No matter how many movies are made about pets and people (“Lassie,” “That Darn Cat,” “Paulie”) there is a human fascination with man and animal that will continue to provide material for years to come.

And in my opinion, there can never be too many dog-and-kid-movies. Or maybe I’m just an overzealous dog lover.

Either way, like heroine Opal’s friendship with Winn-Dixie, you won’t be able to leave this one behind.

In this story about a preacher’s daughter, India Opal (played by 10-year-old AnnaSophia Robb), moves with her father (Jeff Daniels) into a trailer in Naomi, Fla. Her relationship with him is overwrought – she calls her father “The Preacher” – and her mother left for unknown reasons when she was just 3 years old.

Opal is lonely as any little girl can be – not only is her home life depressing, but she also can’t seem to befriend any of the kids in town. But one day, The Preacher sends Opal on an errand to the grocery store where she meets a mischievous, scruffy shepherd. She names him after the store – Winn-Dixie – and the two become best friends instantly.

Opal’s friendship with Winn-Dixie does wonders for the little girl as she now has someone to go on adventures with, confide in and take comfort with – a relationship any pet-owner can relate to.

Opal begins to become friends with Naomi’s quirkiest inhabitants, who are somewhat lonely themselves. These characters are as strange as they are touching, and a delight to watch.

Miss Franny, (Eva Marie Saint) is an old, bachelorette librarian who needs no more than the company of books and has a collection of candies called Litmus Lozenges (the factory kept the town going years ago) that aptly captures the taste of sorrow.

Gloria (Cicely Tyson), an old woman that neighborhood brats call “The Witch,” has a spiritual view on her past and hangs her old whiskey and beer bottles from strings on a giant tree that keeps her “old ghosts” (past mistakes) away.

And the most surprising character is Otis, (Dave Matthews), a pet shop keeper who served time and fittingly is a musician who sometimes plays music on his guitar for the animals to enjoy. (Yes, he plays a song in the movie but tells a story to it more than actually sings.)

“Because of Winn-Dixie” is worth a viewing for its impressive cast alone, but its story is even more uplifting and inspiring. Granted, Robb doesn’t always deliver her maximum potential in the more dramatic parts of the movie, but she’s a little sweetheart worth watching.

If you like pets, had a crummy childhood or just like coming-of-age stories, check this one out. It doesn’t overload on the saccharin and leaves you feeling satisfied like a Litmus Lozenge.