These 8 Documentaries Will Show You Why Rescuing A Dog is Important
Photo credit: Shane
With many television shows and social media accounts dedicated to pets, an interest in content about dogs, cats, birds, and the occasional farm animal appears to be growing. Because of subject matter that emphasizes rescuing and rehabilitating animals, I'm convinced that anyone seeking to adopt a pet would visit a local rescue or shelter. However, the statistics tell another story. According to a 2018 nationwide study by the American Veterinary Medical Association of 50,000 households, only 28% of dogs are adopted from a shelter or rescue. The overwhelming majority of Americans still purchase animals from breeders, puppy mills, and pet shops, despite nearly 1.5 million shelter animals being euthanized every year because facilities are beyond capacity.
I didn’t want to believe that the number of people adopting was actual because it was low, so I continued to research more information. I came across another statistic from a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association in 2018 that claims 44% of pet owners adopted a dog or cat from a rescue or shelter. As a human, I felt better about this number, but as a researcher, I was disappointed because this survey only reached 15,000 households. Even if the 44% number held valid in a larger sample, it begs the question as to why people would not elect to rescue an animal in need. Regardless of the answer, a person's choice to not save a rescue animal and purchase an animal from a breeder means that they contribute to the root issue that leads to +million of animals killed every year.
To provide insight on this issue of recue and shelter animals, I viewed 14 documentaries. From this, I selected eight films that provide education to people who are interested in adopting a pet. Here are my takeaways from watching these films:
All dogs are extraordinary regardless of breed, size, gender, origin.
Life is precious, and we have a responsibility to care for animals in need.
Commercial breeders, puppy mills, and individual breeders don’t see dogs as pets as much as they do products. And pushing products means making a profit.
Buyer beware – What you see is not what you always get. Do your research on what you are getting, who you are getting it from, and trust your instincts.
Many organizations are doing good work to save animals and need support.
Below is a summary of each documentary followed by what I found interesting about the film. I’d love to know which ones you have seen, recommend, and would be willing to share with anyone considering getting a pet - comments welcome in the section at the end. Film titles are linked to their viewing platforms.
Life In The Doghouse
The journey of two horsemen who turn their passion for animals into an obsession to save abandoned dogs. The story journals the lives of Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta and the remarkable work they do through Danny & Ron's Rescue. They began their organization after watching the news reports on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and how dogs were abandoned and being kept in crates in airplane hangars. Over the years, from saving dogs from natural disasters to pulling dogs from shelters right before being euthanized, the couple has saved and rehomed over 10,000 dogs.
What I like: Danny and Ron are fearless and place the suffering of beings above all else. Their story is a fairytale for anyone that is an animal lover and dreams of living out their days in a home filled with love and lots of dogs.
Dogs (Series) - Second Chances (Episode)
The story focuses on a rescue mission by Hearts & Bones Rescue that will deliver shelter dogs from Texas to New York City. Facilitated by volunteers and led by Anna, an NYC marketing executive, the transport must move dogs from a state where euthanizations are the highest in the country to a city where the dog population outnumbers the human population of Cleveland, Ohio. She and the team must deliver 30 dogs for an event at East Village dog-cafe, Boris & Horton. It hones in on the journey of two dogs, a terrier named Justin Timberlake, who is recovering from surgery after a car accident, and a cattle dog named Jimmy Buffet, who was deemed as "rescue only" by the shelter.
What I like: The different angles that give a complete picture of the lifecycle of rescue to adoption. While there is focus on Anna, we also see what is going on with the people in Texas who are rescuing the dogs from the streets; and we witness some of the foster homes and adopters in NYC.
Rescuing Rex
With one of the lowest homeless dog populations globally and a desire to save the lives of unwanted dogs, Canada is importing rescue dogs. We follow Canadian-based Redemption Paws Rescue which organizes the placement of dogs from Taiwan, Texas, and around the world. The story features the people in these places rescuing stray dogs from dire situations and how they find adopters in Canada. The ending is great and shows how these relationships between rescuers, animals, and adopters have transformed lives.
What I like: It gives a global perspective of rescuing dogs. It shows how one country (Canada), which has strict laws that prevent over breeding, becomes a refuge for animals worldwide. It further convinced me that we as global citizens need to fight for better animal laws and policies that protect animals and people.
Second Chance Dogs
The ASPCA launched a 2-year project focusing on the rehabilitation of dogs from puppy mills and hoarding cases. These dogs are traumatized from years of abuse and neglect and are often not considered adoptable. The film documents the rescues of three malamutes, two dachshunds, and a chihuahua who are unsocialized and have every reason not to trust humans. Kristen Collins, senior director of anti-cruelty behavior rehabilitation, oversees operations of the facility where they are relocated. The program documents training and treatments prescribed to the dogs by Collins and her dedicated staff. After several months of recovery, these dogs have been deemed adoptable and placed in permanent homes. This program intends to survey, benchmark, and document treatments that shelters can replicate across the U.S.
What I like: We are just now creating programs for dogs that seem so rudimentary but are effective in treating the symptoms so that these mistreated animals can be adopted. Otherwise, these dogs would be euthanized.
The Champions
Examines the story of dogs rescued from the raid of NFL superstar Michael Vick's dog fighting ring. Despite the reputation of their breed and dogs used in fighting, the 67 dogs have been able to be habilitated and made adoptable by the incredible efforts of the Best Friends Animal Society, BADRAP, and other animal rights advocates. This film walks through the journey of these dogs being saved and rehomed.
What I like: For anyone who believes pit bulls are dangerous and that fighting dogs are unable to be rehabilitated, this will disprove your notions and correct your bias.
Dog By Dog
This film exposes the gruesome realities of the estimated 10,000 puppy mills in the United States. The documentary investigates the puppy mill industry that produces 2 to 4 million dogs every year. It speaks to how animals are treated in the industry, how breeders are unregulated, and why corporations and trade groups lobby for this business at the state and federal levels.
What I like: It looks at corporate greed and reveals how bureaucracy and politics protect people doing terrible things. I found myself angered by the fact that these puppy mills are fined until the point they are shut down, then pass ownership to family members, all while receiving federal tax dollars to fund their business.
Dogs On The Inside
For shelter dogs to be adoptable, they sometimes need training. This documentary focuses on one prison dog program at North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner, Massachusetts. It tells the story of abandoned and abused dogs who have found themselves in the care of non-violent offenders. During the eight-week program, dogs live with the inmates while going through group training classes. The bonds that are created are transformative for the dog and the person.
What I like: Animals and people who have found themselves in dire situations are treated horribly by society. This film is a true redemption story, showing that we can create opportunities for animals and people to heal and hope.
The Rescuer - A Story of Obsession
This documentary provides a glimpse into one particular rescuer, Leo Grillo. A Hollywood actor and film producer, Grillo founded Dedication and Everlasting Love To Animals (DELTA) to save the lives of abandoned animals. The story is about the start of a passion that grew into a life-long commitment to providing a sanctuary for homeless dogs and cats. It gives insight into how people will go to show humanity to beings who need care and attention.
What I like: I appreciate how this film focuses on the effect one person can have in a community. It allowed me to realize how vital the work of rescuers is and that supporting them by adopting a pet or by donation is giving back to the community.