Cute puppies bring health and happiness to the denizens of an Ohio hospital in Miracle Dogs. When young Charlie Logan (Josh Hutcherson) and his parents (Kate Jackson and Ted Shackelford) accidentally run into a stray Sp... more »ringer Spaniel, the injury is minor but the dog turns out to have cancer in one of her forelegs, which has to be amputated. To save the dog from euthanasia, Charlie smuggles her into the Cleveland Clinic, where his parents work, and keeps her in the basement with the assistance of the cantankerous custodian (Stacey Keach). But in no time the dog, now dubbed Annie by Charlie, starts wandering through the hospital, miraculously healing the patients. Hospital rules and miraculous healing collide in this adaptation of the popular children's book Annie Loses Her Leg But Finds Her Way, which is sure to warm the heart of any dog-lover. --Bret Fetzer« less
Christine B. from CLARKSVILLE, TN Reviewed on 8/8/2011...
Excellent family movie! My 5 yr old loved it! We watched it as a family and there were no parts they couldn't see or hear. Wonderful story of hope.
Marleen M. from WHEELING, WV Reviewed on 8/6/2011...
What a cute movie that will warm you heart and bring a smile to your face. Great family film.
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Movie Reviews
Adorable!!
09/05/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The combination of the little boy with these puppies was enough to make me shed a tear. I bought this movie for my 9-year old son, thinking that he may be almost too old for a traditional "family film". But he loved it as much as I did! The story starts with a family that has just moved to a new city, and they are all trying to adjust to a new neighborhood, new jobs, new friends, etc. Desperate for some companionship, the little boy (Charlie) befriends a three-legged dog, whose leg was removed after the vet discovered cancer, and her litter of puppies. Charlie goes on a quest to find homes for the puppies and their mother before the local animal shelter learns about the homeless dogs. While temporarily housing them in the basement of the hospital, the dogs escape and patients in the hospital begin to get well at an inexplicable rate. The dogs don't have super powers, and the film doesn't have an overtly religious theme. But there is a good message about family and love and loyalty. I highly recommend it to anyone, with or without children."
REFRESHING PAWS
Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 05/12/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"It would be very easy to dismiss MIRACLE DOGS as a saccharine-sweet unbelievable family film, but that would be rather Grinchish or Scroogish. Sure, it's predictable and filled with every movie cliche of this type of film. But it's heart is so big and in the right place, one can't help but feel a little fuzzy after watching it. The dogs are irresistibly cuddly and little Josh Hutcherson is so believable as the little boy, the movie manages to entertain in spite of its sugary delivery. I've always enjoyed watching Kate Jackson since her days on "Dark Shadows" and although she isn't given a lot to do in this film, her radiance remains. KNOTS LANDING'S Ted Shackelford and MIKE HAMMER'S Stacy Keach likewise are serviceable in their roles, and Rue McClanahan makes a convincing lonely old rich lady. I don't know if there's a lot of validity in "Zoo Medicine" but I do know from my own experience that having a pet can make an important impact on one's life, so MIRACLE DOGS at least makes that point loud and clear."
Great Animal Movie
Vet Family | Green TWP, New Jersey USA | 01/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My son and I really enjoyed this movie! It is heartwarming, inspiring, and spiritually thought provoking; albeit somewhat predictable at times. The really big plus is that the plot is believable and did not anthropomorphasize (give the dogs human traits/capabilities a la Stuart Little and Chiken Run)the dogs. Animal Lovers will rejoice."
Cute Movie...Good for kids!
Kris | Ohio | 10/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is very cute and is especially good for kids. This is the kind of movie you can let your kids watch and not have to woory about what they are watching (if the content is inappropriate or not.)"
Bring the Tissues
Mary Ann Dicicco | Attica Michigan | 03/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This picture will tug at your heartstrings. It is possitive and uplifting for all ages to view. I know you will be pleased, especially if you are a dog-lover!"