The phrase "all dogs go to heaven" was widely popularized by the 1989 animated film of the same name, directed by Don Bluth. The film follows Charlie, a roguish German Shepherd voiced by Burt Reynolds, who is murdered by a rival, ascends to heaven, but sneaks back to Earth. The title rests on the warm premise that dogs — by virtue of their loyalty and goodness — are automatically granted entry to heaven.
