Feb 14, 2019
Hi everyone!
Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m sorry if you’re having some trouble hearing me, but I am currently buried underneath a pile of dogs all trying to show me just how cute they are. While I’m stuck here, One Movie Spouse, aka Amy Dobzynski, is here to give a review for one of the cutest documentaries ever made. For a few other uplifting documentaries, check out “Faces Places” (Episode #130), “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (Episode #193), and “44 Pages” (Episode #221). And if you have any suggestions, reach out to us through this puppy pile over social media and let us know.
Take it away, Amy!
You’re so cute. Yes you are. Yes...
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Hi there! It’s me Amy, aka One Movie Spouse, back for another guest review. Mwwwwaaah! Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s one of my favorite holidays, so naturally, I begged One Movie Punch to play my review today. Don’t let the commercialism of Valentine’s Day bog you down. I like to think of it as the “Thanksgiving of February”, letting those in your life know truly how special they are to you, and spread some love and kindness to others around you. Let’s be honest, we all could use a little more positivity in our lives, and today’s film is sure to fill you with warm fuzzies!
Today’s movie is “Pick of the Litter” (2018), the documentary directed by Dana Nachman and Don Hardy Jr., written for the screen by Dana Nachman. This Valentine’s Day, skip the flowers and chocolates and enjoy some PUPPIES! This delightful film follows the journey of five dogs in their quest to become service dogs.
No spoilers!
This documentary looks at the process for puppies to be become certified service dogs with Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB). They are based in San Rafael, California, and help individuals who are blind or have vision impairments from around the United States be paired with a service dog. The trailer shows teeny puppies being born and then flashes to dogs assisting individuals in their day-to-day lives. But what does it take for these pups to make the cut? Watch this 81-minute film to get a glimpse. Warning: for animal lovers, it is cuteness overload and you may want to adopt a dog or two after watching this film.
The training process was intriguing, beginning with puppy handlers who foster the young puppies to acclimate them to different people, places, and other dogs. This film showcases various individuals, families, and couples who care for these spirited puppies, and begin their training process. As the dogs grow older, there are various “checkpoints” in which they are tested on skills to determine if they are to continue in their training, or have a “career change” and be released from the two-year rigorous training program. While watching this film I realized that I probably couldn’t serve in the role as a puppy handler because I would become too attached to these beautiful dogs. I’ll admit I didn’t cry, but I did find myself choked up more than once.
While segments of the puppy training and testing are shown, we are introduced to individuals who are waiting to be paired with a service dog. It is heart-warming to hear their individual stories and how having a service dog will increase their independence. The direction of this film transitioning between puppy stories and people stories is well-done! You find yourself rooting for the dogs and their progress while seeing the team of dedicated people committed to their training. It is inspiring to see these amazing dogs’ growth and to look ahead to years of loyal service beyond their graduation.
“Pick of the Litter” (2018) is a “fetching dogumentary” (see what I did there?), highlighting the process of becoming a service dog. After watching, your heart will swell with love and compassion. This film will appeal to animal lovers and those curious about how service dogs for the blind are trained.
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (CERTIFIED FRESH)
Metacritic: 67
One Movie Punch: 9.0/10
“Pick of the Litter” (2018) is not rated and is available on Hulu!