Miracle Dogs (2003)

The Logan family, Terri (Kate Jackson), Dr. Ben (Ted Shackleford) and young son Charlie (Josh Hutcherson) have just made the move from Colorado to Cleveland! There were good job opportunities at the famous Clinic so they go. But, Charlie has the most difficulty, leaving his friends behind. Also, the rented house they inhabit won't allow pets. This is most upsetting, since Charlie immediately rescues a dog by the side of the road. The kindly vet has to amputate one of the canine's front legs and tells Charlie he will keep him at the animal hospital as long as possible. Ben even tells Charlie that they will try to find a new house soon. But, knowing the dog he names Annie deserves better than this, Charlie makes off with her and hides her in the basement of the Cleveland Clinic! A gruff but kind janitor (Stacy Keach) becomes the lad's partner in secrecy. Soon, Charlie lets the dog "loose" at night on the clinic's floors, where they sick folks start to make miraculous improvements, even a grouchy, rich cancer-stricken lady (Rue McClanahan). Dr. Ben, who is part of the research team can't believe it. But, staff reports sightings of the dog at various times, even though he disappears before they can catch him! Oh, and one more thing. The vet told Charlie that Annie probably had a litter of pups somewhere, before surgery, cause she had the look of a nursing mother dog. Sure enough, Charlie finds the pups in the woods and these little charmers start to make the rounds at the Clinic, too. Can this secret operation last forever? What a fine family flick this is, with a sweet story, lovable dogs, a great cast (how nice to see and hear Jackson), and plenty of fun. Keach makes a strong impression, too, while gals, here's your chance to see the now young adult idol, Hutcherson, as a young boy. Doggone, don't wait. Everyone will enjoy Miracle Dogs!

First of all there was three of my college buddies sitting down to watch this nice movie. Not sure where to start, but by the end of this movie three of us were laughing so hard that we almost pee-wee in our pants. I mean once the parents waved goodbye to their kids at the end is when the tears starting pouring. Next we see 1000 "Hell's Angels" driving down a one way street the wrong way. Next you see a 10 foot Tasmanian devil bouncing up and down. We gave this comedy a 3 legged thumbs up. Oh and by the way, when the Golden Girl appeared we almost lost it. My God, it was too funny... Please, if a sequel comes out, get a hold of us because we are horrible actors (perfect for the job) This movie wouldn't have been so wonderful without the bad acting and horrible script writing. Although tomorrow morning I will be bidding on this masterpiece on Ebay because I want to remember the time I almost pee-wee'd myself from watching Miracle Dog.****** 5 Stars Question: What was up with the Hells Angels being in the movie? They are awesome, but what do they have to do with a Miracle 3 legged dog.

I'd never seen this movie before, but saw it twice today. It's so cute. The puppies are absolutely adorable. These dogs put a whole new meaning to modern medicine. It's a well known fact that animals have a unique ability to have therapeutic capabilities. Because of that, this makes the basic concept of this movie believable. I don't think the dogs themselves heal, but can alter a person's attitude, which in itself will allow the patient to think positive thoughts. That is what can lead to a healing process.I had one problem, however, the mother dog, Annie, was supposed to have only three legs. Some scenes show her with three, while in others she has four legs. I found it confusing and wondered if there were supposed to be two adult dogs (the father and mother). Yet, I don't believe that issue came up. I guess it all boiled down to bad directing . . . and possibly two different adult dogs were used in the movie. Other than this, it is a fun film. One that puts a smile on your face.

Good Sunday evening with the kids movie. You'll have it figured out in about 10 seconds but don't let that detract from it. No violence but with some pretty silly doctors.Rue McClanahan was especially good.The puppies were adorable.On second thought, maybe not a good Sunday evening movies with the kids if you don't have a dog and don't want to get pestered into getting one.I seem to recall seeing another movie similar to this one but can't recall its name.