Spoilers! 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' Might Not End How You Expected

Warning: Spoilers for The Art of Racing in the Rain book and movie ahead! Read at your own risk.

Any time we see a trailer for a dog movie, we worry whether the pup on screen is going to meet its demise before the closing credits. When we saw a preview for The Art of Racing in the Rain starring Milo Ventimiglia, we immediately feared the same thing. 

So does Enzo die in The Art of Racing in the Rain? Grab the tissues ⁠— we've got the answers to all your burning questions right here. 

The Art of Racing in the Rain movie doesn't come out until Friday, August 9, so we'll let you see that for yourself. It's based on Garth Stein's 2008 novel of the same name, though, and in the book... yes, Enzo dies. 

But Enzo's death isn't meant to leave you in a pile of tears on the floor (although it might). This dog leaves the earth on his own terms, fully believing he will be reincarnated as a human. 

Like any good narrative work of art, The Art of Racing in the Rain has highs and lows, happy and sad moments. There might be some downer scenes involving Enzo the dog (who adorably enough, is voiced by Kevin Costner), but the movie is really a celebration of the bond between this pup and his owner Denny (played by Milo Ventimiglia).

So Enzo believes in the Mongolian legend that a dog who is ready will return to the earth as a human. "I learned that from a program on the National Geographic channel, so I believe it is true," Enzo says in the book. "Not all dogs return as men, they say; only those who are ready... I am ready."

The Art of Racing in the Rain follows Enzo's life with Denny, a race car driver who falls in love with a woman named Eve (played by Amanda Seyfried). When tragedy befalls Denny, Enzo is unwavering in his loyalty and support. 

The dog actors in The Art of Racing in the Rain aren't just cute, either — they're talented! Even Milo picked up a thing or two working with this expressive team of pups. 

"It is beautiful to see the level of emotion that comes from these animals that just love us," he said in a behind-the-scenes interview posted to FilmIsNow Movie Bloopers and Extras. "That's all they're looking for in return, maybe a little bit of food, belly scratches, and all that."

"But it's something beautiful to understand that they can convey in a look," Milo added, "and even as an actor, it reminds me that sometimes, you don't need the words... Sometimes there are no words. There's just the experience you share, a common moment where you just look in someone's eyes and you both know exactly what you're feeling."

The Art of Racing in the Rain hits theaters Friday, August 9.