Man doggedly determined to save furry friends

Your son comes home from summer camp, excited to show off his new wilderness skills. Unfortunately, you don't have the time to watch him demonstrate every single skill. But one creature is ever so eager to hear all the details—his faithful dog Ranger. Encouraged by Ranger's slobbery smile, your son spends the whole afternoon with his pal in the backyard, where Ranger happily watches him tie square knots and take compass readings.

The mutual devotion between man and man's best friend is the focus of Eight Below, now available on home video. After watching the movie, use our questions below for a family chat about how pets are unique kinds of pals. Then “paws” to do our “Puppy Love” activity to celebrate your loyal pet!

Eight Below features Jerry Shepard (Paul Walker), a guide at a remote research base in Antarctica who has a special bond with his faithful dogsled team. When ambitious geologist Dr. Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood) arrives at the base, eager to track down a precious meteorite, Jerry reluctantly agrees to lead the dangerous mission.

After Dr. McClaren ignores multiple warnings against venturing beyond safe limits, the canine team saves him from what might have been a deadly accident. As an immense storm approaches, Jerry and the dependable dogs race the badly injured doctor back to base. Upon arrival, they receive immediate evacuation orders. Unfortunately, the plane doesn't have enough space for the sled dogs.

Although the pilot assures Jerry she will return for the dogs, severe weather prohibits travel back to the post for months. How far will Jerry go to rescue his four-legged friends?

Talk Together

Jerry calls the dogs his family. How did Jerry and the canines show their love for one another? How does your pet show his love to you? Share the things you like most about your pet—from the way your puppy curls up at your feet to how your kitten bats at wiggly pieces of yarn.

Take turns describing what dog scene was your favorite. What tricks can your pet do that might make him a Hollywood star?

If dogs could talk, what would they have said when they were reunited with Jerry? If your pet could talk, what phrase would he say the most? What kind of voice would he have—a deep, grumbly growl, or a soft squeak?

Play Together: Puppy Love

Show off your precious pet with these cute tags!

You will need:
• Shrinky Dinks plastic sheets for ink jet printers
• Hole punch
• Jewelry jump rings
• Keyring or necklace
• Clear nail polish

Choose one digital photo of your pet and one of your child. Select wallet-size prints for each photo. Follow directions in the Shrinky Dinks package to print the photos on the plastic sheet. Cut out photos and punch a hole in the corner. Put a jump ring through each hole.

Follow the Shrinky Dinks directions for baking the sheet. Let cool for 5 minutes. To protect the photo, brush with clear nail polish.

Thread the photo of your child onto your pet's collar. Thread the photo of your pet onto a key ring or necklace for your child to use or wear.

Now, just like Jerry and his dogs, your child and pet will be proud to show the world that true friendship between people and animals is indeed paws-ible!