This film has a great idea and some terrific actors like Kate Jackson, Wayne Rogers, Rue McClanahan, Stacey Keach, and newcomer Josh Hutcherson (who has since starred in Little Manhattan, Bridge To Terabithia, and several others). The idea is about a boy who has to give away some puppies, and in the meantime when the puppies (or their mother) visit hospital patients, the patients miraculously get better. The reason I only give it 8 stars is that the film doesn't stay focused on that idea and follow individual stories for each puppy & patient, but gets sidetracked with other characters like a doctor (Wayne Rogers) who has little to do with the main story, a janitor (Stacy Keach), and a dog catcher. These characters and their stories are fine in their own rite & well acted, but they take time away from the main theme which could have been developed more and made this a great 10-star film.

A beautiful TV movie about a litter of dogs with mysterious healing powers. Great to watch with the kids, and as an owner of my own three legged dog, I had a special love for Annie, this movie's mom-dog.Although the plot is somewhat sublime and predictable, the cast selected for this film adds a special dimension to the experience. Kate Jackson and Wayne Rodgers seem to be aging well. Stacey Keach shows versatility as C.W., especially for those that remember him from the Cheech and Chong era.The training of the dogs in this movie is far from ambitious, but apart from looking cute, running down halls and licking faces, these animals of course are the key to a most endearing movie. Want to see great animal training? See Eight Below for that! But all in all, a wonderful movie with a second look at Rue McClanahan of The Golden Girls genre who makes you wish there were more people like her in the world.Spend an evening with the kids and see this wonderful film.....

This is an example of bad Hollywood gone unchecked. Don't settle for this type of movie. There are much more rewarding movies out there to watch than this Derek. Watch a Japanese Anime film, watch an old black and white romance. Try something different with children's's television time and don't settle for this unoriginal, uninspired reprocessed drivel.The acting from all of actors in this movie is completely second rate. The directing, assuming there was one, would be considered workman like even for a daytime soap opera. The scenes are set, the actors walk into the scene, speak some lines, and then we repeat. The pacing is awful. I couldn't believe just how bad this movie is. My kids when asked, said, " It was good", but I believe that was just out of politeness. They never laughed or cheered or acted frightened during the entire movie. That's the best way to sum up this movie; It's just a waste of time.

I liked this movie. It is a lot better than the Beethovin dog movies. The cast was refreshing, bringing some names to the screen we haven't seen for a while. Newcomer KC Clyde -The Best Two Years- is a very good actor and I hope to see more of him. Craig Clyde ,I assume they are related, did a very fine job with the screenplay and direction. We need more films like this for our children to enjoy. Alana Austin was adorable. Kate Jackson is still quite breathtaking. Stacy Keach showed a side to his acting we have not seen before. It was also good to see Wayne Rogers again. When I first viewed this page the part of Dr.Holdorman was mistakenly credited as the other MASH sidekick Mike Farell. But is indeed Wayne Rogers. I hope this has been corrected by the time you read this. Another great actor, Daniel Roebuck, also appears in this film. I have been seeing him everywhere lately. Oh yeah, the three legged dog, Annie, was also quite superb!