A Dog Named Gucci

Not just the story of a dog named Gucci, but the story of individuals who refused to stand by when animal abuse occurred, refused to accept that the animal abuse laws were non-existent or merely useless, and decided to make a difference.

People were crying in the theater at points but,ultimately, this is an inspiring story about Gucci the Rock Star and the positive changes individuals can make when they put their minds to it and refuse to accept the status quo.

Every state in this country now has felony animal cruelty laws but they can all stand to be improved and strengthened. Hopefully, A Dog Named Gucci will inspire people to approach their legislators and demand even stronger laws to protect companion and other animals in this country.

World Premiere, 2/14/2015, Missoula, Montana.

Director Gorman Bechard found two appealing stars for his documentary film, "A Dog Named Gucci." First and foremost is Gucci, a charismatic chow mix who will steal your heart, as he does with almost everyone he meets. Doug James, who rescued Gucci from horrifying violence, is a gentle and persistent soul, who sees the need for change in the animal cruelty laws and does something about it. Doug and Gucci are inspirational, no matter what cause you are interested in. They show that ordinary people can get things done. The story of Gucci is augmented by the stories of dogs named Louis, Nitro and John,and the comments from prosecutors, other lawyers, humane societies, and veterinarians. The heartbreak of the cruelty to defenseless dogs is balanced out by the goodness of the people who care, although the "flip book" at the end of the film showing other dogs was hard to take, and occasionally I wanted fewer humane society people and more dogs. The high school student from NY is positively amazing though. I want to find out what she does as she gets older. The impact Gucci and Doug have on Gucci's first owner, a runaway teen, is heartwarming. See this very well made film.

A Dog Named Gucci was a STELLAR film. Contrary to what one may imagine it to be, it was not a movie just flooding you with sob stories of animal abuse, leaving you feeling angry and hopeless. This film did a fantastic job offering solutions, and depicting actions that have been taken by individual average citizens to make crucial improvements in animal cruelty legislation (or lack there of). This film reminds viewers why they should not ignore animal cruelty cases and feel hopeless, that they are not powerless, that they can make an imperative difference in the lives of suffering animals if they pay attention and do something. The film illustrates several things that people can choose to do, that are virtually effortless, and have proved to be the catalyst in creating laws to protect animals from suffering, torture, neglect and abuse nationwide. I hope people give this film a shot! It is ultimately very positive and inspiring!

When recommending this to friends -- and some of these friends, mind you, are HORROR movie fanatics -- were to SCARED to see this film. "The thought of animal abuse is just to scary," they said.

And they are right. Animal abuse is scary.

But if you feel a pang in your heart at the thought of it, then you don't let fear deter you. This film is actually a beautiful exposure of many cases of animal abuse that will both, educate and enthrall you with it's overall message.

Gormon Bechard is known for his rock and music documentaries and I think he can add "A Dog Named Gucci" to that category. Gucci is a rock star in his own right. He gained notoriety in his community, had hordes of fans, was featured talk shows, newscasts, and even in book signings, and best of all -- he and his owner, Doug James, changed legislation in their state and sent ripple effects into our country and won the hearts of millions.

I am positive after this movie is over you will love Gucci too...just keep the tissues handy (you will both cry sad and happy tears).

I was at A Dog Named Gucci in Youngstown, Ohio tonight..I am a administrator for Nitro's Ohio Army. As I was driving to see this movie tonight all emotions I had felt fighting for the passage of Nitro's Law came rushing into my head. The wound was open again. The hurt the pain the tears the hate I was remembering. Calling-emailing-writing legislators. The nights that some of us stayed up and posted on every newspaper every News Channel that possibly by chance animal lovers would read about Nitro's story and why Ohio needed better laws in Ohio.

I ate, drank and breathed Nitro's Bill.

After watching your movie I felt the fight again coming on. A stronger will to fight for better laws for animals. The movie reminded me why I had started and that I would never stop. My belly was filled with butterflies and I knew what I was doing was right and to keep fighting! Thank You for such a wonderful movie..It was full of inspiration and sent out the message of motivation. Don't ever stop reminding people what is happening in the real world!