I was raised with cats and never had a dog but I watch The Dog Whisperer faithfully and last year brought a book called "How Dogs Think." Here is what I've learned from "Whisperer" Cesar Millan, who is preparing me for my first puppy: Dogs crave rules, boundaries and limitations from their pack leader. After that, you can give them a little bit of affection.

I do have a dog in my dreams but he hasn't materialized in real life yet. I'm psychologically readying myself.

What I liked about Year of the Dog is how director/writer Mike White and star Molly Shannon bring a sad glow and refreshing realism to the main character, Peggy. Peggy is alone but she is not lonely – she has Pencil. Peggy has a nice job, though unfortunately working with an anal-retentive bug of a boss Robin (Josh Pais), a good friend Layla (Regina King), who is only interested in getting her boyfriend to marry her, a nice house, and a brother and sister-in-law (Laura Dern) obsessed with their children. Peggy cherishes adorable "Pencil." The dog lives for her and gives Peggy the emotional affection and attention she has not found in her personal life. Peggy accepts the fact that she may never have a date, a boyfriend, or husband.

One night Pencil goes outside in the neighbor's yard and dies! Frantically, Peggy thinks the neighbor, hunting aficionado Al (John C. Reilly), might be somehow responsible. Rushing Pencil to the vet, Peggy meets Newt (Peter Sarsgaard) an animal activist. Peggy's grief is overwhelming and no one seems to understand how Pencil's death has affected her. Soon, Newt suggests she adopt another dog. This new dog is not like gentle Pencil. He's an abused dog and Newt offers to help re-train him using his methods. Peggy starts to spend a lot of time with Newt and soon becomes influenced by his vegetarianism and animal activism. She begins to like him. However, Newt is celibate and can only have meaningful relationships with dogs.

Peggy has found a mission in life and is rapidly becoming an Animal Activist Fascist. Her sister-in-law wears fur. Her friends eat meat. She bullies everyone into adopting dogs even using "unethical" methods.

Basically Peggy is on the fast track to crazytown and soon loses everything.

Director Mike White has written wonderful characters and you can see how the supporting players are enjoying the clever script. All the actors are terrific, especially Shannon. Shannon is the go-to girl for the comedic role supporting the lead actress. In Year of the Dog Shannon gives a moving, honest performance. Peggy is a nice person and when Newt rejects her, you see how hurt she is and what it means to her dashed hopes for a boyfriend. When Peggy goes over the edge, Shannon's hair is matted and unwashed and she's not wearing any make-up. Few actresses would permit the kind of close-up wart and all shots Shannon endures.

Mike White, who wrote and directed School of Rock, is very talented. There is pathos in his work that certainly resonates here – whether you are a dog lover or not, this movie has heart and soul. By the way, if you do not like dogs, there are scenes that confirm dogs do ruin stuff and without Millan's guidance, you can be bullied by a dog.

(We at zboneman.com are excited to welcome the prolific and multi-talented writer Victoria Alexander to our staff. Critic for http://www.filmsinreview.com/ and pundit and humorist responsible for the candid and fearlessly funny "The Devil's Hammer," her column appears every Monday on http://fromthebalcony.com. Start off your week with a good hard laugh. It's a thrill to have her on board. Victoria Alexander answers every email and can be contacted directly at .)