A Dog Named Gucci

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.

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!

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.

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!