National Hug Your Dog Day – Holiday Review

Hug Your Dog Day is held on April 10th each year. The day was created by Ami Moore, a professional dog trainer and behavior expert.

This day was designated for dog owners to shower their dogs with love to show appreciation for the joy dogs bring them.

Grandson Tyler & GrandPuppy Pepe the Poodle

Of the dozen plus contributing writers on ReviewThisReview.com, a large percentage of them are dog owners and/or dog lovers. Thus, there have been many, many articles and reviews written about things that are dog-related.

For National Hug Your Dog Day, we shall gather these articles together from the archives of Review This Reviews and list them on this one page for your reviewing pleasure.  

DOG ARTICLES & REVIEWS

Dog Books and Movies

Image Source: Pixabay

• Joy Unleased (The story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog) reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Doctor Dogs reviewed by Wednesday Elf
• How to Speak Dog book reviewed by Mary Beth Granger
• Recommended Summer Reading for Dog Lovers reviewed by Dawn Rae
• As Good As Gold (A dog's life in poems) reviewed by Olivia Morris
• Rescue Road reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Food Pets Die For book reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Catching Dawn (A search for a dog and the discovery of a family) book reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• No Ordinary Dog reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Pet Tracker book reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• The Art of Racing in the Rain book reviewed by Treasures by Brenda
• The Spirit of Animal Healing reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Togo (2019) Movie reviewed by Sylvestermouse
• The Art of Racing in the Rain movie reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Marmaduke (2010) movie reviewed by Sylvestermouse

Dog Foods, Dog Treats, Dog Bowls, Dog Toys

Treat Time!

• Cooking For Dogs reviewed by Sylvestermouse
• Disposable Feeding Bowls for Dogs reviewed by Sylvestermouse
• Slow Feeding Dog Bowl reviewed by Mary Beth Granger
• Easy Carry and Collapsible Travel Dog Bowl reviewed by Sylvestermouse
•  Durable Dental Dog Chew reviewed by Brite-Ideas
• Are Rope Tug Toys Good For a Dog's Teeth? reviewed by Susan Deppner
• Whimzees Natural Dog Treat reviewed by The Savvy Age

Dog Holidays

• Dog Days of February – dog holidays in February reviewed by Wednesday Elf
• Bringing Home A Puppy Day reviewed by Olivia Morris
• National Lost Pet Prevention Month reviewed by Renaissance Woman

Products for Dogs

Abbi the Boston Terrier

• Dog Raincoat reviewed by The Savvy Age
• Ortho Sleeper Comfort Couch For Dogs reviewed by Sylvestermouse
• Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed reviewed by Dawn Rae
• Donut Dog Bed reviewed by The Savvy Age
• Indoor Dog Gates reviewed by Sylvestermouse
• Dog and Cat Strollers reviewed by Olivia Morris
• Best Choice 2-in-1 Dog Trailer/Stroller reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Backyard Dog Agility Kits reviewed by The Savvy Age
• Paws and Pals Dog Ramp reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Puppia Dog Harness reviewed by The Savvy Age
• Wahl Professional Dog Cordless Clipper reviewed by The Savvy Age
• Greeting Cards for Pet Lovers reviewed by Wednesday Elf
• Mothers Day Cards From the Dog reviewed by Lou16
• Frontline Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs and Cats reviewed by Sylvestermouse
• ID Tags for Dogs and Cats reviewed by Susan Deppner
• Patriotic Dog Bandanas, Collars and Clothes reviewed by Susan Deppner
• Embark Dog DNA Test reviewed by Renaissance Woman
• Earthbath Totally Natural Pet Shampoo reviewed by Susan Deppner
• Ruff Relief Organic Pet Paw, Nose, and Skin Balm reviewed by Renaissance Woman

Summary

So, give a 'hound hug' to your favorite pooch on this National Hug Your Dog Day (April 10), then give them their favorite treats and check out the helpful dog products and entertaining dog books and movies listed in this review.

Happy National Hug Your Dog Day! 
April 10

Golden Retriever (Tofu), Pepe (Poodle), Golden Doodle Puppy (Pinkie)

*Summary of Dog-Related Reviews compiled for you by Wednesday Elf from the archives of Review This Reviews!

 

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Marmaduke (2010) Movie Review

At the end of an especially grueling day recently, I went in search of a movie that would offer the much needed dose of levity.  Passing right over my normally preferred romantic comedy section, I moved on to the kids movies and came across Marmaduke.  

I can't say that I ever really thought about a dog looking quirky before, but that is exactly the word that came to mind when I spotted Marmaduke.

As I started watching this lanky, socially awkward, kind canine with exaggerated facial expressions and floppy ears, I felt the stress of the day start to evaporate.

Marmaduke is a beautiful Great Dane whose large size might make him look dominate in the world of dogs, but his sweet and easy going disposition actually makes him unprepared for bullies.  However, unprepared or inexperienced does not mean incapable, which is a reminder we all need to hear.

Oh, and perhaps I should tell you, in the movie "Marmaduke" all dogs talk and are quite animated! 

Marmaduke - Movie Synopsis

 Marmaduke [Blu-ray]Check PriceWhen Marmaduke hears that they are moving from Kansas to California, he isn't too thrilled to leave his yard full of buried bones. But, he will be with his family and his only animal friend, Carlos the cat, so he goes along without fuss. Little does Marmaduke know, the world of ocean waves, unfamiliar neighborhoods and the "pedigrees" await him.

Upon arrival, he loves the new house, especially the big doggie door and his new "bathroom".  Plus, his new friends; Maisie, Raisin and Guiseppe, are adorable. I had to laugh when Guiseppe states that he is afraid of pumas aka mountain lions.  That is a reasonable fear for anyone, but he is so cute with his constant reminders about them throughout the show.

I laughed  until I cried watching the Great Dane surf!  I totally forgot that I was having a bad day and enjoyed the movie.  I think you will too!

Where to Watch Marmaduke

I cut the cable years ago.  As a prime member on Amazon, I watch a lot of movies for free, but I also subscribe to a few streaming services.  I watched Marmaduke on Peacock.  It is also available to rent or buy on Amazon.

Now that I am finished sharing this fun movie, I think I go watch it again.  See you there!

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Marmaduke (2010) Movie Review by:

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Togo (2019) Movie Review

Soundtrack Image/Link

Are you familiar with the name "Togo"?  What about "Balto"?  Does that name ring a bell?  What do you really know about these two dogs.  

I readily admit, I was surprised by the real facts when I recently watched the Disney movie, Togo, which prompted me to research the true history.  My previous knowledge of the legendary serum run to Nome was clearly very limited and had been shaped around the stories of Balto.  Imagine how shocked I was to learn the truth.

Since I love dogs, I am often drawn to movies about dogs, especially when they also feature a favorite actor like Willem Dafoe. When I saw the awesome dvd cover for the movie Togo, I was immediately drawn in and had to watch the movie.  The dvd picture is only the introduction to Togo and Leonhard Seppala.  Just look at that dog!  Isn't he gorgeous!!!  The real Togo was every bit as beautiful as the dog in the movie.  After hearing his story, all I could think was, who wouldn't want that fabulous pup!

One note of warning, ladies get out the tissues!  This is a real tearjerker that even guys will watch with you. Actually, come to think of it, bring extra tissues for them.

RDShahriar [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

Togo (2019) - Disney Movie Synopsis

The movie is based on the true story of Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog, Togo.  Unlike many movies, Togo seems to follow the truth closely, if not completely.  It dramatizes the challenges, the sacrifices, and the risks this team took in order to bring a life-saving serum to the children of Nome, Alaska, as well as gives us a factual account of the real Togo's life. 

Togo was the runt of the litter and expected to die.  Leonhard Seppala thought it would be kinder to put the pup down, but his wife did not agree.  She personally nursed the puppy to health and Togo repaid them with a deep love and devotion that only a dog can give. 
 

Leonhard Seppala was a renowned expert musher and trainer of working sled dogs.  Due to his small size and health issues, Seppala was certain Togo could not be useful.  He actually gave him away twice, but both times Togo was returned, or made his own way back home.
 
Togo was determined to be with Leonhard whether he wanted him or not.  Much to Seppala's surprise, the other dogs were willing to be lead by Togo, even into mischief and against their masters commands.  When Seppala relented and tried Togo as the lead sled dog, they were both rewarded with a win-win compromise.  

Size didn't matter to Togo.  He had the heart and spirit of a born leader.  

In 1925, when Togo was a mature 12 year old dog, the town was hit with a diphtheria epidemic. The children of Nome, Alaska desperately needed medicine.  Due to the weather, an airplane was not an option and the train from Anchorage only went as far as Nenana, Alaska.  The city council asked Leonhard Seppala to make the trip to Nenana to pick up the serum.  

Now, think about that for just a minute!  Over 650 miles round trip, in −30 °F weather with a wind chill of −85 °F and white out storms that no man could possibly see in, on a dog pulled sled.  Only an animal with a fantastic ability to navigate a blizzard could survive.  At 12 years old, the trip alone would most likely kill Togo, but Seppala knew he was their only chance of getting through to Nenana.  No other dog in his kennel possessed the drive and ability needed in such an intense storm.  But could Seppala knowingly sacrifice his beloved Togo to save the lives of the children and adults in Nome? 

Leonhard Seppala, with Togo in the lead of his dog sled team, set out for Nenana.  While in route, the city council set up a relay to intercept Seppala and shorten the length of time it would take to get the medicine back to Nome.  

The Facts about Balto & Togo

Balto was hailed as the hero because he was the reported lead dog that brought the serum into the city of Nome.  In the end, over 20 men (mushers) and 100 dogs were involved in the relay.  Most, including Balto, ran approximately 30 miles of the trek, but they all deserve credit for their part in the mission.  

Leonhard Seppala & his winning dogsled team
during 9th_All-Alaska Sweepstakes dogsled race
University of Washington [Public domain]

Ironically, Balto was also owned and trained by Leonhard Seppala.  Seppala's wife allowed another musher, Gunnar Kaasen, to borrow Balto for the relay.    

Togo and Seppala, along with the rest of their dog team, ran 260 hard miles.  They were the team that crossed the dangerous iced-over Norton Sound and endured 3 days of blizzard weather. The team survived due to Togo's exceptional ability to navigate to safety in a ground blizzard.  If not for Togo, his dog team, Leonhard Seppala, and the serum would have been lost and dead.

Even though they passed the serum off for the last miles into Nome, I think it is clear who deserved the credit for getting the lifesaving serum to Nome.

You can watch the factually accurate movie yourself to see if you agree. 

One note of interest that the movie did not include, is that Seppala had an 8 year old daughter at the time of the serum run.  I have no desire to take away from Seppala, but as a parent myself, I suspect the fact that he had a child affected his decision to make the run for their lives and to use Togo as his lead in spite of the dogs advanced age.  After all, he had the option to use Balto himself.

At the time of publishing this review, Togo is only available for viewing on the Disney+ subscription channel.  No DVD release date has been announced.

The phenomenal music from the movie is available for purchase and downloading. 

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Togo (2019) Movie Review Written by:

 

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