BLOG |
A Red Hen Production, 72 minutes Directed by Cynthia Wade and Produced by Heidi Reinberg Reviewed by Kaylie Bozell Shelter Dogs is a documentary about dogs who have been found, surrendered by their caretakers, or dropped off and are now living in a shelter. The documentary takes the viewer into the life of a shelter dog as they are fighting to stay alive and not be euthanized. The first 10 minutes of this movie the owner, Sue Sternberg, of the Roundout Valley Kennels makes it very clear that dogs with aggression should not be adopted out and should instead be euthanized. However, Sue takes in account the dogs best interest and puts the dogs first before anything else or any rash decisions are made. The director Cynthia Wade does a great job of making this a tear-jerking film. Going behind the scenes as dogs are euthanized and others are adopted out helps the viewer get an insight on what it is like to be a shelter dog. This is a must- see documentary and should be viewed by any dog caretaker before they shop or adopt. This documentary will make you cry and will leave you disappointed in how selfish a human being can be when surrendering their dog to a shelter. This film leaves absolutely nothing out as it includes the awful scenes of dogs being euthanized. It also includes the special moments as dogs receive new families to love. Shelter Dogs is told through the eyes of Sue. Sue makes life decisions for these dogs as they are faced with trying to find a new home and being euthanized. The viewer watches as Sue and her employees take on new dogs every day. Throughout the film Sue shows the viewers many examples of what an aggressive dog looks and acts like. Sue also shows the steps that are taken before a dog is euthanized. Sue gives the dogs a great last meal before the dogs take their last breath on that cold, unforgiving metal table. Within the first few minutes of the film, Sue receives Ginger, a tan Shepard mixed who is surrendered by her caretakers due to behavioral issues. Ginger is not able to be placed in a home with other dogs, cats, or children. This makes it more likely that within 2 weeks, Ginger may face the dreaded act of euthanasia. Before Gingers 2 weeks are up an elderly couple has lost their dog and is now looking for a new companion which could possibly be Ginger. About 30 minutes into the film the viewer meets Fred. Fred is a pure-bread Doberman Pincher who is intimidating on the outside but only has love to give on the inside. Sue and her co-workers are forced to have a meeting as Fred is diagnosed with Wobblers disease. Wobblers disease which Sue describes as a disease of the cervical spine where the dogs spinal cord or nerve roots may end up compressed resulting in neurological damage or even a chance of the dog being paralyzed. Fred’s only two options are either wearing a neck brace for 3 months which he can never take off or euthanasia. Sue wants to put Fred out of his misery but she is outnumbered by her team who want to keep Fred alive and eventually place him in a loving home. After Fred’s 3 months of wearing a neck brace he is not any worse or any better. The vet gives the A-OK that Fred can go and live happily ever after with his new family who will love Fred and his differences. Next the viewer meets Agnes, another Shepard mix who was turned in by the police because her elderly caretaker had passed away. Agnes is a 12-year-old dog who wants to live the rest of her days out with a loving family. As the shelter struggles to find Agnes a home, 2 weeks later they learn she has heart failure. Sue makes the decision to put Agnes down and burry her in a special part of the shelter yard. Shelter Dogs showcases the sadness at a shelter by using specific angles and background music to make the viewers feel the pain of what it’s like if they are placed in the dog’s shoes. From the minute-long sound of dogs barking nonstop to the minute-long sound of silence as a dog is being put down, this film knows how to make the viewer tear up. Shelter Dogs also does a great job of showcasing the happiness of when a dog is adopted. The film brings you back to the success stories and keeps the viewer informed that the dogs now have a good life with their new loving caretakers. This film would be a great film to be shown at high schools and colleges for classes discussing animal rights and any other type of animal care class. This film would also be good for all dog caretakers and families to watch, whether they have a dog now or are looking into getting a dog. Dogs have feelings and are searching for love and acceptance just like us humans are. Cynthia Wade gives us all the necessary information for a viewer to form an opinion as I have while watching this film. Shelter Dogs is a tear-jerking, must-see, heartfelt film that anyone should watch.
Comments are closed.
|
ABOUT
This is a website about nonhuman animals, written by human animals taking a Society and Animals class at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Archives
April 2024
Categories
All
|