A slight correction to the movie ‘Marley and Me’

16/04/2009 by Arielle.

It is the easter holidays and I took my children to see the film ‘Marley and Me’. Both my son and daughter had read the book and were really excited when the film came out as they all love animals and anything to do with them.

We really enjoyed it;  although maybe a bit too much kissing for my 11 and 13 year old sons. The story is of Marley - a golden Labrador and his life from being a puppy to his death. He is eventually put to sleep due to a twisted stomach. It is a true story and this is a relatively common emergency in most large breed dogs.

I cried along with many other sniffing people in the cinema around me as they drew out the whole ending of Marley’s life in true american style - with really good acting and flashbacks to the young Marley. There was just one mistake they made which dog owners should be aware of if they ever have to be there at the end and sadly witness their dog’s euthanasia. When the lethal injection is given, Marley’s eyes closed as he slipped away. This does not happen. A dog (or cat’s eyes) remain open and their pupils dilate and it is usually not easy to even close their lids once they have gone. I have  had a few owners expecting their pets to close their eyes when they slip away and sadly the film has given them this misconception as well.

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