Fact Check: Does the dog die in Arthur the King?

Rajan
Scenes and posters from Arthur the King
Scenes and posters from Arthur the King (Image via Instagram/@arthurthekingmovie)

Arthur the King is a movie that has intrigued many viewers. Viewers who love dogs are concerned about the fate of the dog in the movie. The question on everyone's mind is, "Does the dog die in Arthur the King?" The answer is no. Arthur the dog does not die in the film. Instead, the dog survives and continues to live a happy life with his rescuer, Michael.

The protagonist of the movie is an adventure racer named Michael Light, who sets out on a difficult race across the Dominican Republic. When he gives some food to Arthur, a stray dog he meets along the way, the dog begins to follow him. Arthur resolves to stay with Michael through a number of misadventures and problems brought on by this unexpected relationship.

Arthur the dog survives the perilous journey depicted in Arthur the King. After enduring numerous hardships, Arthur is taken to a veterinarian by Michael. Though initially given a grim prognosis, Michael's unwavering determination and support from fans on social media help secure the dog's passage to the United States for proper treatment. Arthur recovers and is later shown enjoying a healthy and happy life, running alongside Michael.


Does the dog die in Arthur the King?

Arthur the King finishes with Arthur enjoying a happy life in the United States, thanks to Michael's tireless efforts and the backing of a community of admirers.

The turning point in the movie occurs when Arthur is taken to a small-town veterinarian. At first, the vet gives Arthur a very bad diagnosis, saying that his wounds are infected and full of maggots and that he has very few chances of surviving. Despite this, Michael is determined to save Arthur. He gets friends and other racers to help him, and in the end, he gets Arthur on a plane to the United States.

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Upon arrival in the U.S., Arthur receives the necessary medical treatment, and his condition improves significantly. The film then jumps forward 18 months, showing Arthur as a healthy and joyous dog running in the hills alongside Michael. This ending emphasizes perseverance and human-animal ties, showing that Arthur the dog survives and thrives.

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The real-life story of Arthur

The real-life events that inspired Arthur the King are equally remarkable. In reality, Arthur the dog was adopted by Mikael Lindnord, an adventure racer who encountered Arthur during the 2014 Adventure Racing World Championship. After the race, Mikael took Arthur to Sweden, where the dog became an integral part of his family.

Arthur's journey did not end with his adoption. He continued to participate in races with Mikael, including the Wings for Life World Run in Kalmar, Sweden. This race aimed to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries and paraplegia, further highlighting Arthur's resilience and the strong bond he shared with Mikael.

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Arthur's legacy and final years

The conclusion of Arthur's tale is bittersweet. In 2020, Arthur was given a cancerous tumor diagnosis after six happy years of living with Mikael's family in Sweden. Only a few weeks before the production of Arthur the King started, in December 2020, Arthur passed away despite all efforts to treat him. The Arthur Foundation, which was founded to improve dog care globally, carries on Arthur's legacy.

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The narrative of survival, resiliency, and the strong love between a man and his dog is poignantly told in Arthur the King. Viewers are reassured and delighted that Arthur survives the film, which serves as a reminder of the strength of empathy and willpower.

Before he passed away in 2020, the real-life Arthur continued to race and make Mikael's family happy. He had a happy life. His lasting influence serves as a constant reminder of the power one canine may have on the world.

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Edited by Sreerupa Das
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