Is Dog (2022) Based on a True Story?

‘Dog,’ directed by Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, is a buddy comedy with a heartfelt message. It follows Briggs, a former US Army Ranger who is tasked to transport a Belgian Malinois military working dog named Lulu from Washington to Arizona for the funeral of her old handler. They don’t get along at first, and Lulu is quite aggressive towards him. But he gradually warms up to her, and on their trip together, they teach each other a thing or two about life and love.

‘Dog’ deftly explores the bond between animals and humans, as well as the notion that a four-legged creature, like us, is capable of feeling every emotion. Everyone can identify to Briggs’ actual bond experiences and the bond he forms with Lulu, making them wonder if the film is based on true events and people. If you’re intrigued as well, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Is Dog Based on a True Story?

‘Dog’ is inspired in part by a genuine story. It is inspired in part by filmmaker and actor Channing Tatum’s real-life experiences as Briggs. He had a close bond with his late dog Lulu, after whom the main character is called. Tatum rescued her from a dog pound in 2008 as a Pitbull Catahoula mix. Lulu died of cancer in December after living with him for ten years.

2018.

Tatum was inspired to take on the project by his affection for his dog, which he shared with his long-time partner and co-director Reid Carolin, who co-wrote the script with Brett Rodriguez. Briggs and Lulu’s road trip is partially inspired on one of the actor’s last road journeys with his late dog. In one interview, he recalled her fondly, saying, “Lulu was my little shadow.” She was everything to me. She was my closest companion… She was diagnosed with cancer and fought valiantly. I dragged her into the fight for much too long. That is something I regret.”

“Towards the end, I took her on a small road trip to Big Sur and we camped and watched the sun come up,” Tatum continued. It was all you had hoped it would be. The next day, she was on the verge of dying. You never want to be without them. I was grieving the loss of my best buddy at a time when I didn’t want to be grieving anything.” Furthermore, on his social media, he described ‘Dog’ as a tribute to Lulu.

As a result, it’s only logical that Tatum’s real-life encounters and observations with dogs aided him in filming the picture. Apart from that, ‘Dog’ is likely to be inspired by a number of other incredible genuine stories about military dogs as well as the bond between pets and their owners. There are also several other films with similar themes and lovely animals as primary characters. ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,’ for example, recounts the heartbreaking true story of love between a professor and his devoted dog Hachiko.

‘The Art of Racing in the Rain,’ narrated by a lovely golden retriever named Enzo, is another poignant film that depicts the dog’s intimate understanding with his master Denny, a Formula One driver. ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ ‘Marley and Me,’ ‘Eight Below,’ and ‘Old Yeller,’ to name a few heartwarming dog-related films. Even though ‘Dog’ is not entirely based on a factual story, it is a realistic narrative of loyalty and friendship that is enhanced by the outstanding performance of Lulu, the beautiful lead cast member.