10 More Devastating Horror Movie Deaths You Couldn't Look Away From

2007's I Am Legend highlights the accuracy of the expression: "we don't deserve dogs."

Will Smith's Robert Neville is seemingly the sole survivor of an apocalyptic pandemic and the only human being left in New York, a city now ravaged by mutant, nocturnal survivors of the virus that wiped out humanity. Neville's sole companion and source of comfort is his beloved German Shepherd Sam - a constant presence at his side in this terrifying new world.

Sam has particular significance to Neville due to the fact she belonged to his daughter Marley - Marley's final request to her father was to look after the tiny puppy that she handed him while boarding her fateful helicopter ride. The irony that the fiercely loyal Alsatian ends up looking after Neville is not lost on viewers. Sam constantly has her owner's back, protecting him whilst keeping him sane in the jarringly empty backdrop of New York.

Sam's unwavering loyalty tragically comes at the cost of her life. Refusing to leave Neville after he is caught in a trap, the pair are attacked by a group of infected dogs - Sam is bitten and infected during the fight. Neville desperately tries to save her with his experimental serum but no avail. Sam begins to succumb to the virus, forcing Neville to tearfully strangle his only companion to death in one of the most devastating scenes in horror history.

For anyone who has ever had a dog, this one hit differently.