This article proposes a critical approach between the novel Ate o dia em que o cao morreu, published in 2003 by writer Daniel Galera and the film Cao sem dono, an adaptation of the novel performed by directors Beto Brant and Renato Ciasca. The comparison between the book and the film identifies substantial changes in the transition from one language to another: while the novel presents a very disenchanted and even pessimistc generational portrait, the film proposes a lyrical representation of the protagonist's adventures and misadventures in love and with family.