Calling all pet lovers: This website warns you of dog deaths in movies

I can handle just about anything that happens in the most gruesome of movies, but pets or babies murdered for lazy emotional manipulation will leave me in a rotten mood for the rest of the day. I get that it’s “just a movie,” but sometimes I’m not in the mindset to put up with the gratuitous deaths of cute things – especially when it’s completely unexpected. If you ever find yourself feeling like me, I’ve got the resource for you: Doesthedogdie.com

Despite the name, it goes beyond dog deaths; the webpage describes itself as offering “crowdsourced emotional spoilers for movies, tv, books, and more.” A quick look through the available categories shows the site also helps warn you of:

• LGBT deaths
• Suicide
• Sexual assault
• Animal abuse
• Domestic violence
• Strobe effects
• Shaky Cam
• Vomit
• Spoiling children about Santa

And more.

Simply type in a movie on the site’s search bar, and you’ll find a list of some of the above “emotional spoilers.” For questions like “Does the dog die?” users are able to vote yes or no, as well as add comments providing more detail. Sometimes these spoilers can be quite thorough, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to keep the plot intact.

That said, because results are completely crowdsourced, it’s possible to find results that are inaccurate or lacking in nuance – an animal dying of old age is not the same as a dog killed. Again, the site does allow for comments that clarify the specifics, but those aren’t always present. Searching for John Wick: Chapter 3, and looking at the results for “Does the dog die?” currently shows 16 out of 26 votes saying ‘Yes,’ even though the movie isn’t even out yet and by all indications so far, the dog is safe.

It’s not just about outright avoiding movies either. Someone could still go see a movie (and perhaps enjoy it more) if they’re warned and able to mentally prepare for scenes that would be mental health triggers or sour an otherwise enjoyable film.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or online here. For more information on Chooselife.org visit its website here.

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