In trying to find ways to emotionally connect with a wide audience base, writers and filmmakers alike really hit the nail on the head with movies centered on animals, more specifically family pets. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Milo and Otis, Marley and Me, A Dog’s Purpose, and Dog are just a few films in an incredibly long list of movies about pets, their owners, and their interminable bonds through life.
Most pet owners, at one point in their lives, have had to deal with a pet who has been sick, lost, or even dying. Everyone knows the lengths that many pet owners will go to help or save their furry family members, and those that don’t still rally around to show empathy and support during these circ*mstances. Movies like the ones listed above and like the upcoming Dog Gone, releasing soon on Netflix, tug at the heartstrings of anyone who knows the importance of the love of a good dog. Here's everything we know about the new film.
Dog Gone: The Plot
Based on the bookDog Gone: A Lost Pet’s Extraordinary Journey and the Family Who Brought Him Home by Pauls Toutonghi, this true story has compelled readers since it was published in 2016. Toutonghi not only shows how a cherished pet being sick or lost can devastatingly impact a family, but he also breaks down the family dynamics and how these beloved pets can and are used to help heal past traumas.
Related: Best Dog Actors in Movies, Ranked
The story takes place in 1998 and focuses on Fielding Marshall (Pauls Toutonghi’s brother-in-law) and his devoted golden retriever mix, Gonker. A family-oriented dog with odd quirks like needing to pick his own stick to play fetch, Gonker is seen in the trailer doing what dogs do best: bringing joy to his people. One day while out hiking the Appalachian Trail, Gonker runs off from the trail and is lost.
This presents a problem for Fielding and his family for a couple of reasons. Not only is their dog lost in the treacherous wilderness, but he is also without his life-saving medication. You see, Gonker was diagnosed with Addison’s disease which affects the adrenal glands. This disease severely impacts the body’s ability to experience and process stressful situations. If left undiagnosed and untreated, Addison’s disease can cause major health crises and even death. The added stressor that Gonker needs his medication in order to survive adds to the urgency of the Marshalls finding and rescuing their dog.
Fielding’s father John and his mother Virginia join forces to start a widespread canvas to attempt to locate Gonker. This garners a lot of local attention and even attention from people around the world who rallied around this family to give support and love during their time of need. In the emotionally charged trailer, we see the love between the dog and his owner, the devastation in the family members as they desperately search for their lost companion, and the outright determination of John who will not stop saying that they will find Gonker because he just believes it to be true.
Dog Gone: The Cast
Gonker’s owner and main character of the book and movie Fielding Marshall is played by relatively new actor John Berchtold. While he has mostly starred in shorts and television series thus far, some may have seen him in 20 Seconds to Live, The Wilds, and Gaslit. Perhaps starring in this Netflix movie will help him make his move to the big screen.
Rob Lowe (Parks and Recreation,The West Wing) stars as John Marshall, Fielding’s father, sage advisor, and unshakable search partner. His devotion and tenacity in helping his son find his lost dog shine in the short trailer put out by Netflix. In an interview with Tudum, Lowe says, “I’m super proud of the film. It’s just a total emotional journey that will definitely give you all the feels.”
Related: These Movie Characters Love Their Pet(s) More Than They Do Any Human
Alongside Lowe’s character, John, we have his wife and Fielding’s mother Virginia, who is played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Father of the Bride 1 & 2 and According to Jim). Williams-Paisley brings the emotional outlook of a mother who is slightly incredulous at the possibility of finding Gonker on the vast Appalachian Trail but also is as determined as her husband in saving their son’s dog. Other recognizable actors in supporting roles are Susan Gallagher (Cobra Kai), Soji Arai (Apple TV+’s Pachinko), and Annabella Didion (Outer Banks).
Release Date and Everything Else We Know
This biography and true story was written for the screen by Nick Santora (Most Dangerous Game, Prison Break, Scorpion), directed by Stephen Herek (Critters, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Mr. Holland's Opus), and executive produced by actor and star of the movie, Rob Lowe.
If you have not read the book, if you are curious about the outcome of Gonker’s wilderness journey and his family’s search for him, or even if you are just a lover of animals who watches these types of movies because you desperately want pets and their owners to always have a happy ending, your wait will be over soon. Tune in to Netflix on January 13 for the release of Dog Gone.
