Like much of Anderson's work, Heart of a Dog takes the form of casually constructed, almost meandering reminiscences, while at the same time never losing its tightly structured focus and drive.

... it restores a sense of calm to its subject without evading the most haunting questions.

The film is often notable for Anderson's honesty.

It’s been seven years since the release of Laurie Anderson’s elegy for her beloved rat terrier Lolabell, Heart of a Dog, and its simple, mesmerizing beauty has stayed in my heart all this time.