Dog Names Meaning Affectionate

Melvin's neighbor, Simon Bishop (who is a played by Greg Kinnear), is severely assaulted and hospitalized; Melvin is forced to care for Simon's small Brussels Griffon dog named Verdell. At first, Melvin hates Verdell but the affectionate dog quickly wins the cranky man's heart, and he falls in love with the pooch. The tiny dog also shows a strong affinity for Melvin.

When Simon is finally released from the hospital and returns home, he is heartbroken to see how much Verdell loves and adores Melvin. However, Melvin feels sorry for Simon and shows him the trick he used to win Verdell's affectations. He carries tidbits of food in his pocket which the pooch adores. After Melvin reveals his trick to Simon, they all become friends. 

Eventually, it is the love and affection of Verdell that finally start to open doors for Melvin so he can come out of his shell and pursue his passion for the waitress Carol, who is played by Helen Hunt. The unusual twists and turns are subtle, but they pretty much show how the close relationship that Melvin builds with Verdell is the turning point for Melvin's entire life. Before the canine entered his life, he had lived as a hermit who was closed in, writing all day long. Melvin was scared of change and the outside world. The only time he allowed himself to deviate from his OCD habits was when he would go to the diner to let Carole serve him food. However, Verdell broke that cycle. Soon Melvin not only loved and adored Verdell but also Verdell's owner Simon and, finally, Carol. 

Once Simon learns of Melvin's affections for Carol and that she has a sick son, they all work together to get Melvin to see how much he adores the waitress. Melvin, Carol, and Simon set out to find Simon's parents to ask for help with the man's mounting medical expenses. The adventure is not only a road trip but also an exploration of the heart. Eventually, after many twists and turns, Melvin ends up with Carol. The relationship would never have happened if it had not been for the small dog, Verdell, teaching the grumpy man to love.