Screenwriter Mike White (The Good Girl), working from his own screenplay, makes his directorial debut with Year of the Dog. Peggy (Molly Shannon) thinks she has found her niche in life.  She has a solid job, close family and the dependable companionship of her dog, Pencil, but this stable status quo is rocked when Pencil’s sudden death leaves Peggy reeling. Her quest for happiness leads her to the attractive, ambiguous Newt (Peter Sarsgaard) who introduces her to a new dog - and animal activism. Inspired, Peggy becomes obsessed with animal rights and dog placement, which greatly concerns her brother, sister-in-law (Laura Dern) and best friend (Regina King), who begin to feel her life is spinning dangerously out of balance.