Definitely sounds like 'Homeward Bound' to me too. Though if you are certain it's not that one, then maybe 'Beethoven'? That one has a St. Bernard though, not a retriever. But it's a big family, big mess, and a rescue scene.

God, same. I tried directing a no-budget web series once and realized halfway through that what I envisioned needed like triple the cash. Ended up using cardboard props and my buddy's backyard. It's all about that improv skill.