them even if they live a simple life. Then, their aunt, and uncle needs to relocate because of his uncle's job. Unfortunately, their aunt cannot bring them to their new place. Before they left, she gave Chan the address of their mom. During winter time an accident happened. Hearty, while looking at the kite fell in the cracked icy floor, and into the ice cold water. So yi, walked to where Hearty is, and so the icy floor cracked further, and she also fell in the ice cold water. Chan was not able to save So yi because he was relieving himself. Hearty was able to get out of the water but So yi died. Chan came to hate the dog, Hearty. When Chan set out to find his mom in Busan. Hearty followed even if it meant a long travel for her. Chan was not welcome in his mom's place, and he found out his mom was leaving for the U.S. with her partner. Along Chan's journey, he came across children who works for a syndicate. They solicit money from people in the bus saying they are looking for their parents. The gangster's leader was a cruel man, with a rough dog, named Becky. (I am not an expert in dog breed, but she looks like a German shepherd to me. Correct me if I am wrong.)

Hearty risked her life many times for Chan's life. It is painful to see Chan despising Hearty, and being cruel to her even if Hearty continues to follow him around. This movie really made me realize how loyal, and loving is a dog compared to a human. Also, in the movie the mother of Chan was not around most of his lifetime. Only Hearty proved to be the most loving, and loyal companion to Chan. This movie was truly a super-duper tearjerker. I cried a lot. Of course, the very sad scene when Hearty was dying made me cry, and think... What if it is my dog Happy?

The ending of the movie was very realistic. For us, dog lovers, and dog owners. We know, and we are very sure that a dog won't break our hearts ever. Maybe, only just one time, and that is when they will leave us. They say that our dog's life span is not that long compared to us humans, so we should cherish every moment that we spend with them.

By the way, the photo that I posted here, were all screen shots from the movie. The movie poster was taken online. Over-all the movie was good for me. It shows how dogs love. They are great teachers of unconditional love. Life is not really smooth for everyone of us. I think the reason why God made a dog is to give hope, and joy to  people who are lonely in this world. Dogs are like sunshine. I recommend this movie to all dog lovers out there, and to those who aren't. Just give this movie a try, and open up your heart.

Supernatural TV Series

  I have enjoyed watching Supernatural tv series before that I even bought dvd copies of the series. But now I have no trouble watching it because I can watch via Netflix, by using a vpn of course. It is about two brothers and how they came to be involved in solving Supernatural events. Along the way they died but were resurrected, and they met this angel named Castiel, and also they butt-kick devils. The famous line, "Saving people, hunting things, the family business." never grows old. They also have a cool ride, a 1967 Chevrolet Impala.

Before I got hooked on Grimm tv series and its also good. I have also liked Supernatural but I got bored when I reached Season 10. I became a fan before. I even joined the Supernatural Fans for Life group in Facebook. I also wrote to studio fan mail asking for a signed photo of Jensen Ackles. I requested for it last year and it has arrived this month of February.

I also have two Funko Pop keychains of the Winchester brothers Sam, and Dean. I haven't continued watching the series because I am so hooked on dog novels now. You can binge watch it on Netflix U.S. In the later seasons, a special episode with the Scooby doo gang is worth looking forward too.

Care Bears

  If you are an 80's kid probably you may have heard of the Care Bears cartoons. It was one of the most popular cartoons back then. I remember my brother had a blue Care Bears lunch box before. This is one unforgettable cartoons along with Rainbow Brite.

According to Wikipedia, Care Bears was first introduced in 1981 in greeting cards from American Greetings, painted by Elena Kucharik. Then later, the characters were used for toys, and tv. There are around 218 Care Bears characters now.

I'm really fond of Care Bears, and they are still known until now. I tried buying a few  Care Bears merchandise. A decade ago, I asked for a Bedtime Bear plush toy. It was almost a thousand bucks at that time. It has a heart shaped button, with a Care Bears print, and tag at the back. I like the color blue that's why I asked for it. I also have with me a Care Bears hanging door/wall decor with a painting of Love a Lot Bear, and Bedtime Bear.

I recently bought a Funko pop vinyl toy of Love a Lot Bear, Care Bears pin and necklace set that I ordered abroad, which is by the way really expensive because its vintage, and a Care Bears movie dvd. In the Care Bears display box set of accessories, only a single box case was damaged.

Care Bears cartoons was also aired locally in my country before. Who doesn't remember these Care Bears characters? Braveheart, Love a Lot, Grumpy (I took a Care Bears character test, and this one came out), the cute baby Care Bears, Hugs and Tugs, Tender Heart bear, Funshine bear, Cheer bear, and Wish Bear. Actually, there are a lot of Care Bears. The ones that I mentioned were the ones that I recall. Care Bears cartoons is running on Netflix Philippines also. It is 3d like, and it seems like the bears version there have slimmed down. Its nice, but I still prefer the classic cartoons. Yeah! I'm an old soul, for I also enjoy listening to classic songs from 50's to 70's.

For me the best cartoons are those during my childhood days. More values, and quality compared to the cartoons that are airing now. Ah! How I love the 80's and the 90's.

Movie Review: A Dog's Way Home

  Today I have watched another film based on W.Bruce Cameron novel, entitled "A Dog's Way Home." The cinema tickets now are expensive. This is another "dog" story. It is about a pitbull Bella, and her long journey way back home. I have read a lot of negative comments with regards to this movie. One article I've read is from the organization PETA. My personal opinion. I don't think that the movie gives out bad messages. Actually, there's a lot of good lessons from the movie that some don't see. In the movie pitbulls should not be seen outside or they will be captured, and sent straight to the pound. There's a part wherein Bella was surrounded by a pack of wolves. I think that animals really do clash, or just don't get along. Its not the intention of the writers of the movie to portray wolves as savages. Its just the same like the snakes. They are often portrayed as dangerous in some movies and where are the critics here? I don't think this movie is sending out negative messages. I also like that they used a pitbull in the movie. There's a wrong impression that pitbulls are deadly, fierce and ferocious. In the movie Bella is a loving, and obedient dog, and she is also shown as a therapy dog in the movie.

If you have loved the first movie of W.Bruce Cameron, "A Dog's Purpose," I'm sure you will also love this movie. This is a family friendly film. There is also a book/novel by W. Bruce Cameron with the same title. If you want to see a light, and heartwarming movie, then this one's for you. A very beautiful message echoes in this film, that no matter how far you are to your loved ones, love will always find a way! I am excited for prequel of "A Dog's Purpose," and that's "A Dog's Journey."  I also have a copy of this book. Finally, a film that has no sex, and violence. So if you're free during this weekend head on to the nearest cinema and watch it together with the whole family.