A Dog’s Way Home, directed by Charles Martin Smith and based on the novel by W. Bruce Cameron (who also wrote A Dog’s Purpose), is a 2019 American adventure drama that follows the incredible journey of a dog named Bella, voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard. This heartwarming story showcases Bella’s determination to reunite with her beloved owner, Lucas (played by Jonah Hauer-King), after they are separated under unfortunate circumstances.
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Ashley Judd, Edward James Olmos, Alexandra Shipp, and Wes Studi. The heart of the narrative lies in Bella’s unbreakable bond with Lucas, providing an emotional depth that resonates throughout the movie. But is this inspiring story grounded in reality? Let’s explore the plot, the real dog behind Bella, and whether A Dog’s Way Home is based on a true story.
PLOT SUMMARY
The story starts in a peaceful neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, where a stray mother dog and her three newborn puppies reside in an abandoned house. They have found a home in a group of wild cats and get along well with each other. Police from Animal Control find the animals, though, and take away the mother dog along with most of the cats and two of the puppies. Luckily, a mother cat saves one of the puppies and raises her as her own. She later names her Bella.
Lucas Ray, a local resident who frequently visits the abandoned house to feed the feral cats, finds Bella one day and takes her in, naming her and welcoming her into his home. As Bella grows, she and Lucas form a strong and loving bond. But their happiness is short-lived when Lucas’ visits to the house draw the attention of Günter Beckenbauer, a man determined to demolish the house. Günter reports Bella’s existence to the authorities, leading Animal Control to confiscate her because she is a pitbull, a breed banned in Denver.
Despite retrieving Bella after paying a fine, Lucas is warned that if she is caught again, she will be euthanized. To keep her safe, Lucas arranges for Bella to stay with his friend Olivia’s aunt and uncle in Farmington, New Mexico, while he looks for a permanent solution. However, Bella cannot bear to be apart from Lucas and embarks on an incredible journey to find him, traveling over 400 miles through harsh landscapes and dangerous conditions.
IS ‘A DOG’S WAY HOME’ BASED ON A TRUE STORY?
A Dog’s Way Home is a fictional narrative, but it is inspired by real-life events. The story, which is based on W. Bruce Cameron’s novel, is about how dogs can find their owners in huge areas, which is something that Cameron has been interested in for a long time. That being said, neither Bella nor her 400-mile journey are based on a real event. Having said that, the movie was based on real events.
Cameron, who has written several best-selling books about dogs, including “A Dog’s Purpose,” got ideas for his books from true stories of dogs who went great lengths to find their families. Cameron said in an interview with lrmonline.com that the story was based on his own thoughts on how dogs might have a strong sense of love and direction that helps them find their way home even in dangerous or difficult places.
THE REAL DOG BEHIND BELLA
The filmmakers wanted to use a real rescue dog as Bella. After a long search, they found Shelby, a dog from a Tennessee shelter who had been left there. The main ideas of A Dog’s Way Home can be seen in Shelby’s journey. A Tennessee animal control officer named Megan Buhler found Shelby looking for food in a landfill in Cheatham County before she was found by Buhler. Shelby was hungry and scared at first, but her friendly personality quickly won over everyone who met her.
The casting team, which was led by screenwriters W. Bruce Cameron and Cathryn Michon, saw Shelby’s expressive eyes and playful personality and knew they had found a real gem. They were sure she was the right dog for the part of Bella after meeting her in person. Shelby knew how to connect with people and was naturally smart, which made her a great choice for the physically demanding part in the movie.
The crew worked hard to make sure Shelby was safe during the whole filming process. Being treated with the utmost respect was very important to the production team, and they went above and beyond to make sure she was safe. Shelby learned the skills needed for the movie with the help of trainers, and she quickly became a star.
Shelby’s amazing journey from being a stray to a Hollywood star showed how powerful second chances can be. Shelby was adopted and trained, and then she became the movie’s beloved star. Like Bella, she went on to comfort other people. Shelby is now a therapy dog who helps kids with autism and makes hospital patients feel better, a lot like Bella’s role in the movie, where she comforts veterans.
FILMMAKING AND CGI
While A Dog’s Way Home features an emotional and touching story, some scenes use CGI to enhance the film’s excitement. Notably, during Bella’s encounters with wildlife, such as a mountain lion cub or a pack of wolves, CGI is used to heighten the stakes. While these moments may add excitement, and realism, some viewers might find the CGI a bit artificial, especially when compared to the vivid imagination evoked in the original book. The computer-generated imagery can sometimes stretch believability, making certain sequences feel less natural than the heartfelt moments that rely on Bella’s real performances.
While A Dog’s Way Home is not based on a true story, it is inspired by the real-life experiences of dogs, particularly rescue dogs, navigating great distances to reunite with their owners. The film’s heartfelt story reflects the love, loyalty, and determination of both dogs and their owners. Shelby, the real-life dog who portrayed Bella, serves as a reminder of the power of second chances and the enduring bond between animals and humans.
Shelby’s remarkable journey from a landfill to the silver screen adds an extra layer of meaning to the film. Though the story is fictional, its message of hope, love, and resilience is grounded in real-life inspiration.
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