Guard Dog

Why do dogs bark at such innocent creatures as pigeons and squirrels... what are they afraid of? This film answers that eternal question. Maniacal wildflowers and homicidal squirrels lurk menacingly in this dog's-eye view of a walk in the park. The crazed dog finds the park a very scary place. Man's best friend guards his master at whatever cost, but sometimes a dog's paranoia is not in the best interest of the master.

Dog, Wildflowers, Squirrels

Bill Plympton's first computer-animated film.

This film was inspired by a dog that Plympton saw in the park who was barking incessantly at innocent objects.

Premiered at the Boston Underground Film Festival. (An unpolished version was shown at ASIFA San Francisco in February 2004.)

"People are responding really well to it, so I may do a series," Plympton said in an interview. "Maybe he'll become my Mickey Mouse."

Academy Award Nominee, Best Short Film (Animated), 2005.
Special Prize, Hiroshima International Film Festival, 2004.
First Prize, Best Short Animation, Anima Mundi, Brazil, 2004.
Audience Award, Best Short Film (Animated), Woods Hole Film Festival, 2004.
Best in Show, ASIFA-East International Animation Festival, 2004.
Special Mention for Humor, Cartoons on the Bay, Italy, 2004