Brussels Dog Names

The part of Verdell was not played by just one Brussels Griffon, but six different canine actors of varying sexes. The dogs were named Timer, Debbie, Parfait, Jill the Dog, Billy, and Sprout. On the film's credits, Jill the dog received top billing because she had received fifteen weeks of formal training before landing the role. 

The film focuses on the character Melvin Udal who is played by Jack Nickolson. Melvin is an eccentric, obsessive-compulsive novelist. He lives a very routine lifestyle. Every day he goes to the same diner where he asks for the same waitress named Carol (played by Helen Hunt) to wait on him. He then goes home to his apartment. He does not get along with his neighbor, Simon, very well. Simon owns Verdell. Unfortunately, one day Simon is physically assaulted. Melvin does the right thing and takes in Verdell during Simon's recovery. As time passes, Melvin becomes very attached to Verdell. 

The heartwarming story has Melvin growing closer to Carol. When Simon comes home after recovering, he is heartbroken because he thinks Verdell prefers Melvin's company. However, Melvin eventually confides that Verdell only likes the treats that Melvin carries in his pockets. 

Eventually, Melvin and Carole take Simon on a road trip to reconnect to his parents and ask for their help. During the journey, the trio of humans starts to form a deep bond and friendship. Unfortunately, towards the end of the trip, Carol and Melvin have a falling out. Carole tells Melvin she never wants to see him again.

After Melvin and Simon return home, Melvin is heartbroken. Not even Verdell's sweetness can ease his pain. Simon suggests that Melvin proclaim his love for Carol. Eventually, everything works out.

Even though it has been 20 years since the As Good as It Gets film was first released, Verdell still lives on in everyone's hearts. Who can forget the favorite scene when he walked beside Melvin and also refused to step on the cracks in the pavement just like Melvin? Melvin's OCD prevented him from stepping on cracks as he walked to the diner, so little Verdell also avoided the cracks in the pavement. 

After the release of the film, the small Brussels Griffon breed grew in popularity with many people wanting a dog like Verdell.