War Dog: A Soldier's Best Friend

When my parents and I decided to.watch this documentary, we expected a heartwarming tale of courageous canines saving the day. Boy, were we wrong. I am quite an emotional viewer, but this film had my whole family in tears. It's gut-wrenching. This is by no means a way to scare you away from the film - rather, just a warning so you know what you're watching beforehand. Treat it more like a film about war, not cute animal heroes. If you love dogs like me, the movie might be even harder to get through simply because of all the terrible situations the dogs and their handlers are forced to go through. This movie does not hold back from saving the saddest stories for the end.

Now that that's out of the way, it's a very good film. "Good" in the more objective sense, as in quality and direction, not in terms of enjoyment. It's an amazing, emotional film. But if you don't like those sad films where the dog dies at the end, you better skip this one.

Not easy to watch, especially for those who have deployed with MWDs. For me the beauty of these warriors (dogs) is in the contrast between being on the job and off. Equally as affectionate (with their handler) as they are ferocious and dedicated on mission. They truly love their profession.

disclaimer: I am a feline person don't have anything against dogs & this film certainly gives insight into why folks hold them in such esteem

what makes this motion picture so extraordinary, is the perspective of warriors and how they adjust to life after the 3 vignettes are all superb

Deborah Scranton did stellar work & kudos to HBO

This documentary is a tribute to the canines who have fought as soldiers in recent conflicts. It focuses on the relationships between three soldiers and their dogs of war. Two of the dogs died on their tour of duty. One dog was injured and later developed PTSD.

One handler felt let down as his war dog was promised to him after the dog's retirement with the police service.

I felt that this would be an interesting look at the dogs on the battlefield but it felt rather shallow to me, concentrating more on their handlers than the dogs themselves.

War Dog is perhaps one of the greatest documentaries that I have ever seen. It hits you in ways that you rarely ever feel, highlights the struggles many veterans face adjusting to civilian life, and showcases the human experience. Seriously, I appreciated what I heard listening to the words shared in this film.

Thank you to all that were involved in making this film. This is truly excellent and inspiring as it digs deep into human emotion and the eternal bond between man and dog.

Thank you all for your service.