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a dogs journey home

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What makes a “dog movie” good? Even as one of those overenthusiastic canine devotees who will often claim she prefers dogs to people (well, I do), I don’t quite have an answer to this question. But I like my movie dogs best when they resemble the way I perceive my four-legged pals in real life: selfless, friendly and fun-loving creatures that live in the moment, would do anything for chicken and think of everything as a game. I cringe when films sell dogs short by adorning them with human-like traits, just to pull the heartstrings of our kind. 

So on paper, Charles Martin Smith’s talking dog movie “A Dog’s Way Home”, where a canine takes an utterly implausible two-year/400-mile journey to reunite with the human who saved him from the streets, is my basic nightmare. But after all, I am not made of stone, am I? What dog parent wouldn’t like to believe our lost dogs would eventually find us at all costs, no matter what? And who among us hasn’t interpreted a dog’s thoughts, elaborated on them and even spoken them out loud? I can’t be the only weirdo here and I won’t be the last one to cry during this film’s end credits.

Even then and despite Bryce Dallas Howard ’s sweetly soothing voice as Bella (played by the adorable Shelby), I maintain that “A Dog’s Way Home” would have been a lot more affecting and provocative (without losing any of its charming family friendliness) had Bella not been granted a screen voice. Leaving that aside, Smith’s film is still one you can’t help but root for, as the screenwriters Cathryn Michon and W. Bruce Cameron (also the author and scribe of the trilogy that includes “A Dog’s Purpose” and “A Dog’s Journey”) lovingly braid in numerous humanist themes into their tale at every turn.  

A stray mutt raised by a cat (which she calls ‘Mother Cat’) in the suburbs of Denver after her mom gets taken away, Bella falls into the hands of Lucas ( Jonah Hauer-King ) and Olivia ( Alexandra Shipp ); two kindly med school students who also volunteer for animals in need. Also in the mix is Lucas’ depressed war veteran mother Terri ( Ashley Judd ), the pet-hating real estate mogul Gunter ( Brian Markinson ) and antiquated city laws enforced by officer Chuck ( John Cassini ), that prohibit certain mutts and ignorantly think of “pit bulls” as two dirty words. To save Bella from a most heartbreaking fate (don’t get me started on pit bull euthanasia rates), Lucas, Olivia and Terri find her a temporary home in New Mexico, from which Bella escapes to make her way back to her own humans. It’s a perilous road decked with near-fatal hazards for sure, but also with mostly well-meaning humans and a baby cougar whom Bella calls ‘Big Kitten’—brought to life by what could contend for the year’s worst CGI. But who cares when she proves to be such a loyal and reliable road buddy in the mountains of Colorado?  

This may all sound too shameless and syrupy, but to its credit, “A Dog’s Way Home” scratches the surface of something I, as a pit bull obsessive, have never seen a “dog movie” do. Not only does this film attempt to explain the illogical broadness of the term “pit bull” (it’s basically as generic as labeling a canine as “a hound dog”) and the false fear these animals are routinely subjected and fall victim to, it also hints at this irrationality’s faint connection to racism. This is an idea articulated and explained in various essays like  Tom Junod’s “The State of The American Dog” and Yasmin Nair’s “Racism and The American Pit Bull” , which also cites Bronwyn Dickey’s book Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon . “This is basically racism for dogs” says Olivia, admittedly oversimplifying an utterly complex concept to baffling effect. But the writers and filmmakers deserve some praise for considering what often gets ignored when we talk about how the society gut-wrenchingly mistreats pit bulls.

That being said (and as lovable as Shelby is), I wish the dog cast as Bella looked a bit more like a classic American Pit Bull Terrier to really bring home the filmmakers’ point—the “she doesn’t even look like a pit” line spoken later in the film almost defeats the purpose of good intentions. I also wish the gay couple that Bella crosses paths with (a detail all too rare in hetero-normative mainstream family films) were allowed a bit more natural intimacy that a straight couple would have been free to display. But between its belief in cross-species friendship, unmistakable anti-hunting/environmentalist message and overall progressive tone, “A Dog’s Way Home” is a good dog movie with its heart in the right place, just like any nameless canine regardless of its breed.

Tomris Laffly

Tomris Laffly

Tomris Laffly is a freelance film writer and critic based in New York. A member of the New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC), she regularly contributes to  RogerEbert.com , Variety and Time Out New York, with bylines in Filmmaker Magazine, Film Journal International, Vulture, The Playlist and The Wrap, among other outlets.

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A Dog's Way Home movie poster

A Dog's Way Home (2019)

Rated PG for thematic elements, some peril and language.

Bryce Dallas Howard as Bella (voice)

Ashley Judd as Terri

Alexandra Shipp as Olivia

Edward James Olmos as Axel

Jonah Hauer-King as Lucas

Wes Studi as Captain Mica

Chris Bauer as Kurch

Patrick Gallagher as Teo

  • Charles Martin Smith

Writer (based on the book by)

  • W. Bruce Cameron
  • Cathryn Michon

Cinematographer

  • Peter Menzies Jr.
  • David S. Clark
  • Debra Neil-Fisher
  • Sabrina Plisco
  • Mychael Danna

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W. Bruce Cameron

W. BRUCE CAMERON

W. Bruce Cameron is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling author, columnist, and screenwriter. Cameron is most famous for his novel A Dog's Purpose , which spent 63 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The book is the basis for the movie version starring Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton, and Pooch Hall. A Dog's Purpose is followed by a sequel called A Dog's Journey , which W. Bruce Cameron, along with Cathryn Michon, adapted into a film of the same name. His books have been translated into over 60 languages.

a dogs journey home

A DOG'S WAY HOME

a dogs journey home

A Dog’s Way Home

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE!

Lucas Ray is shocked when an adorable puppy jumps out of an abandoned building and into his arms. Though the apartment he shares with his mother, a disabled veteran, doesn’t allow dogs, Lucas can’t resist taking Bella home.

Bella is inexplicably drawn to Lucas, even if she doesn’t understand the necessity of games like No Barks. As it becomes more difficult to hide her from the neighbors, Lucas begins to sneak Bella into the VA where he works. There, Bella brings joy and comfort where it is needed most.

After Bella is picked up by Animal Control because pit bulls are banned in Denver, Lucas has no choice but to send her to a foster home until he can figure out what to do. But Bella, distraught at the separation, doesn’t plan to wait. With four hundred miles of dangerous Colorado wilderness between her and her person, Bella sets off on a seemingly impossible and completely unforgettable adventure home.

A classic story of unwavering loyalty and incredible devotion, A Dog’s Way Home is a beautifully told, charming tale that explores the unbreakable bond between us and our pets. This fantastic and exhilarating journey of the heart is in the same tradition as the beloved bestseller, A Dog’s Purpose.

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a dogs journey home

  • DVD & Streaming

A Dog’s Way Home

  • Action/Adventure , Drama , Kids

Content Caution

a dogs journey home

In Theaters

  • January 11, 2019
  • Voice of Bryce Dallas Howard as Bella; Jonah Hauer-King as Lucas; Ashley Judd as Terri; Alexandra Shipp as Olivia; John Cassini as Animal Control Officer Chuck

Home Release Date

  • April 9, 2019
  • Charles Martin Smith

Distributor

  • Columbia Pictures

Movie Review

Bella is a mixed breed stray. A mutt.

Of course, she doesn’t know that. She doesn’t know what any of that means. She doesn’t even know that her name is Bella . Yet. She just knows life as a carefree puppy among a group of other stray dogs and cats huddled together under a condemned piece of property.

Soon, though, Bella learns about fear .

Humans show up and drag away her mother and most of the other animals living under the crumbling building’s foundation. They’re rough and mean. They have sticks with ropes, and cages. She and a mother cat barely elude their grasp.

Then Bella learns about love .

Lucas is the next human Bella meets. He is good and kind. He’s perfect. He rescues her, gives her food and a home. Lucas gives her a name . And he gives her human games , too. She really loves “Get the ball!” and “Don’t chew shoes!” “Get up on the bed!” is always a good one, too. And her most, most favorite game of all is, “Do you want a little bit of cheese?” When Lucas plays that game, it makes Bella all warm inside.

Yes, life is so, so good .

It’s not perfect, though. A human called an “animal control officer” wants to take Bella away. It means nothing to her, but this mean man has classified Bella as a pit bull, a breed that’s banned in Denver, where Lucas and Bella live.

To keep Bella, Lucas (who lives with his veteran mom, Terri, who suffers from PTSD) has no other choice but to send his beloved dog to a friend’s house for a while. In faraway Farmington, New Mexico.

Of course, that strange journey south makes no sense to Bella at all. All she understands is how she dearly misses her beloved Lucas once he leaves her there. She misses his smell and his fun human games.

Oh, how she longs to play “Get the ball!” and “Don’t chew shoes!” with him again. And she can’t stop thinking about the game “Go home!” that they used to play whenever danger was nearby. She misses it all so, so, so much. And Lucas. Always Lucas.

So there’s really no other choice: Bella has to go home. It doesn’t matter that mountains, as well as hundreds of miles of wilderness are between here and there. She doesn’t care that snarling beasts live in those forests.

She misses Lucas. She simply has to go … home !

Positive Elements

The central lesson of this story focuses on love. And in a sense, the kind of love we see expressed here always centers around caring for the weak and adopting them into your “family.”

For example, after animal control officers grab Bella’s mom, a mother cat begins caring for the orphaned and bewildered pup, even feeding Bella right alongside her own kittens. Bella thereafter considers the cat her adoptive mother.

In turn, Bella “adopts” other needy animals she crosses paths with. When she stumbles upon a dead cougar, she starts caring for and protecting the mountain cat’s “Big Kitten” cub. She comforts and bonds with a dog that seemingly has lost its human owner. And she always thinks in terms of family. Even while on her journey home, her temporary connections with humans and other animals are family-like connections (though that tie with her beloved Lucas always rules supreme). She repeatedly talks of various animals finding “their people.”

We definitely see that same kind of caring, extended-family structure in the human world, too. Lucas lets his emotionally traumatized, PSTD-stricken mom live with him. And he works with other similarly afflicted vets at a local VA hospital. They all rally together to help one another in something of a family unit (a unit that Bella herself becomes a well-loved part of).

Spiritual Elements

Sexual content.

Two different women wear tops that reveal some cleavage. A couple that may or may not be married is shown in bed together. (She’s wearing a nightgown.)

Bella is briefly adopted by two men who live together. We never see any physical affection between the two of them. But a couple of elements quietly imply that they’re a couple, such as a picture of them dressed up together (that the camera very quickly pans past in their home) and the fact that one of them talks about “our” telephone number. Adults will likely recognize the implications of this apparently same-sex relationship, though that connection is still subtle enough that the nature of it may not be something children will notice.

Violent Content

As you might expect, there’s a bit of sharp-toothed and painful violence in Bella’s journey. She’s attacked and left scraped and lightly bloodied by a pack of wolves. And she injures her leg after being thumped by a skidding car in a pile-up she causes on a freeway.

Bella also must delicately make her way across a slippery, ice-covered log spanning a deep and craggy ravine. A snowy avalanche nearly swallows her up. (And it does engulf a human hiker whom Bella helps to dig free; later on, we see the man wearing both arm and leg casts.) As mentioned, a wolf pack threatens Bella on a couple of occasions. A cougar attacks that pack, tackling and slashing at its members. We also see dead animals at different times, including a dirt- and leaf-covered deer carcass and a dead mountain lion shot by human poachers (offscreen).

Bella also encounters some human threats. She hears the gunfire of hunters. Mean animal control officers repeatedly try to grab the doggy hero. At one point, they capture her and roughly cart her away. Lucas is told that if she’s ever caught again off of his property, she’ll be legally “euthanized.”

Elsewhere, Bella’s caught and kept by a homeless man who users her puppy-dog appeal to stir up sympathy in passers-by. He chains the dog to his own waist. And when the man finally perishes in the cold after years of self-abuse and exposure to the elements, Bella is trapped by that chain and nearly dies herself because she has no access to food or water (until she’s eventually rescued).

All in all, those dangers lend a sense of mild peril to the story at times, one that might be a bit on the intense side for young or sensitive viewers.

Crude or Profane Language

Someone calls another person a “moron.” We hear one use of “oh my gosh” as well as what might be the unfinished beginnings of an s-word when a man is hit by an avalanche of snow. (We hear just the barest hint of that word’s initial pronunciation.) Bella names one of the dogs she meets on her journey Shaggy Butt.

Drug and Alcohol Content

A couple of guys drink glasses of wine.

Other Negative Elements

To survive, Bella steals food from human picnickers, fishermen and a supermarket. (That said, these scenes are all played for humor, and we’re obviously invited to side with the starving animal with regard to these mischievous “thefts.”)

A disgruntled property owner lightly threatens Lucas and his mom and ultimately takes action to make their lives difficult. (The movie clearly paints this angry man as a villain.)

Bella’s story, narrated sweetly from the protagonist pup’s perspective by actress Bryce Dallas Howard, is an engaging and heartfelt wilderness tale. The human-like doggy hero at this family film’s core is easy to care about and root for.

In fact, because of Bella’s anthropomorphized perspective, young viewers could potentially walk away thinking about a number of very human values in their own lives. Those include the loving bonds of family, the importance of good friends, and the necessity of caring for the wounded and needy around us.

Fair warning though: All those charmingly forged ties also mean that Bella’s moments of movie peril and loss can land with an unexpected emotional thump. Young brows could easily furrow and tears may flow, if only briefly. (And though handled with a very light touch, the film may also subtly depict a same-sex relationship and a cohabiting one, issues that parents will want to be aware of ahead of time.)

There’s no denying, though, that Bella is indeed a good dog. And her story here is a good one as well—ending like a warm, fur-ruffling nap on the couch after a brisk winter’s trek.

Perhaps, like Bella, your family may need a journey “home,” with home being a sense of enjoyment and togetherness while being with each other. If that is the case, check out these ideas for a path leading home:

A Family’s Unexpected Togetherness in the Wilderness

Cultivating Family Togetherness

Fun Family Faith Activities

The One Year Classic Family Devotions

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After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.

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A Dog's Way Home

Cast & crew.

Ashley Judd

Jonah Hauer-King

Edward James Olmos

Alexandra Shipp

Chris Bauer

Sentimental but sweet dog adventure has intense, sad scenes.

  • Average 5.4

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A Dog's Way Home Puppy

A Dog's Way Home

As a puppy, Bella finds her way into the arms of Lucas, a young man who gives her a good home. When Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic, 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Along the way, the lost but spirited dog touches the lives of an orphaned mountain lion, a down-on-his-luck veteran and some friendly strangers who happen to cross her path.

Bella

A Sweet Family Film

Bella is an unforgettable character in a dog's way home, product description.

Based on the beloved bestselling novel, A Dog’s Way Home chronicles the heartwarming adventure of Bella (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard), a devoted dog who embarks on an epic 400-mile journey home after she is separated from her beloved human.

Your Digital Copy redemption code is printed on an insert inside your Blu-ray/DVD package. A Digital Copy is a digital version of the full-length movie that you get when you own specially-marked Blu-ray/DVD discs bearing the “Digital” logo. Owning the digital version of the movie extends your enjoyment because it enables you to download or stream your movie to a computer, mobile device, internet-connected TV, Blu-ray player, or set-top box.

Product details

  • Digital Copy Expiration Date ‏ : ‎ December 23, 2021
  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.4 ounces
  • Audio Description: ‏ : ‎ English
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 043396541429
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Charles Smith
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ DVD, NTSC
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 3 hours and 12 minutes
  • Release date ‏ : ‎ April 9, 2019
  • Actors ‏ : ‎ Ashley Judd, Jonah Hauer-King, Edward Olmos, Alexandra Shipp, Chris Bauer
  • Dubbed: ‏ : ‎ French, Spanish, Portuguese
  • Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ Thai, French, Spanish, Korean, Malay, English, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese
  • Producers ‏ : ‎ Gavin Polone
  • Studio ‏ : ‎ Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07KZ3V9WW
  • Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • #710 in Action & Adventure DVDs

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Journeys Home Pet Euthanasia LLC

It's a Final Act of Caring

We are dedicated to making your pet’s last moments peaceful and comfortable. Through the years we have become advocates for Home Euthanasia, providing pets and their families with a peaceful, comfortable passing in familiar surroundings.

It’s a Final Act of Caring

a dogs journey home

“We need help now”

If your home is within our service area and you and your pet have an immediate need for an in-home euthanasia, please call us. We would like to discuss your pet’s situation as soon as possible.

The earlier in the day you call, the more availability we may have on short notice. Our hours are: M-F, 6AM to 7PM and Sat/Sun 6AM to 5PM (CST).

“We need help soon”

Thank you for considering Journeys Home. We provide in-home euthanasia services for pet families in Dane County and the surrounding area.

Hours and Availability: M-F, 6AM to 7PM and Sat/Sun 6AM to 5PM (CST). Please call to discuss our current available appointment times.

“We might need you in the upcoming weeks”

Unfortunately, our pet’s health can and often does deteriorate as they approach the end of life. As you and your vet recognize a decline in your pet’s well-being, we recommend that you occasionally use our JOURNEYS Quality of Life Scale quiz to track aspects of your pet’s life. It will help you assess changes to their overall comfort and happiness.

Hear from our doctors about how we’re here to help, and why we do what we do.

The Story of Journeys Home

It’s Our Calling

Dr. Katie Hilst started a house call business in 2007 and soon realized that families needed support throughout the decision-making and home euthanasia process. Often the circumstances changed suddenly, and she needed to be available on short notice and on weekends.

She started to envision a business model where veterinarians could offer peaceful home euthanasia and assist families with a final act of caring. She founded Journeys Home and started her search for compassionate veterinarians who felt, as she did, a calling to help people through one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Dr. Laura Purdy joined Journeys Home during the summer of 2015, and after 3 1/2 years of helping pets and their families, she became a partner at Journeys Home in the fall of 2018. She believed that in-home euthanasia was an invaluable service and that providing comfort to pets and families at the end of life was truly where she needed to be.

Dr. Christine Nelson began working part-time with Journeys in early 2018 while also filling in at some local clinics. After seeing what an extraordinary experience in-home euthanasia can be, she joined as a partner in November 2019 to do her part in making this special process more widely available to the pet community.

Over the years, Journeys Home has grown to serve the needs of our community, and our team now includes eight incredible veterinarians who all support the following principles:

a dogs journey home

We feel it is both a privilege and an honor to help pet families with “A Final Act of Caring.”

We had Dr Kitt make a house call today. My bestest boy, Chance, made his way across the Rainbow Bridge after loving me for 16 years. I have to say, in all sincerity, Kitt was absolutely amazing. Very understanding, pleasant conversation and she let us move at a pace that we were comfortable with. She was very inclusive with the process, all while making us feel, weirdly at peace with our decision.

I’m willing to say, Dr Kitt is one of the most genuine and kindest person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you so very much for helping my family through a very difficult process. (And no, this picture isn’t from today, he was old and slept a lot 😬)

Raymond Campbell

I’m so grateful that a friend of mine told me about Journeys Home. I was very distraught over the fact that my veterinarian’s office would no longer come to your home for euthanasia services. My elderly kitty, Moses, was getting close to the end of his journey, and I was dreading having to take him to the clinic to help him transition.

Dr. Christine made a heartbreaking experience as peaceful as possible, and I will be forever grateful that they offer this service. My only regret is not knowing about Journeys Home earlier.

Lori Weber

What an amazing service this is. A vet had recommended them years ago when our last dog had cancer and was in pain, and I was so impressed with them. So I called again when my current dog was going downhill fast and it was time.

Dr. Laura came and was so amazing. She made me feel so comfortable and relieved and confident that my decision to let my boy go was the correct one. She was great with him too, and took great care to make sure his passing was easy and peaceful. incredibly professional and personable.

They made a very tough moment so much easier. And my boy was sent on his way with no anxiety, in his home, surrounded by his family.

Jenn Weitzman

Perfect. From the moment we decided to let our 13 year old black lab (Mya) go, I was an emotional wreck. I knew it was the best thing I could do for her, but it still hurt my heart. I knew Mya HATED going to the vet and doing so would cause her anxiety and I do NOT want that to be her last emotion. SO I reached out to Journey’s home and I immediately knew this was the right decision. Laura was great in communicating with me via e-mail and Dr. Katie was amazing.

She showed up on time, was so sweet and comforting, she talked to my kids before hand so they understood what was going to happen. She was patient, professional, caring and so sweet. She did a paw print for us that we will treasure forever. She even gave me a perfectly timed hug that I needed so badly. I would highly recommend this service to anyone having to face the difficult decision to euthanize their furry friend. Mya passed peacefully in our backyard surrounded by her family, that is all I could have asked for. Thank you Journey’s Home, we will never forget what you have done for us and our beloved Mya.

Eri Anders

It is a rarity in life that you meet someone so wonderful at such a devastating time. As we prepared to lose our beautiful little boy, Prince, to cancer, my husband was given a recommendation that same day to contact Dr. Katie Hilst of Journeys Home. Katie is truly an angel on earth. She was kind, compassionate and loving to two complete strangers and our beloved companion of fifteen years. We were allowed to have the lights in our home turned down low, candles lit, soft music playing in the background and our Princie’s beloved heated blanket to rest on.

As incredibly difficult as the situation was, it could not have been a more peaceful transition for our sweet boy. We cried freely while Katie explained the entire process to us, step by step, treating us and our Prince with nothing but kindness and true compassion. We truly cannot say enough about Katie. When the day comes and you have to make incredibly difficult decisions, please consider the warmth and comfort of your own home with Journeys Home. You will not regret it.

Tonia Baumgartner

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A Dog's Journey

2019, Kids & family/Comedy, 1h 48m

What to know

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A Dog's Journey is as sentimental as one might expect, but even cynical viewers may find their ability to resist shedding a tear stretched to the puppermost limit. Read critic reviews

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A dog's journey videos, a dog's journey   photos.

Bailey is living the good life on the Michigan farm of his boy, Ethan and Ethan's wife Hannah. He even has a new playmate: Ethan and Hannah's baby granddaughter, CJ. The problem is that CJ's mom, Gloria, decides to take CJ away. As Bailey's soul prepares to leave this life for a new one, he makes a promise to Ethan to find CJ and protect her at any cost. Thus begins Bailey's adventure through many lives filled with love, friendship, and devotion.

Rating: PG (Some Peril|Rude Humor|Thematic Content)

Genre: Kids & family, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Adventure

Original Language: English

Director: Gail Mancuso

Producer: Gavin Polone

Writer: W. Bruce Cameron , Cathryn Michon , Maya Forbes , Wallace Wolodarsky

Release Date (Theaters): May 17, 2019  wide

Release Date (Streaming): Aug 6, 2019

Box Office (Gross USA): $22.5M

Runtime: 1h 48m

Distributor: Universal Pictures

Production Co: Pariah, Walden Media, Alibaba Pictures Group

Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Cast & Crew

Bailey Voice

Kathryn Prescott

Betty Gilpin

Dennis Quaid

Marg Helgenberger

Abby Ryder Fortson

Young Trent

Conrad Coates

Jake Manley

Daniela Barbosa

Kevin Claydon

Johnny Galecki

Gail Mancuso

W. Bruce Cameron

Screenwriter

Cathryn Michon

Maya Forbes

Wallace Wolodarsky

Gavin Polone

Seth William Meier

Executive Producer

Lasse Hallström

Rogier Stoffers

Cinematographer

Robert Komatsu

Film Editing

Original Music

Eric Fraser

Production Design

Patti Henderson

Costume Design

John Papsidera

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Hero dog: the journey home, common sense media reviewers.

a dogs journey home

Peril, some injury in dog-in-the-wild adventure.

Hero Dog: The Journey Home Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Teamwork and perseverance.

Kids show how resourceful they can be when they ge

Some peril throughout. The captain of a transport

Mild name-calling between siblings ("lame-o").

Parents need to know that Hero Dog: The Journey Home is a 2021 adventure in which a blind man must find his way home with the help of an Alaskan Malamute after a boating accident leaves him stranded. This blind man and his dog try to navigate a thick forest by themselves and fall into some danger as the man,…

Positive Messages

Positive role models.

Kids show how resourceful they can be when they get lost in the woods in search of their blind father. One of the lead characters is blind, having lost his vision while serving in Afghanistan.

Violence & Scariness

Some peril throughout. The captain of a transport boat loses consciousness, causing the boat to nearly crash into land and killing a blind passenger and his dog. After the boat crash, the blind man is shown bleeding from the forehead. While in the woods, a man is attacked by a wolf. The wolf is beaten back by the person who accompanied the man on the search in the woods for a missing blind man and his dog. A brother and sister get lost in the woods while searching for their blind father and his dog. They soon lose their camping supplies and must find a way to find food and water.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Hero Dog: The Journey Home is a 2021 adventure in which a blind man must find his way home with the help of an Alaskan Malamute after a boating accident leaves him stranded. This blind man and his dog try to navigate a thick forest by themselves and fall into some danger as the man, already shown bleeding from his forehead after the boating accident, gets a leg trapped under a log. A man is attacked by a wolf and suffers an injury before the wolf is beaten back with a stick. The blind man's son and daughter sneak off from their house to find their dad, but then get lost themselves. They soon lose their camping gear and must fend for themselves and find their own food. Some name-calling between the siblings, like "lame-o." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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a dogs journey home

Community Reviews

  • Parents say (1)
  • Kids say (1)

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In HERO DOG: THE JOURNEY HOME, Royce ( Steve Byers ), a blind man, is commuting on a boat to see his family after working all week at his new job in the city. He's accompanied by Chinook, an Alaskan Malamute. While crossing the lake, the captain of the boat collapses and falls unconscious, and while the boat doesn't capsize in the lake or crash into the rocks near the shore, Royce is on an isolated part of the lake with no one but Chinook to help him get back. While his two kids, Max and Erin, wait for Royce at the dock with their Aunt Susan ( Natasha Henstridge ). (Their mother died of cancer two years earlier.) Susan begins to fear the worst, and the search for Royce soon begins, first on the lake and then through the thick forest around the lake.

As the search continues and Royce remains missing, Max and Erin decide to sneak out and use their camping skills to conduct a search of their own, but they soon become lost themselves. Meanwhile, Royce, with the help of Chinook, must cross rough waters, navigate dangerous crossings, and face off against a mountain lion. Nonetheless, Chinook proves to be a brave companion to Royce, with a rather extraordinary gift for orienteering. But when Royce sustains finds himself trapped beneath a log and unable to move, it's going to require the help of Chinook, Royce's kids, and the entire search party to somehow find Royce and get him and Chinook back home.

Is It Any Good?

This is a heavy-handed adventure story about a dog in the wild, but kids will probably enjoy it. It's the story of a man who lost his vision while serving his country in Afghanistan who now must find a way to navigate the deepest of woods after the captain of the boat that was to take him back to his family loses consciousness and leaves him far from home, with only an Alaskan Malamute named Chinook to get him home. There's plenty of the requisite peril -- everything from mountain lions to wolves to merciless rocks and rapids, and if that's not enough, the son and daughter of the lead character soon become lost themselves after they try to use their camping skills to do what the helicopters, planes, and walkie talkies of the search party cannot do. But no matter. Chinook is preternaturally gifted at orienteering, and knows when to bark when the danger to the humans is especially eminent.

The lead character is not only blind, but he has also lost his wife to cancer two years ago. He works a job in "the city" now that the local mine has closed. Also, his son resents his dad for taking the job because that means they're going to move to the big city, and the son wants to continue to enjoy his life in the great outdoors. It's already a lot, so it seems a bit much to also have to face off against a rabid mountain lion with nothing but a flare gun and a big dog. It's clearly in the tradition of the older Disney movies with gifted pets who rescue their grateful human counterparts, but it really doesn't do anything new with that tried-and-true formula. Still, dog lovers will enjoy seeing a heroic dog do his thing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about movies that prominently feature dogs, such as Hero Dog: The Journey Home . How does this compare to other "dog movies" you've seen?

The lead character lost his vision while serving in the military in Afghanistan. Does this movie portray an accurate depiction of someone without sight? Why or why not?

Did the peril that these characters faced seem necessary to the story, or did it seem exaggerated and unnecessary? Why?

Movie Details

  • On DVD or streaming : March 23, 2021
  • Cast : Natasha Henstridge , Steve Byers , Zackary Arthur
  • Director : Richard Boddington
  • Inclusion Information : Female actors
  • Studio : Grindstone Entertainment Group
  • Genre : Action/Adventure
  • Topics : Cats, Dogs, and Mice
  • Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
  • Run time : 90 minutes
  • MPAA rating : PG
  • MPAA explanation : Some peril.
  • Last updated : October 8, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Faces of No-Kill: Beloved senior dog goes home

Selfie of Victor with Dakota the dog whose tongue is out

When Victor and Shaniah adopted Dakota, they thought they were getting a dog. In reality, she was a cat disguised as an 80-pound canine.

This story is a part of our Faces of No-Kill series, highlighting the journey of pets who lost their place to call home. These pets are thriving today thanks to an animal shelter that helped them rather than killed them. Best Friends’ goal is for every shelter and every community to reach no-kill by 2025 , and this story shows why that’s so important.

“She's not the typical 'give me all of your attention at once' type of dog. She's a gentle giant who, just like a cat, does her own thing at her own time,” says Victor.

The staff at the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles noticed these feline tendencies, too. “She loved chasing shadows, flickering lights, and laser pointers,” says Ana Pulido, Best Friends community engagement manager.

But Dakota’s life hasn’t been all snuggles and sunbeams. It took her 12 years to truly feel stability.

Dakota the dog outside with upright ears and mouth open in a smile

Senior dog’s fresh start

During the first decade of Dakota’s life, she bounced around from place to place. While she was incredibly sweet and had impeccable manners, she was reactive around other dogs and protective of her toys and people. What this senior gal needed was a fresh start.

At the pet adoption center, Dakota stole the hearts of everyone she met. The vet staff made sure she was in tip-top shape, while the adoptions team provided the care and human connection she craved. This sweet girl loved nothing more than romping around the play yard with a staff member or volunteer, then flopping over for belly rubs.

Still, the busy environment took its toll. “The longer she was on-site, the more she did seem to react to other dogs, likely due to stress,” says Ana.

[ Senior dog finds love on the beaches of California ]

So Dakota went to foster care, which provided a quiet, comfortable space to unwind. Once she was feeling relaxed and secure, her true personality began to shine.

“Dakota had two incredibly loving foster homes who were very dedicated to her,” says Ana. “They each confirmed our suspicions — that Dakota was going to be a playful, loving pup who is wonderfully behaved in a home.”

In addition to providing plenty of TLC, the foster volunteers learned Dakota’s body language and respected her boundaries. Back at the pet adoption center, she received training to feel more comfortable around dogs, which included going on walks with other furry friends.

Dakota the dog standing at a threshold with the door open

Dakota goes home

When Victor and Shaniah came to the pet adoption center, they weren’t planning to leave with a pet. But that all changed when they met a certain white-and-brindle pup with perky ears and big brown eyes.

“The minute we locked eyes with Dakota, we both gave each other ‘the look’ and knew we both had mutual feelings for Dakota,” says Victor. “Something about her aura called to us.”

Best Friends staff counseled the couple about Dakota, and everyone decided it was a match. Despite her challenging past, Shaniah and Victor knew she belonged with them.

“If anything, knowing her history made us want to adopt her even more. We're making sure that that part of her life is over,” says Victor.

Dakota settled seamlessly into her new home, aside from being on alert those first few nights (totally understandable in an unfamiliar place). Shaniah and Victor helped the adjustment process by spoiling her with treats and establishing a routine from the get-go.

Dakota the dog on adoption day with his adopters, with one holding a Best Friends sign that says, "I saved my best friend"

The good life

For Dakota, life is all about the simple pleasures. Her favorite things include naps, toys, and walks — especially to the duck pond. Whenever her people pick up the leash, she does a happy little tap dance in anticipation of going outside. This is something that had made her foster volunteers smile, too.

Just like the cat she is, Dakota sets her boundaries and doesn’t need constant cuddles. That said, she also likes being close to her people, following them around from room to room.

[ A senior dog’s journey home ]

“She's almost like a shadow,” says Victor. “When we're cooking, she'll be laying on the kitchen floor. When we're working, she'll be right under the table. When we're watching TV, she'll plop down right next to us. She likes her space, but she also loves being near us.”

There have been some bumps along the way. Victor and Shaniah are still working on Dakota’s reaction to other dogs and identifying her triggers. (They also note that she is a “gassy lady.”) Still, the couple say they wouldn’t change a thing. She’s brought joy and laughter into their lives. Perhaps best of all, she helped Shaniah through a really tough time. Dakota gave her a sense of purpose, a reason to get out of the house, and unconditional love.

“It's safe to say life is so much better with Dakota in it,” says Victor. “We just hope she loves us as much as we love her.”

Dakota the dog wearing a hat and licking cake from a Best Friends adoption cake kit that says, "Hooray I'm home!"

Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill by 2025

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill by 2025 . No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.

Dakota the dog outside on some cobblestones with mouth open in a smile

Make your community no-kill by 2025

You can help save homeless pets, you can help end the killing in shelters and save the lives of homeless pets when you foster, adopt, and advocate for the dogs and cats who need it most..

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Foster a pet

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Adopt a pet

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Advocate for pets

Saving lives around the country, together, we're creating compassionate no-kill communities nationwide for pets and the people who care for them..

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A new life for dogs rescued from dogfighting

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Deaf dog’s inspiring journey home

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Let’s be friends .

Connect with us on social media to stay in the loop about the lifesaving progress we’re making together.    

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Hero Dog: The Journey Home

Natasha Henstridge and Steve Byers in Hero Dog: The Journey Home (2021)

Chinook the Alaskan Malamute must lead a shipwrecked blind man out of the wilderness, while the man's children launch a rescue mission of their own. Chinook the Alaskan Malamute must lead a shipwrecked blind man out of the wilderness, while the man's children launch a rescue mission of their own. Chinook the Alaskan Malamute must lead a shipwrecked blind man out of the wilderness, while the man's children launch a rescue mission of their own.

  • Richard Boddington
  • Richard Clark
  • Natasha Henstridge
  • Steve Byers
  • Zackary Arthur
  • 37 User reviews
  • 6 Critic reviews

Hero Dog: The Journey Home

  • Royce Davis

Zackary Arthur

  • (as Morgan Dipietrantonio)

John Tench

  • Captain Walker

Colin Fox

  • Captain Boggs

Donovan Brown

  • Police Officer

Jeremy Ferdman

  • All cast & crew
  • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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An Elephant's Journey

User reviews 37

  • Mar 18, 2021
  • How long is Hero Dog: The Journey Home? Powered by Alexa
  • March 23, 2021 (United States)
  • Călătoria spre casă
  • Journey Home Films.
  • See more company credits at IMDbPro
  • CA$2,100,000 (estimated)

Technical specs

  • Runtime 1 hour 30 minutes

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Jane Barton

Jane (2)_edited

The idea for Jane's Journey Home started with Jane Barton. Jane grew up in the small town of Westfield, Wisconsin, where she developed a strong love for animals of all kinds, whether pets, domesticated farm animals, or wildlife.  

She spent her adult life caring for others as a skilled x-ray technician first in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and then in San Pedro, California. It was there her free hours were spent walking and playing with her beloved dogs. It was also during these times that Jane witnessed many abandoned and suffering dogs on the streets and at shelters, desperately needing someone's help. Her social circle became focused on friends and neighbors with pets of their own and they’d plan trips to the dog parks together.  These times with friends and their canine companions were Jane’s favorite memories which she shared often with those she loved.

When Jane learned she had terminal cancer in 2013 and was given less than a year to live, she dedicated her final days and her life savings to the care of aging dogs.  Having witnessed firsthand the inhumane treatment of aging animals in her community and needless suffering and death, Jane decided to leave a lasting legacy of caring for these animals. Before Jane died she earmarked seed money for this project.  Jane entrusted her son, Lawrence Barton, with carrying out her vision of providing sanctuary for aging and special needs dogs and ensuring a painless and peaceful passing when the time came.

Jane Barton passed away peacefully on October 23, 2014.  She died knowing that her life had meaning and would continue to serve others for years to come.

Larry & Melanie Farm

In 2021, to honor his mother, Lawrence Barton created Jane's Journey Home for Dogs, Inc.  Jane's Journey Home for Dogs is a nonprofit organization established to realize Jane's ultimate dream to provide a physical place for aging pets as a rural retirement home for dogs in their senior years with trained staff, veterinarian oversight, and loving volunteers.

In the Spring of 2022 Lawrence Barton and his wife Melanie made Jane's dream a reality by purchasing the picturesque Heavenly Hills Farm near Devil's Lake, WI for Jane's Journey Home for Dogs. Nestled into the Baraboo Bluffs, this 36 acre farmette provides peacefulness and comfort for those that need it most. With groomed trails for a quiet walk, indoor and outdoor yards to play or lounge in, a quaint visitors center, and ample indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces; Jane's Journey Home is more than just a shelter.

Jane's Journey Home for Dogs will spend all of its time supporting aging dogs and special needs pets through community outreach and education. First and foremost it will provide a retirement home with palliative care for geriatric dogs near the end of life. And when the time comes, a painless and peaceful journey to that end with love and support for our loyal companions.

Caxton National News

How our dogs are leading the house hunting journey

It has become a popular choice among young buyers to delay parenthood in favour of pet ownership, which is changing the requirements for house hunting..

How our dogs are leading the house hunting journey

Our furry companions are emerging as unexpected but invaluable allies in the quest for the perfect home.

An article published by RE/MAX LLC quoted the “2023 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers”, which revealed that 19% of all buyers between 2022 and 2023 saw outdoor space for a pet as an influential factor in their purchase, the same percentage as those who considered lot size and school district. Convenience to outdoor space for pets even topped the number of buyers considering factors like proximity to schools (18%), healthcare facilities (16%), and airports (9%).

“Although these are American statistics, South Africans are also becoming more pet-focused—particularly the younger buyers. Beyond being loyal companions, dogs are now becoming integral decision-makers, influencing everything from neighbourhood choice to the final selection of what home we live in,” says Adrian Goslett , Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

To find out what young buyers are adding to their wish list in today’s market, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some of the top criteria for a pet-friendly home…

Focus on Fencing It’s not only about keeping your home safe from outside invaders but also about keeping our furry friends safe inside our homes. Solid, high perimeter walls and fencing that are in good condition have become a focus for pet-owning buyers. For apartments with an outside balcony space, the railings and bannisters can also become an area of concern for pet owners.

Finding the Paw-fect Location Today’s buyers don’t only want a park or a safe walking route nearby. Proximity to pet-friendly restaurants, dog parlours, and doggy daycare has also become an important criterion for young buyers.

Special ‘barkitecture’ features These days, homeowners are even willing to add special architectural features to their property designed for their pets’ enjoyment. For example, some homeowners are adding a dog shower to their laundry rooms that is low enough to wash off muddy paws or boots and make washing your pet so much easier. Built-in dog beds have also become a popular feature.

As we delve into the nuances of this novel trend, it becomes clear that our canine counterparts are not just along for the ride; they are leading the charge in shaping our housing journey in ways we never imagined.

“Pet-friendly homes are not always easy to find – especially within sectional titles. Enlisting the help of a local RE/MAX agent can make the whole house hunting experience simpler and more effective,” Goslett concludes.

Writer:  Kayla Ferguson

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How to get into Battahl in Dragon’s Dogma 2

Pass the gate to the beastren kingdom

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Dragon’s Dogma 2 player at the gate to Battahl

Battahl is the second kingdom you’ll explore in Dragon’s Dogma 2 . There’s a lot to do in the starting area of Vermund, but, eventually, the game will lead you to Battahl for quests like “Nation of the Lambent Flame,” “A Case of Sculptor’s Block,” and “The Ailing Arborheart.”

Just past the Checkpoint Rest Town , though, you’ll find your path to Battahl blocked by a huge gate. And a grumpy guard.

Our Dragon’s Dogma 2 guide will explain how to get into Battahl (as a human or beastren), and also show you how to get into Battahl through a secret hidden back entrance.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Captain Brant at the end of Feast of Deception

To get into Battahl the official way, you’ll need to complete all of Captain Brant’s main story quests . This includes the starting three quests you get when you first meet him — “Monster Culling,” “ The Caged Magistrate ,” and “Disa’s Plot” — as well as the several more that branch off from those. You’re ultimately waiting to complete “ Feast of Deception ” and then pick up “Nation of the Lambent Flame.”

With the start of that quest, Captain Brant will give you a Beastren Border Entry Permit . The catch is that it’s only usable by beastren . So if you’re playing as a beastren, you won’t run into any problems, and will be able to just walk right in. If you’re playing as a human, however, you’ll be told to screw off.

But there’s a way around that.

How to get into Battahl as a human in Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 note in the Vernworth inn about the Beastren Mask

Inside the inn in Vernworth, there’s a book laying on one of the beds. If you read it, you’ll get a tip for how to proceed.

In the Checkpoint Rest Town to the west, you’ll find a shop called Ibrahim’s Scrap Shop . He sells forgeries and various other useful items — and he’s got the Jadeite Orb you need for another quest — but what you’re most interested in is the Beastren Mask , which costs 8,700 gold.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Beastren Mask for sale at Ibrahim’s Scrap Shop

With that in hand, you’re ready to head into Battahl. Equip the Beastren Mask and go talk to the guard. He’ll let you through. When you want to return to Vermund, you’ll have to put the Beastren Mask back on if you’re a human.

How to get into Battahl through the secret back entrance

Yes, there is a path that lets you circumvent the gate at the Checkpoint Rest Town entirely. This is the route you’ll need to take if you’re not there on unofficial business (i.e., not part of the main quest). Just prepare yourself for a fight, as you’ll need to take on multiple powerful monsters — including a chimera — if you want to reach Battahl alive.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 map showing the back way into Battahl

Leave the Checkpoint Rest Town going north like you’re headed back to Vernworth. Walk halfway over the bridge and then jump down into the river bed below. Head west and follow the river into the mountains.

The river eventually becomes a mountain pass that you can follow all the way to Thunderclap Cave , which will eventually bring you to Shutram Falls . When you reach the other side of the cave, you’ll officially be in Battahl and past the checkpoint gate.

Your first stop should probably be the campsite just south of the falls. But — if you’re not hurting too bad — you can make your way back up to the gate and stay at Zeplin’s Inn , which is on the Battahl side of the checkpoint.

From the inn, it’s about a 15-minute run to Bakbattahl, the capital city of Battahl.

For more Dragon’s Dogma 2 walkthroughs, check out our explainers on how to change vocation , how to change appearance , how to get out of gaol, and how to increase inventory size . You can also peruse our lists of all vocations (including details about how to unlock them) and all augments .

  • Dragon’s Dogma 2 guides
  • Beginner’s tips
  • What vocation to pick
  • Vernworth quest order
  • Best augments

Dragon’s Dogma 2 guides, walkthroughs, and explainers

  • How to import a pre-made character
  • Beginner’s tips before starting
  • How to hire and use pawns
  • Combat tips for new players
  • How to delete your Dragon’s Dogma 2 save files (PC only)
  • What vocation to pick + all vocations list
  • All pawn specializations
  • Best augments and augments list
  • How to change your vocation
  • How to unlock the Warrior vocation
  • How to unlock the Sorcerer vocation
  • How to unlock the Magick Archer vocation
  • How to unlock the Mystic Spearhand vocation
  • How to unlock the Trickster vocation
  • How to unlock the Warfarer vocation
  • The best Archer build for beginners
  • The best Fighter build for beginners
  • The best Mage build for beginners
  • The best Thief build for beginners
  • How to change your appearance
  • How to fast travel
  • How to change the time of day
  • How to buy a house
  • How to increase inventory size
  • How to get more Wakestones
  • How to get out of gaol
  • Where to find 30 Seeker’s Tokens
  • Best quest order for Captain Brant
  • When to go to the ‘Feast of Deception’ coronation
  • How to reach the Nameless Village
  • How to get to Agamen Volcanic Island
  • ‘The Arisen’s Shadow’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Prey for the Pack’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘The Phantom Oxcart’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘A Beggar’s Tale’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘The Caged Magistrate’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Hunt for the Jadeite Orb’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘The Ornate Box’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Oxcart Courier’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Readvent of Calamity’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Saint of the Slums’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Shadowed Prayers’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘A Veil of Gossamer Clouds’ quest walkthrough

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