Two questions

I thought the end was unclear as to whether the boy would live or die, since he was in such bad condition. This was disturbing, not being sure that he was going to live. Are we supposed to think that he will live? I think the movie probably intends you to think that, but the way it ends, you don't know for sure.

The other thing is I see mention of dying puppies. Maybe I missed that part? How far along in the movie was it?