Old Dogs Inspired Dog Names

Old Dogs is a 2009 comedy film that is composed of an ensemble cast led by the late Robin Williams and John Travolta. In the film, they play the roles of Dan and Charlie, co-owners of a prolific sports marketing firm and best friends outside of work. Aside from the ensemble cast, one of the scene-stealers in the movie is canine actor Sebastian, a shepherd mix who played the role of Charlie’s dog Lucky. He is seen multiple times in the movies, usually in the background during scenes at Charlie’s home. When he dies in the movie, it was in Lucky’s funeral when Dan and Charlie reconcile.

The film begins with recently-divorced Dan and his best friend and partner Charlie pitching to Japanese executives as they try to close a huge marketing deal with a Japanese corporation, which is their company’s biggest account to date. During the meeting, Charlie shares the story of how Dan met his ex-wife, Vicki; seven years prior, Charlie brought Dan away in a tropical vacation where he met Vicki. The two fall in love and get married but the union was short-lived.

Shortly after the meeting, Vicki resurfaces and contacts Dan to share some unexpected news: their marriage produced two children, twins Emily and Zach. For her work as an environmental activist, Vicki was prosecuted and is facing some prison time. Hence, she contacts Dan as a last resort and requests him to watch over their children while she finishes her sentence. Dan, who is still in love with Vicki, sees this as an opportunity to get back with her and agrees. However, he enlists the help of Charlie even though they both have no experience with taking care of children.

Since Dan’s bachelor pad does not allow kids, he and his children move in with Charlie and his dog, Lucky. While the two mean well, their lack of experience with children shows and is reflected through their actions. At the same time, they experience a lot of pressure in their professional life as they try to close the deal with the Japanese. Desperate for help, Charlie asks for the help of a kids’ entertainer named Jimmy Lunchbox. With his guidance, Dan is able to build some sort of relationship with Emily.

Vicki returns from jail and takes the kids back. After sealing the deal with the Japanese, Dan and Charlie need to fly to Tokyo and work there, which means Dan would have to leave his family behind. Upon his arrival in Japan, however, he realizes that he wants to be a father to his children and returns to the United States to win the kids over. The film ends with Vicki and Dan getting back together and Charlie marrying Amanda.