The Logan family, Terri (Kate Jackson), Dr. Ben (Ted Shackleford) and young son Charlie (Josh Hutcherson) have just made the move from Colorado to Cleveland! There were good job opportunities at the famous Clinic so they go. But, Charlie has the most difficulty, leaving his friends behind. Also, the rented house they inhabit won't allow pets. This is most upsetting, since Charlie immediately rescues a dog by the side of the road. The kindly vet has to amputate one of the canine's front legs and tells Charlie he will keep him at the animal hospital as long as possible. Ben even tells Charlie that they will try to find a new house soon. But, knowing the dog he names Annie deserves better than this, Charlie makes off with her and hides her in the basement of the Cleveland Clinic! A gruff but kind janitor (Stacy Keach) becomes the lad's partner in secrecy. Soon, Charlie lets the dog "loose" at night on the clinic's floors, where they sick folks start to make miraculous improvements, even a grouchy, rich cancer-stricken lady (Rue McClanahan). Dr. Ben, who is part of the research team can't believe it. But, staff reports sightings of the dog at various times, even though he disappears before they can catch him! Oh, and one more thing. The vet told Charlie that Annie probably had a litter of pups somewhere, before surgery, cause she had the look of a nursing mother dog. Sure enough, Charlie finds the pups in the woods and these little charmers start to make the rounds at the Clinic, too. Can this secret operation last forever? What a fine family flick this is, with a sweet story, lovable dogs, a great cast (how nice to see and hear Jackson), and plenty of fun. Keach makes a strong impression, too, while gals, here's your chance to see the now young adult idol, Hutcherson, as a young boy. Doggone, don't wait. Everyone will enjoy Miracle Dogs!

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.

First of all there was three of my college buddies sitting down to watch this nice movie. Not sure where to start, but by the end of this movie three of us were laughing so hard that we almost pee-wee in our pants. I mean once the parents waved goodbye to their kids at the end is when the tears starting pouring. Next we see 1000 "Hell's Angels" driving down a one way street the wrong way. Next you see a 10 foot Tasmanian devil bouncing up and down. We gave this comedy a 3 legged thumbs up. Oh and by the way, when the Golden Girl appeared we almost lost it. My God, it was too funny... Please, if a sequel comes out, get a hold of us because we are horrible actors (perfect for the job) This movie wouldn't have been so wonderful without the bad acting and horrible script writing. Although tomorrow morning I will be bidding on this masterpiece on Ebay because I want to remember the time I almost pee-wee'd myself from watching Miracle Dog.****** 5 Stars Question: What was up with the Hells Angels being in the movie? They are awesome, but what do they have to do with a Miracle 3 legged dog.

I thought that this was a pleasant inoffensive film.Its about a boy who finds these dogs,who turn out to be special.Plenty of familiar faces from TV,like Kate Jackson,Wayne Rogers,Stacy Keach,and especially Rue McClanahan,who gives a very moving performance as a cancer victim who is changed by the dogs.In an age when even kids movies seem to be infected by crude humor,this is a refreshing change of pace.It is sweet,and I think its heart is definitely in the right place.It is typical made for TV level writing,but I thought the performances and the cute puppies make up for it.This is movie I would let my kids watch,and maybe even watch it with them.