Directed by: Eduard Nazarov Produced by: Soyuzmultfilm Editing by: Raisa Frichinskaya, Yelena Mikhaylova Country: Soviet Union
The cartoon won the first place at the 1983 International Film Festival in Odense, Denmark, and a special prize at the 1983 festival in Annecy, France.
Plot The day comes when an old watchdog becomes useless but the masters being kind don't decide to drive him away. However they turn exasperated when the Dog stays indifferent during a home theft. The Dog leaves for the forest, where he meets the Wolf, his old enemy. The Dog and the Wolf are both old, so they understand they can't be just enemies. The Wolf stages a kidnapping to help his mate and the Dog "rescues" the child. The Dog is welcomed back to the khutor (the farmstead) and continues managing his old duty. The winter comes and one evening the Dog hears the howl of the Wolf. The Dog remembers to repay the Wolf's kindness. He helps the Wolf to infiltrate the house and feeds him with viands from table. Feeling good and warm in the house after food and alcohol, the Wolf reveals his intention to sing. He howls and the Dog has to cast the mate away from the house. The Wolf thanks the Dog and the best friends bid farewell.
The story reveals the problem of becoming old and useless. It appeals to everyone's ability for mutual readiness to help, despite the prehistory.
Credits The cartoon repeatedly features the Ukrainian folk songs "Oy Tam Na Hori" ("Oh, there at the mountain") and "Ta kosyv batko, kosyv ya" ("My father and I were mowing") performed by "Drevo" folk choir from Kryachkovka Village of Pyryatin District Poltava Region.
