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.

Had the honor of seeing this film this evening. Shows the very personal side of someone struggling with addiction while having so many powerful reasons to stay sober.

I loves a the entire movie but two power pieces for me was the need that we all have for connection. Someone struggling to stay sober and has a friend that keeps showing up. I love this and the truth behind it, so often there is someone that never gives up and just allows the person struggling to be themselves find themselves heal. That person doesn't always do the absolute right thing but they keep showing up.

Second piece for me as an animal lover but also someone who understands connection to something or someone else might be the only thing that keeps us going. The pup was that. The relationship precious and so important.

Matt (Rob Grabow) is an alcoholic struggling to get clean. His mother sent him a letter with her dying wish to see him sober. His native American friend Fred (Michael Spears) offers him a 30 day stay at an isolated ranch. He encounters a stray husky.

This is a small time indie. The start has some promise. I like the little discussion between Fred and Matt about the Braves. It's a solid non-direct way to reveal the characters and it's a little funny. It's probably the last interesting scene. While I love a good doggal, that's not enough for a full length movie. Grabow is doing three jobs in this. He's a fine actor. Maybe he's a good writer, but his directing is rather lackluster.

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 😁

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.