"In the beginning, God created a man.
"But seeing him so feeble,
he gave him a dog."
Alphonse Toussenel, French writer
Hakodate City, Hokkaido
This is the town where I grew up with my dog, Socks.
Let me tell you about the 10 wonderful years I've spent with her.
10 Promises to My Dog
This is me 10 years ago.
Look that way!
You're hopelessly obedient.
Look this way.
Look!
Come here!
Good boy.
He's so cute!
Don't you like dogs, Hoshi?
I do,
but mom says I have to take extra care of my fingers.
You're going to be a guitarist. but mom says I have to take extra care of my fingers.
You're going to be a guitarist.
I'm very sorry.
He's never run up to a stranger before.
Here.
Thank you.
How nice.
Shall we eat?
Your father will be late.
Again?
His patients are more important than me.
Let's start, then.
Well... okay.
Sit down.
Looks great.
Here.
Thank you.
Happy birthday!
No candles?
Your father's bringing them.
I'll run to the store.
I'll go, too.
Sounds like a plan.
Evening.
Find them?
Let's go.
That'll be 295 yen.
Just like this?
Yes.
Happy?
- A birthday? - Akari's.
Oh, congratulations.
Thank you.
Let's go.
What time is it?
10:10 p.m.
What? That late?
I missed it.
I'm back.
Welcome home.
I'm too late, aren't I? Here.
I shouldn't have asked you.
Akari's asleep, huh?
Was she angry?
A little.
Can't blame her.
Can't you make a little more time for her?
Believe me, I feel bad for leaving it all to you.
I'm not scolding you.
This is a critical stage in my career as a doctor.
Akari wants a dog.
Replaced by a dog, huh?
She's pretty lonely.
I'm home!
Mom?
A dog?
Here puppy.
Come on.
Wait!
Come back!
Here puppy.
There you are.
Don't run away.
Wait up!
That's funny.
Wait up!
Little puppy.
Hello?
Akari?
Dad?
Your mother's in the hospital.
She fainted.
She was brought here.
Nothing to worry about.
But she'll be here for a few days.
I'll be right there.
She's asleep now.
You'd better come tomorrow.
How about you?
I'll be there soon.
Hurry home.
Sorry.
I woke you.
What do I have?
It's bad, isn't it?
No, it isn't.
I know when you lie.
You play with your hair.
It may take some time,
but you'll get better.
Have you eaten?
Yeah.
How's mom?
She'll be fine.
Don't worry.
Really?
Really.
Look that way!
Stop that.
There was a puppy in our yard yesterday.
What? Really?
But it ran away.
Oh, too bad.
I wish it stayed.
We could visit the pet shop.
I want that puppy.
There's a lot about the house I need to tell you.
Let the water drip just a bit so it doesn't freeze.
When are you coming home?
Summer maybe.
That far off?
The doctor says I have to take things slowly.
Medicine with Heart
You called for me?
Oh, Dr. Saito. Take a seat.
I felt it necessary
to tell your wife she has cancer.
What?
I knew how hard it would be for you.
But she's not a strong person.
You've a big operation today.
Representative Fukushima came all the way from Tokyo. He's counting on you.
Hey.
How long you been there?
Just a second.
What're you playing?
Pachelbel's Canon.
It's pretty.
Want to hear more?
Sit down.
Do you ever play stuff like this?
No way.
How about singing?
Not in classic guitar.
You ever feel like singing?
No.
Next time, sing.
I can't.
It would wreck my concentration.
Plus, I'm not allowed to.
Who says?
My dad and mom.
You sure are obedient.
Look that way!
See?
How about if you play, and I sing.
Classical is all I know.
You sing in English?
My mom sings this song a lot.
Well?
It's perfect.
I should learn to cook.
Store bought food is fine.
I've got a conference in Sapporo. Will you be okay?
I'm used to it now.
But isn't Mom lonely?
She seems used to it, too.
Whenever I visit,
she asks me to stay 10 more minutes.
She does, huh?
Akari?
What's in the yard?
Don't you jump me.
Here you go, puppy!
Come on.
Don't run away. Come here.
Wait!
Get back here!
Come on. Don't run away from me!
Wait!
No! Shoo!
Do something!
It's in the house!
Get it out!
Akari, the dog's inside!
Hey doggy!
Wait!
You scared of dogs, Dad?
Hi, Mom!
- Morning, dear. - Morning.
You look happy. What's up?
Ta-dum! I'm keeping her.
Really?
Is that okay?
I'll convince your father.
Did you know he's afraid of dogs?
Mom,
what should we name her?
Judging by her markings,
how about Socks?
That's perfect!
Now you've got a name.
Socks.
Akari?
Now that she's your responsibility,
you have to make her the "10 Promises."
The "10 Promises"?
Promises I want you to keep
and never forget.
Like what?
You have to think like a dog.
These are her words.
1) Listen patiently to what I have to say.
Okay.
2) Trust me.
For I am always on your side.
Really?
3) Play with me a lot.
4) Don't forget that I have feelings, too.
5) Let's never fight.
'Cause someday, I'll be big enough to win.
We'll see about that.
6) If I don't obey you,
I have a good reason.
7) You have school, and friends.
But as for me...
I only have you.
Only me?
That's right.
You're her whole world.
8) Stay my best friend even when I'm old.
9) I'll only live about 10 years.
Is that true?
So let's make every moment count.
In 10 years,
I'll be 24.
A long time from now.
That's 9 promises...
And the last one.
10) I'll never forget our life together.
So when my time comes,
please be by my side.
Don't talk like that.
Mother left the hospital ahead of schedule.
What do the lyrics mean?
It's about a broken heart.
But my favorite part is...
If you're lost you can look
And you will find me In other words, I'll be there.
You will, huh?
Socks, too.
You sure?
That reminds me.
Put this on Socks.
How cute!
[Socks Saito] It's got our phone number, too.
If Socks ever gets lost,
go find her, okay?
I will.
Let's go, Socks!
Wait, not so fast!
I smell your scent, Mom.
That's so you know I'm never far away... I guess.
You're like the wind.
Okay! Time for a photo.
Gather round!
Okay!
Oh, hello.
Hello.
Would you mind taking our picture?
Not at all. Strike a pose,
Okay!
Socks.
Ready?
Say "Maltese"!
Socks.
Hold still.
Socks.
Well? Can you hear now?
I could always hear you.
Well, you never listen to me.
Socks, look! Cherry blossoms!
Some doctor I am.
I never noticed you were sick.
I can't hear you.
Socks.
You're such a girl!
Looks good on you.
Look after Akari, okay?
Socks.
The next time my mother was hospitalized...
she didn't come home.
Breakfast's ready, Akari.
Not hungry.
You need your energy.
You've been in bed for 2 days.
I am completely lost.
Morning.
What's wrong?
My freaking neck.
It's from lying in bed on her stomach for so long.
Is it serious?
Oh, her spine is all right.
It's her state of mind that'll take time to heal.
You have no mother too, huh?
But you've got me.
Right?
She's gotten big.
You know her?
Your mother said she wanted a dog.
So I gave her one of my puppies.
I didn't know.
Want to see your mom?
You can go.
Socks.
Dad?
This isn't soy sauce.
Not too good at housekeeping, eh Dad?
I let your mom do everything.
Socks.
Don't worry.
Go ahead and pet her.
See?
No problem.
No, Socks.
Bad dog!
You feel like playing?
Look that way!
Not easily fooled.
I can't move my neck.
Look... that way!
Hey!
I'm fixed!
You did it!
Socks.
I'm home.
Look, Dad!
Socks cured me.
Even a medical doctor couldn't do it.
A rainbow.
Isn't it pretty, Socks?
Wow, amazing.
So pretty.
Can I see Mr. Yoshida's chart?
Mr. Yoshida... Mr. Yoshida...
- Here it is. - Thanks.
Doctor!
Your hair's worse than usual.
I need a maid.
Don't worry. You'll survive.
I've never done a day of house work in my life.
I don't know how I'm going to raise a daughter.
I lost my mom in junior high.
It was me, my dad and my brother.
Really?
We couldn't do anything, either.
But we managed.
The house was a mess,
we ate microwave food.
No one could iron.
But we're all alive...
and normal.
I'm not sure if that cheered me up.
Stop that!
Dr. Saito!
Congratulations on your promotional transfer.
You all knew?
It's a very coveted post.
Make us proud.
You carry with the hopes and dreams...
of all the "little people" you leave behind.
Right?
Yes.
It starts with finding a sick animal.
And that requires a keen eye.
Here's zoo vet, Dr. Nakano.
It seems like a tough job.
But what do you find most interesting about veterinary work?
It's strange but sometimes I confuse animals with humans.
Or conversely, understanding how animals feel...
can often lead you to discover more about human behavior as well.
Welcome home.
Sit.
Yes.
I've something to tell you.
I'm been transferred to a university hospital.
Where?
Um, well... Sapporo.
I have to change schools?
I'm sorry.
I'll be looking for a place to live.
Until then,
we'll be living in the faculty dormitory.
And?
And so...
we can't take her.
No pets allowed.
I'm sorry.
I'll try to find a house quickly.
Will you be okay without me, Socks?
I know I won't be.
I'll come visit.
What're you writing?
My new phone number.
Take care of Socks.
I'll come for you soon.
Akari...
Sapporo
Saito residence.
Akari? It's me, Dad.
You'll be late again?
A welcoming party for me.
Enjoy yourself, Professor Saito.
Ready, Assistant Professor?
We're going to sing tonight!
Socks.
Can't sleep?
I'll stay with you until you do.
Well?
Nice tune, huh?
Don't like it?
How about this one?
I know, Socks. You're Akari's mom.
He's playing pop music.
I'll talk to him.
I'll go.
No popular music.
Until you have your fundamentals.
Son.
Congratulations.
For what?
You've been accepted to a music school in Paris.
Really?
Take a look.
Work hard.
- How cute! - Hi.
Goodbye!
Socks.
Socks, are you well?
Really?
Socks.
I miss you so much!
2 Months Later
I'm leaving for Paris tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Dad!
You're up pretty late, Akari Saito.
Hoshi's going to Paris tomorrow.
He's studying abroad, huh?
I promised to see him off.
Okay. I'm off tomorrow, anyway.
Road trip?
Really?
Dr. Saito?
I'm so glad I caught you.
I really need to ask a favor of you.
I'm afraid I can't help.
Please, it's an emergency!
It's Ms. Enoki.
I really can't today.
Dr. Ichikawa can operate.
Impossible.
You know how difficult Ms. Enoki can be.
She's asked for you specifically.
All right. I'll be on my way.
Why?
I can't refuse over the phone.
Akari... forgive me.
No way!
I'm seeing Hoshi off.
Go ahead.
Hold this a second, Dad.
Akari, I waited for you.
But I had to go. - Hoshi
How's my wife?
She's fine.
Oh, what a relief!
She's really all right?
Dr. Saito's our top surgeon.
He gave up his holiday for this.
Thank you so much.
We can talk in my office.
Dr. Saito will brief you there.
Mr. Dean, Sir. May I speak with you?
Excuse us.
You'll worry them. What is it?
This. I'm resigning today.
What?
I hurt my family over such a simple operation.
Shush, they'll hear you.
Anything wrong with my wife?!
For Rent
What's a dog doing in here?
Shoo, shoo!
Akari?
I'm sorry. I really am.
You didn't deserve this. I'm sorry.
Again?
Hello?
Yes, sure.
Understood.
Akari, we're going.
To see Socks. Huh?
Evening.
Yes?
I'm Saito. You called.
Mr. Saito?
About a golden retriever?
Oh, the dog!
Socks.
Socks...
Am I glad to see you!
Socks.
I'm glad I noticed the phone number.
Me, too. Thank you.
Not at all.
How I've missed you.
Good morning.
Hello.
Good morning!
Good morning.
- Off to work? - Yes.
Socks is no pet.
She's family.
All together again.
Socks.
Socks...
I didn't find out Dad had quit his job until days later.
We moved back into our old house, and Dad got domestic...
trading his scalpel for a kitchen knife.
But he's no natural at it.
So he renovated the place and opened his own clinic.
Join us, Tomo.
Ok.
Ready?
Here we go.
7 years passed.
I entered veterinary school.
Let me kiss you, Jiro.
Dad became much better around the house.
With his surgeon hands, he could cook like a pro now.
Taste was another matter.
Dad.... Akari
There's a blossom on your nose.
Socks was her usual self.
Jiro, look at you!
Don't make me laugh!
You're so stylish!
Look, Socks! How cute!
Look that way!
Everybody loved Socks.
She was famous for never losing at "Look that way".
She brought in clients.
Look that way!
You're amazingly good at this!
Try her against this dog, Akari.
Okay?
Dog versus dog?
It might work.
Socks.
Here's a tough rival, Socks.
Your best challenger yet.
Look that way!
Socks is still champ!
How'd you teach her that?
Look that way!
Something wrong?
I was just remembering an old friend.
And old flame?
What sparked that?
Hey, that suits you.
What's Socks doing?
She's admiring herself.
What a narcissist.
She's fond of finding photos of herself, too.
Stop that, Jiro!
You're of high pedigree.
Don't embarrass yourself. Silly dog.
A new image?
Hey, a rainbow!
How old are you now, Socks?
We've been together so long
I didn't notice you're growing old.
Have you gotten smaller, too?
Maybe I've grown bigger.
We've grown up together.
No way!
What is it?
My old friend I told you about.
Wow, he turned professional!
Let's go backstage.
After the concert.
What if he sees you in the audience?
It could throw him off, and he'd hate you.
Susumu Hoshi
Let's go.
Yes?
Hoshi?
Akari?
What a surprise!
How've you been?
Congratulations.
Thanks.
Sit down.
You've really changed.
I have?
I see myself every day so I wouldn't know.
Your own recital! How amazing!
Thanks.
What's it been? 10 years?
Sorry I didn't make it to see you off.
I was waiting.
I found your note.
So you did come?
Not in time, though. You angry?
Of course not.
Good.
I'd completely forgotten.
Can I see you afterwards?
Nice little reunion.
What, the hug? Foreign style.
He's handsome.
You think so?
For my last piece...
I'd like to play Pachelbel's Canon, a favorite from childhood.
Socks.
How you been, girl?
Great to see you.
She's a beauty.
Really?
Look that way! I won!
She lost!
Just like old times, isn't it?
Recognize this?
It was Mom's.
How does it look?
Socks, it's supper time!
Come and get it!
Today's our graduation.
Dad will walk you, okay?
I'm all dirty!
I'm going to cry.
To the cleaners?
No time.
Socks, you bad dog!
Sometimes she's such an ass!
Did you miss me?
You two are inseparable.
You even took Jiro to your job interview?
He's "Shohei" now.
Shohei?
Stop naming him after your boyfriends.
Poor thing.
You don't mind, right?
Maybe I didn't train Socks right.
She's a good, honest dog.
Always climbing into my bed.
Who? Hoshi?
Socks!
I can't travel anywhere.
Did Hoshi invite you somewhere?
Yeah. To his CD recording in Tokyo.
And?
Dad's going to a conference.
I have to house sit.
That explains your mood.
Having a dog is confining.
Same with family.
But at least they can talk.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Why's she inside?
She looked sad.
Stop spoiling her.
Go back to your home.
Go!
Now go!
What's wrong?
Are you mad at Socks?
Look at this.
Socks did that.
That's no big deal.
Sure it is.
All she has is you.
I've sacrificed a lot for her.
I'm the one wearing a collar!
Hello, Hoshi?
How're you doing?
I'm great. So how was the recording?
I always knew you had talent!
I graduated from veterinary school.
And landed a great job at the Asahikawa Zoo.
I had to leave home, though.
That's because when I was a child
I saw a TV program to interview a vet.
Here, Socks.
I'll see ya.
Take care, Socks.
Look after Dad, okay?
Well, I'm off.
Bye.
They're losing their habitat by global warming.
In 50 years,
we may not be able to see them like this.
Glucosamine should help fight arthritis.
We'll put it in these dumplings.
See if that works.
Make sure to separate the servings.
I was told to first get to know the animals.
But that'll take some time.
You missed. That tiger would've eaten you.
Look closely.
That's how it's done.
Work was hard,
but it was fun being accompanied by animals.
I was so occupied with them that I forgot the time.
I thought of Socks less and less.
That was pathetic.
Keep practicing.
Yes.
Akari's not coming home again.
A daughter in her prime is a busy creature.
Let's go get a drink.
Here. Snacks.
It's ironic, isn't it?
I used to be the workaholic neglecting you and Akari.
Now it's the reverse.
We're the ones being forgotten.
We're a lonely pair.
I'm sorry.
We used to come here for a beer often.
This is Hoshi. I can't come to the phone right now.
Please leave a message.
Hello? This is Saito.
I haven't been able to get a hold of Susumu.
I'd rather you didn't. He needs to concentrate.
I'm home.
That's strange.
You said you weren't coming home.
I changed my mind.
Hi, Socks!
Bugs will get in so I'm closing this.
You seem down recently.
Hoshi hasn't called yet.
On tour again?
I don't know.
His cell phone's off.
And he doesn't return my email.
If I try him at home, his mother tells me not to call.
Really? How rude!
Want me to go tell her off?
Don't make things worse.
I would just go see him in person.
You're right.
Is that burdock?
Chop some cabbage, will you?
No problem.
Have you seen Hoshi lately?
What's that got to do with cabbage?
An ex-colleague of mine examined him.
A medical exam?
He asked for my advice.
About what?
You didn't hear about the accident?
What?
He was in a minor traffic accident.
His physical injuries have healed but...
But what?
His finger motor skills haven't.
It could be psychological.
Dad?
Could you take over?
- Hello! - Hello!
Yes?
Hoshi?
Sorry to barge in.
I tried to call. You okay?
I injured my neck.
And I've lost agility in my fingers.
My folks say they just need rehabilitation.
But I know better.
I've trained these fingers to work a certain way all my life.
Rehab won't restore them.
Just forget the guitar for a while.
A change of pace. I'll help you.
I don't think I can do that.
I just don't know what to do.
All I've ever done is play the guitar.
Sorry, but can I be alone?
What should I do?
Too bad you can't help me, Socks.
But without you,
I'd probably have spent my life being uptight.
Please, Socks...
help me again.
Yes?
Socks?
Lonely? Call me.
Akari put you up to this.
Right?
Hello. I'm Saito.
Akari?
Long time, no see.
Nice to see you again.
How can I help you?
Well... could I leave Socks with you again?
She can heal people's spirits.
She's done it for me.
You mean a "therapy dog"?
Yes. I know she can help Susumu.
Truth is...
I debated sending him abroad to study.
And making guitar his life.
Now he's suffering.
I share his pain.
For me, it wasn't a traffic accident.
It was talent.
I didn't have enough.
To be honest, Susumu loved taking care of Socks.
You'd let him keep her as before?
Yes, please.
Hi, Dad.
Join me for a drink?
I think I will.
Okay. Just for you, Socks.
Come here.
That's amazing, Socks.
You remember this.
There are words to this song, too.
Listen.
He's singing.
Socks, what is it?
Thank you.
You are such a reliable friend.
So strong and mature.
You're already older than mom was.
Forgive me.
I'm sorry, Socks.
I've only been able to think about myself lately.
And I've treated you coldly.
I won't do that again.
Let's go in.
Can't climb up?
Let's go!
You okay?
Socks was beginning to grow frail.
Chow time!
Asahikawa
Chow time!
It's festering. Could be cirrhosis.
We'd better take a sample.
Give her some ampicillin.
Prepare 5 days' worth.
Ok!
Happy Birthday! To a decade of friendship!?
Hoshi.
I'll only live about 10 years.
So let's make every moment count.
Hi, Dad, it's me. How's Socks doing?
Well, you know... she's been sleeping a lot.
Let me hear her voice.
Okay. Hold on.
Akari's on the line.
Socks, can you hear me? It's Akari.
Are you well?
I'll come see you real soon, okay?
Socks...
We'll be waiting. Take care.
Dad?
You never call my cell. What's up?
It seems Socks can no longer get up.
I know you're busy but can you come home?
Is it bad?
I can't say.
I have an operation.
I can't get away.
Find a way.
You promised, remember?
I know I did!
You're a doctor. You should understand!
You're right. I do understand.
All too well. Come when you can.
I'll look after Socks, don't worry.
Good luck in surgery.
Saito... you can go home.
But...
You'll just get in the way.
There'll be another chance. Now go!
You'll be seeing Akari soon.
Hang in there.
Thanks to you...
Akari was never alone. She grew up happy and strong.
Thank you.
I'm here!
Socks...
Akari...
Do you remember your 10 promises to Socks?
"10 Promises to Socks."
Is this Mom's?
1) Listen patiently to what I have to say.
Did I do that?
2) Trust me.
For I am always on your side.
You truly have been.
3) Play with me a lot.
Now that I did.
4) Don't forget that I have feelings, too.
5) Let's never fight.
6) If I don't obey you,
I have a good reason.
7) You have school, and friends.
But as for me,
I only have you.
8) Stay my best friend, even when I'm old.
Forgive me, Socks.
9) I'll only live about 10 years.
So let's make every moment count.
10) I'll never forget our life together.
When my time comes,
please be by my side.
Akari...
Don't! Don't go, Socks!
Don't leave me!
There's still so much I want to tell you!
I never thought 10 years would feel this short!
You were just a puppy not long ago!
Saito...
Don't make it hard for her.
If I stop talking to her,
she'll leave! Socks!
Don't go!
Socks!
Thank you, Socks.
For being by my side.
Thank you.
Akari?
What's this?
Socks loved photos of herself.
I wondered where these went.
Hey. It's a letter. Addressed to you.
How are you, Akari?
While Socks is alive, think of her as my replacement.
I know she'll look after you.
You realize that she cannot live as long as you.
So when she goes, I will really become the wind.
Remember when you called me that?
Next time a mischievous wind blows,
think of it as me by your side.
With eternal love, Mom
Hoshi is studying to be a composer.
Nope. Absolutely not.
I'm not making a speech at your wedding.
You don't have to worry.
But...
can I ask you something?
What?
It's bothered me for some time.
But I kind of prevented you from doing what you wanted, didn't I?
I'm sorry.
You quit your job because I was lonely.
That was a prestigious university.
But I made your life much smaller.
Akari...
my life hasn't been the least bit "small."
You're a vet so you know...
you're not a medical doctor if you spend your life in the lab.
I'm so glad I chose to be with you, instead.
I learned how to cook an omelet.
I learned how to listen to my patients.
By doing those things...
I turned into a real doctor for the first time. And into a real person.
You really think that?
Can I talk like a bride now?
Please don't.
Thank you for everything.
The pleasure is all mine.
Be Happy!
Mom.