My Dog Skip (2000) on Netflix

In 1942, in Yazoo, Mississippi, the lonely and outcast boy Willie Morris is the only son of the harsh war veteran Jack Morris, who lost his leg in Spain, and the housewife and lovely mother Ellen Morris. Willie Is bullied by three schoolmates and his only friend is his older neighbor Dink Jenkins, who is a baseball player and idol of the town. When Dink goes to Europe fight in World War II, Willie is alone again. However, on his ninth birthday, Ellen gives a dog to her son despite the protest of Jack. Willie gives the name of Skipper "Skip" that becomes his best friend. Skip helps Willie to have friends and to get close to the girl Rivers Applewhite, for whom he has a crush, changing his life for better.