I felt it was uncalled for to show the main character, Buck being hit in the head with a club to show him who was boss! I also felt it was wrong to show another dog attacking and fighting with him to the point he couldn’t get up! At that point I got up and left the movie. I would not encourage you to take your children to this movie! The animal abuse was maddening!!! Yes, I understand it wasn’t a real dog, but nonetheless, it depicts animal abuse which continues to desensitize the audience! No! Novel or no novel... it is NOT okay!