There are a few things in life that we know to be true. God did not make the world in seven days, or less. Bottled water is for sissies. You cannot catch homosexuality from sitting on a loo seat. And dogs are better than cats. Facts one and all.

Certainly that last point has been proven endless times in film: Lassie. 101 Dalmatians. Bolt. K-9. Cujo. Turner And Hooch. Beethoven. Cat films? Zilch. The best they can manage is on those clips on You’ve Been Framed, where they do the kind of things a dog would never lower its self to do on camera.

Marley and Me continues that tradition of canines on celluloid. Based on John Grogan’s best-selling book, It tells the tale of a couple of young writers in love, and their relationship with their puppy – dubbed the world’s worst dog. And by worst, of course they mean most adorable.

And who said dogs shouldn't be allowed on the furniture?

Marley’s antics will come as no surprise to dog owners. He’s a destructive little beasty, with an appetite for furniture. However, he’s no Cujo. Playing his owners are Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. Both of whom have traits of puppydom about them – how many other actors have that on screen ‘Aww cute!’ appeal about them? Their performances too are a walk in the park, with both realising you can’t compete with puppies. Understandably Marley steals the show.

The saving grace of this film however, is that although predictable, it never strays fully into Disney territory, which it could so easily have done. There is no Tom and Jerry style music, no puppy stealing loo paper etc. It also manages to surprise with some intelligent and fun dialogue.

What is also refreshing to see is Owen Wilson. Not only is he still alive, but he genuinely appears to be enjoying giving the lead (as it were) to a dog. Let’s face it, if the film flops, you can always blame the pooch. Hopefully, this is a stepping stone to more work like the sublime The Darjeeling Limited and less like the woeful Drillbit Taylor. He is clearly a talented actor who should now definitely follow the rule of not working with animals or children.

Let’s face it, if you’re not a dog lover (that includes you, evil cat owners), then you certainly won’t enjoy this as much as those who have lived the life of dogdom. Dog owners though, will lap up every minute of it.