Do Animal Movies Make You Cry? #MaxtheHero #MaxMovie

I have a history with animal movies. I have to watch every one that's released, even though they inevitably turn me into a bawling, slobbering mess. I can watch the saddest movies ever made with humans suffering tragic fates without shedding a tear, but with an animal movie I'm practically crying by the opening credits.

When I was a teenager I went to see a dog movie called Fluke with my mother. We were the only ones  in the theater and it's a good thing, because we both cried our eyes out through the entire movie. On our way back to the car I was still crying so hard that my poor mother probably thought somebody was going to call the police to report child abuse.

I've watched Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey dozens of times, but the final scene where Chance and Sassy return home to their kids and just as they're about to give up on poor old Shadow, he comes hobbling into view...I'm a goner just thinking about it.

My mother has warned me to never even *attempt* to watch Harry & Tonto, and I've taken her advice. I set myself up for heartache by watching these movies, but even I know my limits.

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On June 26th another amazing animal movie is set to hit theaters, and I was so honored to be asked to help spread the word about it. I first saw the movie trailer earlier this spring (and yes, I teared up) and immediately put the date on my calendar. (Although to be perfectly honest, I'll probably wait for the DVD so I can openly weep in the comfort of my living room with Truffles as the only witness.)

Now, let me tell you about MAX:

A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.

Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is adopted by Kyle’s family, essentially saving his life. But Justin has issues of his own, such as living up to his father’s expectations for him; he isn’t interested in taking responsibility for his brother’s troubled dog. However, Max may be Justin’s only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the front, and with the help of a tough-talking young teen, Carmen, who has a way with dogs, Justin begins to appreciate his canine companion.

Justin’s growing trust in Max helps the four-legged veteran revert back to his heroic self, and as the pair race against time to unravel the mystery, they find more excitement—and danger—than they bargained for. But they each might also find an unlikely new best friend…in each other.

Official movie trailer:

The theme song "Forever Young" by Blake Shelton (trust me and grab a box of Kleenex right now):

Max “Hero Dogs” Featurette:

Tell us why your pet is your hero! Share your photos and stories using the hashtags #HeroPet and #MaxMovie on social media for a chance to be featured on Warner Brothers official MAX pages!

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How do you feel about animal movies? 

Are you looking forward to seeing Max?