This phrase is applied when someone has their priorities so out of whack that they'
d cry for a dog if it died in a movie but have no problem watching a dozen or more
people getting killed, even though everyone knows that animals are never mistreated on a movie set.
It also can be applied to extremist groups when they talk about saving an animal's
life but allowing a
human or group of
people to die.
Usually said in a pseudo-dramatic or condescending sense, the phrase is used as a way of saying in a sarcastic manner "Your priorities are all messed up!", because at least a nice woman you can mate with, what are you going to do with a dog?
John: "I'm watching this movie. It's
sad. They killed a dog."
Jack: "Wait a minute. The killer just hacked 15
people to
death with a chainsaw ten minutes ago and you're okay with letting them all die but 'don't hurt the doggie!!'?"