Dog

Throughout Dog, Briggs’ relationship with Lulu begins with emotional distance, reflected in his tendency to call her “Dog” rather than her name. This detachment symbolizes his fear of forming deeper bonds, especially since Lulu is destined to be put down after attending Riley’s funeral. As the journey unfolds, Briggs gradually opens up, dropping the nicknames and allowing himself to connect with Lulu on a more genuine level. Their shared experiences mirror each other’s struggles, both of them wounded by their military pasts. Lulu’s watchful eye on her favorite show, Grey’s Anatomy, adds a touch of comfort rooted in her bond with her previous owner, Rodrigo, and signifies her need for calm amid chaos.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Briggs and Lulu are both mirrors of each other’s emotional scars—she was once calm and affectionate, but her trauma turned her feral, much like Briggs who struggled to adjust and form meaningful connections. By the end of the film, Briggs makes the heartfelt decision to keep Lulu, acknowledging the profound impact she’s had on his life. He even writes a poem about her, symbolizing his own journey of healing and acceptance. This final act shows that Briggs has begun to let go of his emotional barricades, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing that he can find purpose and happiness beyond the battlefield. Lulu’s presence has helped Briggs confront his trauma, and by choosing to stay with her, he indicates a willingness to move forward and rebuild his life with new hope and courage. The ending signifies that healing often comes through connection, and Briggs’s decision to save Lulu marks a pivotal step in his path toward emotional recovery and a brighter future.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00