Greetings again from the darkness. “What a good boy!” That’s something every (boy) dog owner has said a thousand times … but probably not like what we see here. Director Gail Gilbert brings us a story that will tear at the heartstrings of every pet owner, and likely any viewer with a heartstring to tear. An Illinois breeder named Cindy welcomed what was to be her final litter of pure-bred Labrador Retrievers. The pups were beautiful, and everything was fine … right up until it wasn’t.
After only a few weeks, the male pups were stricken with paralysis of their legs and voice. The affliction had no effect on the two female pups, and whatever caused it was a mystery. A local veterinarian could only guess whether it was related to the vaccinations, a virus, a parasite, genetics, or some other cause. The recommendation was euthanasia. But Cindy was not ready to give up. She took back the pups and was joined by a trainer and some other gold-hearted animal lovers. Rather than put them down, these women worked with the pups daily. Therapy and massages and nutrition became standard daily rituals. Their courage and determination was remarkable since no one could even tell them what was wrong and if their efforts stood any chance of helping the pups.
The reality was, many people questioned why they would work so hard for “defective” dogs. But then around 10 weeks, most of the pups began showing signs of improvement. The daily feedings by syringe, and then bottle, began to take on a more normal feeding process. And the pups’ legs began to get stronger – some were even able to stand, if a bit wobbly. It was like watching a slow miracle occur … a miracle that required an enormous amount of work and attention and love.
At times, this had the look of a M*A*S*H unit, minus the surgery. It’s truly shocking to see the pups go from little furry blobs sunning in the grass to what we see by the end of the film. In fact, the saddest part of the film comes not from the pups, but rather from people. Of course, anyone watching the film will fall for these pups, but we also have full admiration for those who used their optimistic and determined approach to make a difference. It’s been said that ‘love cures all things”, and while “all things” may be a stretch, certainly these puppies are beneficiaries.
Available On Demand and on digital platforms beginning October 24, 2023
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