Bring your pooch along to our drive-in movie night

February 07, 2019

Dog lovers looking for a night out that includes four-legged family members should put Saturday 23 February in their diaries.

Wallis Cinemas is hosting an exclusive preview screening of the new family film “A Dog’s Way Home” (due for cinema release on February 28) at Adelaide’s only surviving drive-in, the Mainline Drive-in at Gepps Cross.

A Dog's Way Home

Based on W. Bruce Cameron’s bestselling book “A Dog’s Purpose” and starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Ashley Judd, “A Dog’s Way Home” is the heartwarming story of Bella, a dog who embarks on an epic 400-mile journey home after she is separated from her owner.

Part proceeds will go towards RSPCA South Australia’s care of animals in need.

According to RSPCA South Australia spokesperson Carolyn Jones, the special film screening is not just an opportunity to include furry family members in an evening’s entertainment. It’s also a chance for those old enough to remember the heyday of drive-in theatre to indulge in a bit of nostalgia.

“Some of us can remember our Mums and Dads packing us all in the car and heading to the nearest drive-in, wearing our pyjamas of-course so we could go straight to bed when we got home late,” Ms Jones said.

“During their peak in the 1950s and 60s there were up to 15 metropolitan drive-ins in Adelaide and 22 in regional South Australia.

“Those drive-ins had a unique atmosphere and I can remember racing around with a whole bunch of other kids I’d just met during the interval.

“It would have been even more fun if I could have brought my dog!”

While drive-in attendees traditionally stay in their cars, this may not be as comfortable as stretching out on the Mainline’s grassed areas, especially if it is a warm evening.

Therefore, the advice is to bring along picnic rugs and perhaps beanbags. If thinking of bringing dogs, RSPCA SA advises making sure they have the temperament to cope with this kind of outing.

“While we would love to see dogs come along with their families, it’s important to be realistic about how your dog might respond to being in a crowd,” Ms Jones said.

“And don’t forget to bring along some doggie treats, and doggy-do bags – just in case!”

Water bowls will be set up, but owners should also bring their own.

“There aren’t too many family nights out where dogs are welcome,” Ms Jones said.

“We hope people take up this wonderful opportunity, and contribute towards RSPCA SA’s rescue and care of animals, vital work that is solely reliant on public donations.”

Each car will also receive free popcorn.

You can purchase your tickets to the event here.

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