Denali: A Man, a Dog, and the Friendship of a Lifetime

Photographer and filmmaker Moon explores his relationship with his dog and their special bond forged during life and death moments in this moving debut. After relocating from Michigan to Oregon with his wife, Moon longed for a dog like the ones he shared outdoor adventures with as a kid and adopts Denali, a pit bull–mix puppy. Moon and Denali form a connection as Moon’s marriage falls apart, and the two companions make a fresh start as Moon, an avid outdoor athlete, begins living in his van to realize his dream of becoming a rock climbing and surfing photographer. Their freewheeling lifestyle comes to a halt when the 29-year-old Moon is diagnosed with colon cancer. With Denali close by his side through his ordeal, Moon recovers; for the next decade, however, Denali suffers various illnesses, also including cancer. Moon takes the role of caregiver throughout Denali’s illness, and heartbreakingly details Denali’s final days before he died. The ordeal teaches Moon to focus on the present and remain positive—which is made easier when he adopts another puppy. Moon inspires and educates in this tearjerking memoir of his best friend. (Jan.)