Lessons in Loyalty: How Wallace and Gromit Reflect the Best of Dog Ownership

Sitting down last December with the picky bits my mum had kept hidden out of sight until Christmas, I was in my element and enjoying some much-needed rest. It was during this time that I allowed myself to wrap up on the couch with blankets and relish in the outpour of seasonal films and TV shows that roll around every December. However, one that struck me more than anticipated was ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’. I will admit (and proudly so) that I am a sentimental and emotional person, so it doesn’t take much to make me cry. Whilst I was expecting a nostalgia-filled 90 minutes or so, I wasn’t expecting to sit there afterwards contemplating the depth of pet ownership and how much I relate to these two clay characters.

Anyone who’s owned a dog knows the connection is one that can be described as more than ordinary. It’s a relationship built on a silent but strong understanding that is often mirrored through characters like Wallace and Gromit. However, it is in this latest film that it takes nearly losing Gromit for Wallace to appreciate what he has and just how special their relationship is. Whilst the film’s broader themes explore the dangers of AI and human reliance on technology, the underlying current is to not take for granted what you already have, as when it’s gone, you’ll miss it.

Whilst Wallace and Gromit’s friendship has always been central to the series, this most recent filmic addition truly emphasises the importance of their bond in a way that’s impossible to ignore. It’s a bond built on unspoken understanding, loyalty and a shared history. Wallace, ever the eccentric inventor, is often caught up in his own world—whether it’s working on an outlandish new machine or finding himself caught in one of his crazy schemes. Gromit, on the other hand, quietly watches over him, always there to save the day when things go awry. Yet, despite Gromit's constant devotion and endless cups of tea, Wallace sometimes seems oblivious to the depths of their connection.

In ‘Vengeance Most Fowl’, Wallace and Gromit’s bond is tested in an unexpected and profound way. The film reintroduces a villainous character, Feathers McGraw and his sinister plot centred on turning Wallace’s new invention of a robotic smart gnome against him. The narrative takes a further dark turn when McGraw steals the blue diamond and places the pair in immediate danger.

Whilst the bond between Wallace and Gromit takes centre stage in the entire series, this time, the focus is on how much Gromit would do for Wallace and how deeply Wallace appreciates his loyal companion. While Wallace has always been the inventive, sometimes absent-minded one, Gromit has consistently been the responsible and steady partner, quietly managing their affairs, often saving Wallace from the messes his inventions create. Though Gromit never speaks, his expressions, gestures and actions communicate everything needed to show his dedication. In this film, though, the spotlight shifts to Gromit's unspoken devotion and the quiet sacrifices he makes for Wallace.

Wallace, for his part, has, without realising it, always taken Gromit’s loyalty for granted, often not fully recognising just how much Gromit does for him until he is faced with the possibility of losing him. As Gromit faces peril at the hands of McGraw, Wallace’s growing panic and fear reveal just how much he’s come to rely on and appreciate Gromit’s quiet yet unwavering presence. It’s clear that Gromit is not just a pet—he’s a best friend, an irreplaceable part of Wallace’s life.

This film doesn’t just show Wallace’s dawning realisation of Gromit’s importance but instead highlights the profound connection between the two of them. As Gromit faces imminent danger, it’s not just the physical threat that terrifies Wallace; it’s the thought of a world without Gromit by his side. In that moment, Wallace sees not only Gromit's loyalty but also his selflessness and love. Wallace might not always express it, but Gromit’s constant care and support mean more than anything Wallace could ever invent. I also believe that these heart-tugging scenes can serve to remind us that amidst our growing reliance on AI and up-and-coming technology, it's crucial to value and nurture our close relationships away from the digital world.

When Wallace finally rescues Gromit, and they reunite, it’s not just a moment of relief; it’s a moment of pure, unspoken gratitude. Wallace’s appreciation for Gromit is evident in his actions, his careful attention, and the tenderness with which he acknowledges just how much Gromit means to him. This is no longer a relationship defined by Wallace’s inventions and Gromit’s quiet stoicism—this is a friendship where both parties understand and cherish each other’s importance. Wallace may be the one with the ideas, but Gromit is the one who makes it all work, and Wallace knows, at that moment, just how lucky he is to have him.

This powerful moment resonates with anyone who has experienced a close call with their own pet, whether through accident, illness or any other unexpected drama. We may not always realise the extent of our pets' role in our lives until we’re faced with the possibility of losing them. In those moments of fear and vulnerability, we come to understand that our pets aren’t just animals in our care—they’re our companions, our support system, and our friends. Wallace’s journey mirrors that realisation, making his moment of gratitude toward Gromit feel deeply earned and emotionally impactful.

Do I wish my dog could make me endless cups of tea and toast? Maybe. Am I envious of Wallace’s crochet-filled, twee home? Yes, but that’s beside the point. What Wallace and Gromit have taught me is that loving your pet unashamedly is one of the best feelings in the world, and if you don’t get it, you just don’t get it.

‘Vengeance Most Fowl’ is available to watch on BBC iPlayer in the UK.