See a movie, help a pet - while staying safe

If you're feeling a bit house-bound — maybe feeling a bit more than house-bound — then film critic Sophie Giilbert has an antidote for you.

Writing in The Atlantic magazine, Gilbert offered this bit of advice: "There's something quietly therapeutic about spending 90 minutes with some nutty, heroic furballs on a hero's journey with very low stakes."

Gilbert was writing about the 2016 animated film "The Secret Life of Pets." And I mention that, one, because it's true. The film is a pleasant way to divert yourself, following a story that features animated animals whose voices are provided by a range of actors that include Louis C.K., Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, Albert Brooks, Lake Bell and Dana Carvey.

Two, attending a screening of the film over this coming weekend will both give you an opportunity to get out of your house and to donate some much-needed money to an organization to actually looks after pets: the Spokane Humane Society.

As part of its ongoing Flicks for Fido series, part of the 17th-annual Parade of Paws event, the Humane Society will hold drive-in screenings of "The Secret Life of Pets" on Saturday and Sunday on what is described as a "gigantic 40ft screen." Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie will screen at dusk.

The Humane Society is located at 6607 N. Havana Street. A $40 donation will buy you a spot for your car (an extra $10 will allow you premier, or PURRmier, center parking spots). To make a reservation, go to the Humane Society's website or contact office manager Audrey Hokansen at (509) 467-5235, ext 212. Popcorn, refreshments and candy will be available for a further donation.

And if some of you are worried about the late screening time, critic James Beradinelli can offer some reassurance: " 'The Secret Life of Pets,' " he wrote, "is strong enough that parents won't fall into a catatonic state while watching it with their offspring."

Or, presumably, your pets.