Phil (Matt London) is a fairly new widower with three energetic kids. Since this dad is still grieving, he is definitely struggling at home and at work. When his middle child, a boy, is on the verge of a birthday, he rashly promises the lad that he can have anything his heart wants. This turns out to be a dachsund! Well, dad gave his oath. Taking older teen brother and younger sister along, the four family members go to a dog adoption event at a local park. There is ONE weiner dog, a girl canine they love at sight. Naming her Shelley, the family is astonished when, on the way back to the car, a snooty lady (Morgan Fairchild) offers to buy the dog for ten thousand dollars! Nothing doing, its a birthday gift after all. But, one of the events' helpers, Melanie (Alicia Witt) tells the kids she is a judge at the local weiner dog races! Huh, could Shelley be the fast kind of dachsund? It sounds worth pursuing so Phil and Melanie come in contact with one another a couple of times and there may be a few sparks being set off. At the local race, Shelley comes in third, behind snooty lady's choice dog, Princess. This means Shelley can go to the next level. But, hotsy totsy woman begins to make trouble for Phil's family, putting their trip to a future race in doubt. There are other secrets festering, too. Will Shelley prove to be a champion, even as she heals her new family's saddest feelings? This is one great film for families! Yes, it has some formulaic aspects but, overall, its very fun and sweet. Witt and London make a great combination while Fairchild nails her role as the most annoying rich lady ever. All other cast members, including the kids, are wonderful. In addition, the dogs are just adorable, who knew that weiner dogs even raced? Yes, its true and is it a fun concept. Sets, costumes, script and direction are all above average, too. Weekend ahead looking kind of excitement barren? This little movie will remedy that!
