It’s impossible not to fall in love with the puppy dog eyes, adorable tail wagging, and sloppy kisses, making dogs the perfect human companion. The unconditional love that dogs bring to our lives is the reason many decide to adopt them, but many times they don’t consider the responsibilities that come with it. Fielding Marshall was heartbroken when he saw his ex-girlfriend with his new partner. He wanted to pour his love and affection onto someone, and a dog seemed like the right choice. Even though his best friend, Nate, didn’t think he had what it took to take care of a dog, Fielding had his eyes on a yellow Lab whimpering for affection. “Dog Gone” is about the bond that Fielding and his family shared with Gonker and how losing him, in a way, brought them closer together.
spoilers ahead
‘Dog Gone’ Plot Summary: What Is the Movie About?
Gonker grew up on the University of Virginia campus. He was Fielding’s partner at parties and even in yoga classes. Fielding always wanted Gonker to be in touch with his wild side and preferred to keep him off leash. His parents found out about Gonker when they traveled to his university to attend his graduation ceremony. His father, John Marshall, ridiculed his decision to adopt a dog at a time when he had no idea of his future. Fielding believed that it was Gonker who helped him enjoy his college years, and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Fielding was worried about his future and watching his friends discuss his job offers didn’t make it any easier. He was a man who enjoyed adventure sports, but he wasn’t sure he could make a living from them. He spent the last day on campus with Gonker doing all the things they loved to do together. Although he had missed the graduation ceremony to the disappointment of his parents, he did not regret it. After college, he went home with his parents to the suburbs, and Gonker learned the house rules. But of course, his parents couldn’t keep up with the strict pace because of Gonker’s cuteness.
Those who never wanted a dog inside their home now enjoyed every moment with Gonker. John became her quest partner and Ginny spoiled him with food and affection. While her parents enjoyed Gonker’s company, they were worried about her son. John wanted Fielding to become a responsible adult and had a hard time accepting that his son was taking a break to understand his life. The transition from carefree college life to being out in the world to earn a living was not easy for Fielding, and the growing urgency to find a job affected him. Meanwhile, one afternoon, Gonker seemed more lethargic than usual. He didn’t greet Ginny after she returned home and his food bowl remained full. He was rushed to the pet hospital, where they were told he had Addison’s disease. The vets weren’t sure if he would survive that night, but to his surprise, the next morning, Gonker was as playful as ever. Gonker’s sudden illness further taught Fielding just how great the responsibility of being a dog parent was.
Fielding took Nate out on the Appalachian Trail and took Gonker with him. He was off leash and went into the woods to chase a fox. During all this time, Gonker always returned when called, no matter how far he went, but this time it was not the same. Even after calling him several times and going into the forest, he didn’t see Gonker. Fielding returned home and informed the parents of him, and the next morning they began the extensive search for his beloved child.
‘Dog Gone’ ending explained: Did the Marshalls find Gonker?
Ginny remembered her childhood when Gonker disappeared. She had a dog named Oji, which she lost due to an accident, or so her parents told her. Her parents were strict and lacking in affection; they did not enjoy Oji’s presence and refused to allow him into the house, even when it was snowing heavily outside. Ginny was young then and she didn’t have the means to find Oji, but this time she wasn’t ready to give up anytime soon. She gathered up the phone books and called every pet hospital, shelter and media outlet to get the word out about Gonker. They needed to find Gonker within 23 days because, without his monthly injection, he would not survive. Gonker’s story was published in the newspapers and touched the hearts of his readers. People took the initiative to spread the word about him and flyers were distributed everywhere. Meanwhile, John and Fielding went to the Appalachian Trail to conduct an extensive search. They ran into several dead ends, leaving them tired and frustrated. During his journey to find Gonker, John realized that his son might have been struggling to find his way, but he was responsible enough to prioritize finding Gonker even when he was physically exhausted. He was proud of the man his son had become: a kind and emotional soul.
After relentlessly searching for Gonker for days, the Marshalls believed they should end the search. It was getting physically and emotionally draining on them. Fortunately, within a few hours, they were informed that a dog fitting Gonker’s description was at Evergreen Lodge in Nellysford. When the man on the phone mentioned that the dog showed him a donut trick, the Marshalls knew he had to be Gonker. They drove to the lodge and Fielding called him. From the forest came Gonker running towards him. Finally, they met his godfather again. As soon as John and Fielding got Gonker home safely, Fielding collapsed to the ground. He had been ill for months and was in acute pain, but he chose to hide it in order to concentrate on finding Gonker. They took him to the hospital and his parents found out that he had ulcerative colitis. After the successful surgery, Fielding began to recover. The doctor advised him to sleep well, but he had a hard time sleeping without Gonker by his side. John had the perfect solution; he sneaked Gonker into the hospital and Fielding was more than happy to have his friend by his side.
Although he was in pain and could barely eat anything, Fielding did not want to stop looking for Gonker. While John once wondered if his son lacked determination and a sense of responsibility, he was proven wrong. Fielding’s decision to adopt Gonker was perhaps one of the best decisions of his life.
What is the true story behind the movie?
The Marshall family lost Gonker on the Appalachian Trail in 1998. As depicted in the film, Gonker suffered from Addison’s disease and the Marshall family only had 23 days to find their dog because without his monthly injection, they would not I would make it. John and Fielding Marshall traveled in search of Gonker, while Ginny focused on contacting shelters, community centers, and newspaper publishers. Soon, a community of dog lovers was searching for Gonker. Ginny, in real life, had a dog named Oji, and he was her support system during her childhood years. Losing him was traumatizing for her, so finding Gonker became an important mission for her. When writer Pauls Toutonghi, John and Ginny’s son-in-law, learned of the incident, he realized the emotional connection the family had to the story of finding Gonker. He had initially planned to give the book to the family for Christmas, but it ended up becoming a published book. Writer/producer Nick Santaro pitched him to Netflix and thus began the journey of “Dog Gone.”
After losing Gonker once, the Marshall family made sure he was never separated from them again. And keeping his knack for adventure, Fielding offers kayak tours in Chile. “Dog Gone” is an emotional journey; It’s not just about finding a lost dog, but also about the deeper emotional impact it had on the family, from how it helped Ginny heal from her childhood regret to how it made John understand her son better than he did. never. While of course losing Gonker was an emotional roller coaster for the family, it was ultimately a happy ending.
“Dog Gone” is a 2023 Drama Family film directed by Stephen Herek.
