A Dog Named Gucci

"A Dog Named Gucci" left many in tears with its poignant story. But to the filmmaker's credit, it was far from manipulating. Director Gorman Bechard was also one that was more interested in an awareness campaign rather than taking the easy route of inflammatory cinema. The "Gucci Bill" changed the laws in Alabama turning animal cruelty into a felony, and starting a wondrous domino effect throughout the nation. Gucci was a ten week old puppy that was hung by its neck, beaten repeatedly and then set afire. Somehow this pup survived, and his savior and new owner, Doug James, fought not only for his life, but for all other animals in his state.

Where many could have focused on the cruelty and the perpetrator, Bechard chooses to highlight the fight against such viciousness, the happiness and companionship that blossoms, and the bureaucratic struggles to achieve what is right. It's a wonderful and beautiful testament to Gucci, his owner, and all other animals and the people that care for them. If all that was not enough, Bechard encourages us to stay through the entire credits delivering absorbing anecdotes, information on how to combat animal cruelty, and an absolutely compassionate song that makes one want to go out and purchase it immediately.

This review is taken in part from my article, "Highlights from the 15th Annual Phoenix Film Festival" at The Movie Guys.

I had the pleasure of seeing this movie last night in Mobile, AL. In the world of rescue, those of us who volunteer our time are not unfamiliar with horrific animal abuse situations. Many of us have had hands-on experience in the aftermath of these types of cases. However, for Gucci, Shauna and Doug, this awful, unthinkable situation was miraculously used for the future good of other animals. Sadly, it takes heartache and tragedy to inspire a movement of this magnitude, and we should learn from this to be the voice, stand for what we know is right and not back down, no matter what! Thank you for a wonderful documentary, highlighting the need for stronger animal welfare laws.

Saw a screening at the Phx Film Fest. As a dog owner/lover, I found this film eye-opening about the cruelty perpetrated upon the animals that have been our unflinching companions for generations, as well as the brave people taking steps to change legislation. However, to see this only as a commentary on animal abuse is to sell the film short. Abusing pets (or any creature) bespeaks a certain level of instability, or at least a severe lack of empathy. The film estimates that there are one MILLION cases of animal abuse in this country every year. Not isolated cases, but a significant number of people torturing their animals - not just in momentary anger, but also in prolonged cases of neglect - a symptom of something more systemic about why the PEOPLE in our society act out with such mindless cruelty. While the causes are likely varied, I might start by looking at the undue stresses we inflict upon our citizens by not providing equal access to social services and health care; not paying a living wage; and not providing a quality education; just to name a few. Concentrating on making life more humane for HUMANS and animals alike, rather than simply stiffening jail sentences may be our better choice in reducing cruelty in all its forms. Great film - don't miss it!

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.

As this film makes clear, we are finally seeing a change in the way our society perceives the abuse of animals. It reinforces the power of social action, and the attendant amplification of that power through social media. The film is a plea not for funding or institutional support, but for simply caring about the welfare of animals and speaking up to encourage that laws against abuse are enforced by local authorities. The emphasis here is not on showing abuse, although inevitably the survivors are important to the story, but on the people who have struggled to change animal cruelty laws. Finally in the 21st century, such abuse can be charged as felony crime in our country. As a film, it tells a wonderful and inspiring story of individuals who cared to fight for animals, told largely through interviews and news footage. The result is that by promoting change in person and online, everyday people can insure that the welfare of animals is being enhanced and their abusers punished.