The incredibly close bond between man (or woman) and dog is the focus of a touring film festival which arrives in the North East this month - on its first ever trip to the UK.
The Top Dog Film Festival, which had its origins in Australia, will be here on September 24, with The Playhouse Whitley Bay the only venue in the region to be playing host to what promises to be a feel-good event guaranteed to appeal to all animal lovers.
It will be bringing audiences several short films - amounting to more than two hours of dog-related footage - from independent film-makers around the world.
Among them will be Arthur, which encompasses the meaning of dogged determination in its true tale of a stray in Ecuador which encountered a Swedish team taking part in the Adventure Racing World Championships - and tagged along.
Even through the most gruelling part of the team challenges, the dog refused to give up, forming a bond with team leader Mikael Lindnord, and audiences attending the screening at The Playhouse on September 24 will be glad to know that there is a happy ending.
And then there is the tale of Henry, the first avalanche rescue dog.
Henry's Legacy tells how the dog, with handler Chris, saved lives in a ski resort while another film, The Dogist, takes its title from the nickname given to the man whose photo-documentary series about the faithful pooches he sees around the world has earned him 3.2m followers on Instagram.
The programme of independent films also includes Adoption Pending; Dog Power; For the Love of Dog; Love Unleashed and Trail Dog.
The festival is all about showcasing and celebrating the relationships between people and their four-legged friends through the best and latest films which are classed as inspirational, heartwarming and entertaining.
It is organised by mountain film festival Banff which has also come to Whitley Bay .
This is Top Dog Film Festival's first UK tour and follows its international success. It's set to prove a similar hit with animal-loving Brits.
Pet lovers who want to see it in Whitley Bay can book here .
