A Dog's Journey 2019

Bailey, an elderly St. Bernard/Australian shepherd mix, enjoys a joyful existence alongside his owner Ethan, his wife Hannah, their two-year-old granddaughter Clarity June “CJ” (played by Emma Volk), and her mother Gloria. Throughout the film, Bailey expresses his thoughts to the audience, showcasing his deep fondness for CJ. As the story unfolds, we see that Gloria struggles in her role as a mother and harbors a strong dislike for dogs. Her tumultuous relationship with her deceased boyfriend Henry ‘s parents, Hannah and Ethan, creates further tension that eventually drives her to leave with CJ. Tragedy strikes when Ethan learns that Bailey has a serious health issue, and after a heartbreaking farewell where he urges Bailey to look after CJ, the dog is put to sleep. In spirit, Bailey transitions into a picturesque grassy field, running towards a younger version of CJ.

In the next chapter, Bailey is reincarnated as Molly, a female beagle living in an animal shelter. Here, he witnesses a young boy named Trent adopt his brother, Rocky. To his surprise, he also recognizes CJ at the shelter, now a nine-year-old. Remembering his promise to Ethan, Bailey, now Molly, rushes to CJ, who secretly brings her new companion home, much to Gloria’s chagrin. Despite her mother’s opposition, CJ convinces Gloria to let her keep Molly, nurturing a strong bond as they all navigate their lives.

As CJ grows older, she faces the dilemma of wanting to quit high school to chase her dreams of a music career in New York. When Hannah and Ethan attempt to reconnect with CJ, Gloria, still bitter, slams the door in their faces. Nonetheless, Molly feels an innate connection to Ethan and reminds him of his wish to look after CJ. As CJ ventures into the world, she gets entangled with a bad boy named Shane, who ultimately proves to be abusive. After a harrowing escape, she suffers an accident, resulting in Molly’s untimely death. The scene transitions beautifully to the same field where Bailey first found peace.

In a remarkable twist, Bailey is reborn again as Big Dog, a protective mastiff living with Joe and guarding his gas station. Time and again, he finds himself longing for CJ, and fate brings them together when she visits the store. Despite knowing her, Big Dog is unable to bridge the gap to her as life carries on. Following this incarnation, Bailey becomes Max, a Yorkshire terrier in a public adoption showcase. Initially hostile, he finally recognizes CJ when she arrives. Though hesitant, CJ adopts Max just before his deadline at the pound, and he quickly integrates into her life, even befriending her boyfriend’s dog.

As Max becomes familiar with his surroundings, he realizes that Trent now lives in the same complex and sees how much he and CJ care for each other. Through a series of amusing antics, he disrupts CJ’s relationship with her boyfriend, allowing her to move in with Trent. As tragedy strikes again when Trent is diagnosed with cancer, Max channels the skills he learned as Molly, ultimately saving Trent from the illness through his unwavering loyalty.

In a heartwarming reunion, Gloria revisits CJ, now open to reconnecting. She even presents her daughter with cherished memories from Henry, inspiring CJ’s musical pursuits. As CJ and Trent’s love blossoms, they visit Ethan and Hannah, leading to a sweet realization about Bailey’s enduring love across his various lives. In a touching conclusion, the film portrays the unity of CJ, Trent, and Max, as they raise a family and find closure in their relationships. The finale encapsulates nostalgia and joy, as the spirits of Bailey, Molly, Big Dog, and Max run harmoniously through the grassy fields toward Ethan, cherishing their time together as they embark on their next journey.