5 perfect things TO read or watch this RAINY weekend.

We’re leaning into the weather forecast this weekend and planning a sofa-based agenda.

This week’s Fauna Friday Five is a line-up of films, books and tv shows perfect for curling up with a cup of tea, a blanket, and your favourite four-legged friend.

Here’s what we’ll be watching, reading and rewatching- some stylish, some heart-warming, some outright hilarious- but all very dog-friendly.

1. The Friend (Film)

Starring Bill Murray and Naomi Watts

A gentle, introspective drama about grief and unlikely companionship. After the sudden death of her best friend Walter (Murray), New York City writer Iris (Watts) inherits his enormous Great Dane. What follows is a quietly powerful story of mourning, connection and how animals can hold space for our biggest emotions. It’s sparse, literary and deeply moving - perfect for a slow, grey afternoon. Not your average dog film, in all the best ways.

2. When the Cranes Fly South: A Novel by Lisa Ridzén (Book)

Bo is an elderly man living in a quiet village in northern Sweden. His days are filled with visits from his care team and his son, Hans, but his most cherished companion is his loyal elkhound, Sixten. When Hans insists that Bo can no longer care for Sixten and plans to rehome him, Bo is devastated. This threat prompts Bo to reflect deeply on his life, his relationships, and the choices he’s made.

3. Best in Show (Film)

An all-time cult classic - though shockingly, Laurian still hasn’t seen it. Christopher Guest’s legendary mockumentary dives headfirst into the world of competitive dog shows, skewering the absurd humans while leaving the dogs as the only sane ones in the room. From the hysterically intense yuppies to the unhinged show judges, it’s chaotic, clever, and endlessly quotable. Watch it, rewatch it, and then start judging people solely by how they hold a lead.

4. Dogs (Netflix Series)

Real dogs. Real stories. Real emotional damage (in the best way). Trauma bond with your dog while watching two whole seasons of this beautifully shot docuseries; Dogs follows six very good dogs - and the people who need them most - across different corners of the world. From war zones to therapy rooms, it’s a reminder of how deeply dogs shape our lives. You’ll cry at least once, possibly twice. Required viewing for any card-carrying Faunatic.

5. Isle of Dogs (Film)

A Wes Anderson fever dream - and a very stylish one at that. In a dystopian Japan where all dogs have been exiled to Trash Island due to a mysterious “canine flu”, a boy sets off to find his missing dog. What follows is a deadpan, beautifully animated tale of loyalty, rebellion, and the power of the pack. Equal parts political allegory, shaggy dog story, and design masterclass.

Finally here’s a snap of Farah girl; preparing herself for a busy weekend of sofas and dog content.

Rain or shine - the dogs will be winning.

Tell us what you’re watching this weekend, and tag us @fauna.london with photos of your dog.

Stay cosy,

The Fauna Team 🐾