Pets are more than animals that live with us. They are family. They are loved. They are loyal and devoted companions that leave an imprint on our hearts that can’t be described. But Ben Moon has come close to depicting the love between a dog and his family. In a film about his dog, Denali, he provides a touching tribute to his canine companion and the message that dog lovers across the world have been trying to convey.
The story is told through the eyes of Denali. This artful technique amplifies the bond that the two shared, showing how Ben knew what his dog was thinking most of the time. Ben is a cancer survivor. Throughout his whole battle, Denali stayed by his side, cuddling with him in his hospital bed and forgoing many pleasures to stay by Ben at all times. Denali showed courage and compassion as he supported his best friend who was dying. He gave Ben his strength to help him fight.
Miraculously, Ben survived. He made a full recovery only for Denali to then be diagnosed with cancer. The roles were reversed as Ben provided the courage, and compassion that Denali needed in his final days. However, cuddling and support were not enough to stave off the advanced stages of the disease. Ben lost his best friend, but he created the tribute to show the truth in the phrase “it is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all.”
Grab some tissues, and watch “Denali” for the full story.