PICK OF THE LITTER – Review

On August 31, from IFC Films comes the new film, PICK OF THE  LITTER.

PICK OF THE LITTER follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become guide dogs for the blind. Cameras follow these pups through an intense two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm. Along the way, these remarkable animals rely on a community of dedicated individuals who train them to do amazing, life-changing things in the service of their human. The stakes are high and not every dog can make the cut. Only the best of the best. The pick of the litter.

Animal-interest stories seem to be the cause celebre these days, but they are usually used to speak out against some sort of injustice or bring attention to a problem such as animal cruelty or endangered species. But WAMG recently discovered some amazing four-legged heroes with enormous hearts – a litter of labrador retriever puppies starting their journey to become seeing-eye dogs for the blind, and the subjects of the documentary PICK OF THE LITTER.

From filmmakers Dana Nachman and Don Hardy (Batkid Begins), PICK OF THE LITTER follows a litter of puppies from birth, all the way through the process of training to be guide dogs for the blind, and as the film demonstrates, it can definitely be a rollercoaster of emotions for both the pups, and the various humans that play a role in their journey.

Founded in 1942, Oregon-based Guide Dogs for the Blind has a network of instructors, puppy raisers and volunteers, who prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision from throughout the United States and Canada.

This is where we meet Patriot, Poppet, Potomac, Primrose and Phil (each litter is assigned a letter of the alphabet), who like many litters before them train for their very important future.

Not all of them will become guide dogs – many puppies eventually land on a different, but just as important path, such as service animals for other disabilities, or breeders for future litters of guide dogs. Their first stop of the nearly 2 year process is with volunteer “puppy raisers,” families and individuals whose job it is to socialize the puppies, teach them good manners, and assess their overall behavior, intelligence and disposition. Once they pass this step, it’s on to formal guide dog training, and eventual matching with their human.

One of the most satisfying aspects of the film is that because we follow the process from birth, there is a huge sense of attachment, and you find yourself completely invested in the puppies. Each time they have to reach a milestone or pass a test, you find yourself on the edge of your seat, rooting for them to succeed. And it’s not as easy as you might think. A couple of weeks ago, we attended the film’s junket where we got to meet Rodrigo, a dog that has made it through the program and is waiting to be matched with his human partner. I actually had the opportunity to be blindfolded and walk with Rodrigo, as he led me safely around obstacles, stopping at curbs, and confidently encouraging me to walk at a quick pace, knowing I would be safe under his expert direction. And it was incredible. It showed just how highly trained and professional these dogs are, and how life-changing their services are to the people who need them.

Nachman and Hardy have crafted such a feel-good film, you almost forget you are watching a documentary. The opening sequence is such a gut punch that it holds your undivided attention for the next 80 plus minutes, a skill likely honed from their backgrounds in tv news journalism. And they give us exactly what we want at the end…the “where are they now” moments that don’t leave us wondering “what ever happened to.”

Five out of Five Stars!

Get Tickets here: http://gwi.io/79meef

Visit the official site: ifcfilms.com/films/pick-of-the-litter