A family movie about a girl, a stray German Shepherd and one long day in a small town
When a stray dog follows 12-year-old Bridget through her small town, she embarks on an unexpected journey, discovering loyalty, courage, and the joy of an unlikely friendship along the way.
Not My Dog (2026) is available now on these platforms.
Not My Dog is a 2026 live-action family dog movie from Trash Panda Pictures, written and directed by Danny LeGare and filmed in Vernon, Connecticut. Rylie Pennington stars as Bridget, alongside Eric Roberts, Dan Lauria, Marika Dominczyk, Jeremy London and Sal Rendino. Made for a PG audience, it runs 81 minutes and is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube Movies and Fandango at Home.
When a stray black German Shepherd follows 12-year-old Bridget through her small town, an ordinary errand becomes an unexpected journey. Together, Bridget and Nudge discover loyalty, courage and the joy of an unlikely friendship.
Not My Dog was made for a PG audience; it has not been submitted for an MPA rating. Common Sense Media recommends it for ages 8 and up and calls it a gentle, family-friendly drama. It was made for children ages 8 to 12 and their families, and reviewers note that older audiences enjoy it too.
No, the dog does not die, and the sequel picks up two years later with Bridget and Nudge together. The film is warm and funny rather than sad. A neighbor does want the dog gone, and Common Sense Media notes mild name-calling and a scene where a character feeds him chocolate, which parents may want to talk about.
Yes. Nudge is played by Inkosi, a trained black German Shepherd, in his first film role. Black dogs are often passed over in shelters, so the film casts one as a loving family dog on purpose.
In Vernon, Connecticut, mostly in the Rockville section, including a working barbershop, neighborhood streets and Henry Park. The town in the film is called Rockville.
Not My Dog runs 81 minutes. Rent or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube Movies or Fandango at Home.
Trash Panda Pictures, an independent studio in Vernon, Connecticut, that makes live-action films and series for children and families. Danny LeGare wrote, directed and produced it. Five percent of net proceeds go to the 15/10 Foundation, which helps shelter dogs with medical needs.
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There is a reason Nudge is a black German Shepherd.
Black dogs are often overlooked in shelters, something commonly referred to as Black Dog Syndrome. German Shepherds are also frequently portrayed in movies as police, military or working dogs, rather than the loving, loyal family dogs they can be. We wanted Nudge to help change both perceptions.
That mission goes beyond the movie. Not My Dog has partnered with the 15/10 Foundation, created by the team behind WeRateDogs, to help shelter dogs with medical needs get the care they need and a better chance at finding a home.
5%
of net proceeds from Not My Dog will be donated to the 15/10 Foundation
Watch the movie. Share the movie. Help us help a pup.
Because every Nudge deserves a Bridget.
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Director / Producer / Writer
Danny LegareHigh-resolution images available for press and marketing.
What reviewers are saying.
“Rylie Pennington's portrayal of Bridget perfectly captures the essence of a child who, while they may be stubborn at first, is open to accepting new challenges and reveling in them.”
“Not My Dog punches well above its weight as a coming of age drama that’s both fun and heartfelt.”
“It’s got a great, humble personality right from the start and it’s an easy, enjoyable watch.”
“When all Hollywood wants to do is throw dark subject matter at kids, LeGare’s tale is a breath of fresh air.”
“The most obvious word that comes to mind while watching Not My Dog is “heartwarming.””
“This is a feel-good family film that gently nudges kids to look outside of their comfort zones and into the unexpected things beyond their phones.”
“Although geared toward tweens, it is a film that audiences of all ages can enjoy.”
More films in development, production, and release across the Trash Panda Pictures slate.
Two years after saving a stray dog and discovering the true meaning of connection, Bridget and her loyal companion Nudge set out to bring Christmas to everyone in town, even if it means going head-to-head with Rockville's most stubborn Scrooge.
When 12-year-old Tessa is sent to live with her blunt, emotionally guarded Aunt Kate after her charming but irresponsible father is imprisoned, both must learn how to coexist. Through the rhythm of quiet group hikes and the support of Kate's gentle partner Calvin, Tessa begins to see through the lies she's been told—and Kate begins to understand the healing power of showing up, day after day, even when it's hard.
During the summer before high school, 13-year-old Zoey, a quirky photographer struggling with body image and feeling like an outsider, finds herself caught between fitting in and staying true to herself. When a hurtful prank from the 'cool kids' leaves her feeling more alone than ever, she learns to trust her own voice, with help from her offbeat friends, a wise grandfather, and a supportive teacher.
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