The Year of the Dog

I loved The Year of the Dog! Beautifully shot in Montana in winter, the snowy mountains make a magnificent background for the story of Matt (played by Rob Grabow), an alcoholic whose recovery journey leads him to a chance encounter with stray husky. Matt convinced that he needs the husky for his goal to stay sober for 30-days (his mother's dying wish), adopts the dog and names him Yup'ik. The man-dog bond is delightful to watch. And yes, the husky (played by rescue, Caleb) is a scene-stealer. Grabow who also wrote, produced, and co-directed the film, cast an an accomplished group of film and television actors, including two prominent Indigenous actors: Jon Proudstar (veteran of over 50 films and TV series, including Hulu's Reservation Dogs) and Lakota actor Michael Spears (Dances with Wolves, Reservation Dogs, and 1923), an incredible group of military veterans in both cast and crew roles, as well as a glorious array of dogs. Sit back and enjoy The Year of the Dog -- but be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.

There's a lot to love about this movie - maybe my favorite thing is that it explores male vulnerability with other men, which is something we rarely see in the movies. I believe that's something we all benefit from witnessing. And this movie has several scenes where you so deeply feel for the pain the lead character Matt, beautifully played by Rob Grabow, is going through. And you just want him to make it through!

I also love the doggies! They are so cute and it's a lot of fun to watch Matt bond with his new Husky friend. The Husky is actually a real life rescue and this film started his entertainment career which is a cool behind the scenes detail.

The most beautiful part of the movie though is that it is about connection. The importance of our connection with the ones we love when we're struggling and suffering. It's a very meaningful look at the struggle of living with addiction and working to get sober and will resonate so strongly with anyone who has struggled with or knows someone who has struggled with addiction. Go see it!!!!

This movie hit a nice balance between sweet, poignant, and thought provoking. As someone who's been affected by addiction in my life and relationships, I connected with the character Matt, and the arc of his redemption was uplifting. Great acting and filmography for an indie flick and I enjoyed seeing some native actors that I recognize! Better music, plot, and scenery than most of the feature films that are put out recently and this one just feels a little bit more authentic and less manufactured. Not exactly a movie for the kids but probably something I'd watch with my kids in a few years when they hit high school. The dog is super cute too 😁

Check out this small movie that plays big with your heart strings in a really good way. An underdog story about two of societies cast offs who help each other succeed. Beautiful scenery with a huge Montana backdrop. Created by locals of the shooting locations, it doesn't get much better than this. The directing, writing and acting are all solid and the story is well told. Really draws you in and gets you rooting for both troubled souls. The year of the dog uses a little known dog training discipline to great effect, presenting something rarely seen on screen. If you're looking for a solid drama set in a stunning location, check this movie out.

Love the cast and crew of this show, who put their heart into a scrambling production. Fighting weather and other setbacks they powered on.

I love working with Rob and the blue eyed pup stole my heart.

The locations were dynamic and everyone was so good to our show, opening their doors and arms. It was a long haul for me, and had to move onto other shows, but what I experienced was magic.

Would recommend everyone watch this show.... I know many alcoholics and their stories are heartbreaking. Including knowing a few who didn't make it.... so sad. My hope is they all find the light and walk toward freedom from addiction.