Seniors: A Dogumentary

Seniors: A Dogumentary is a refreshing and heartwarming 2020 documentary directed by Gorman Bechard. The film primarily focuses on the incredible essence and spirit of senior dogs, exploring the special relationships they share with their human counterparts. It’s a tribute to every dog lover's best friends in their golden years, unveiling the vibrant, special, and mostly unseen world of senior dogs and their unwavering bond with their caregivers.

The movie spotlights the individual stories of senior dogs and their human companions, evoking laughter and tears in equal measure. The film showcases an array of characters, including renowned photographer Jane Sobel Klonsky, who has dedicated her working career to capturing special images of senior dogs and the unique and enduring bonds they share with their owners. Klonsky's work is beautifully crafted, showcasing a devotion to celebrating these often overlooked old friends. Her stunning photographs uplift the vitality, athleticism, and unconditional love which these senior dogs have to offer in abundance.

The character of Zina Goodin appears along with her husband Michael Goodin, the co-founders of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and rehoming of senior dogs. Their mission is to provide a loving home and quality care for these dogs in their retirement years. The Goodins are seen as compassionate and dedicated visionaries who have saved countless dogs from euthanasia, providing a much-needed refuge where aged dogs can find love, comfort, and dignity.

Seniors: A Dogumentary also introduces us to Chaser, the world-renowned Border Collie whose exceptional intelligence sparked headlines across the globe. Chaser was dubbed 'the smartest dog in the world' as she could understand and remember over a thousand words, displaying cognitive skills that challenged many preconceived notions about animal intelligence. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary cognitive abilities and emotional depth that older dogs often possess.

Capturing a broader cultural perspective, the film also explores the positive influence of senior dogs across various communities and the therapeutic results they bring to people's lives. Besides being rewarding companions, these dogs also serve crucial roles as therapy dogs in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, bringing joy, comfort, and relief to the people in need.

Seniors: A Dogumentary does more than just tug at the heartstrings of dog lovers; it raises major questions about how society treats its elderly pets. It's an argot that raises eyebrows towards societal norms and invites viewers to observe and consider their attitude toward aging and mortality.

The documentary features an intriguing blend of emotional depth and humor. As the audience gets acquainted with each dog's personal journey, they are often presented with moments that are bittersweet. Each tale oscillates between laughter, smiles, and tears. Gorman Bechard expertly blends these stories into a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, celebrates the resilience of these loyal animals, and reminds us of their unconditional love and unwavering spirit.

The cinematography is dynamic, too, capturing the vivid and expressive faces of these senior dogs up close, and the soundtrack seamlessly complements the emotional tone of the film, making it a truly immersive experience.

To sum up, Seniors: A Dogumentary is a tribute to the undying spirit and enduring love of man's best friends as they journey into their sunset years. It heartily showcases the calming, gentle, and affectionate side of these often-neglected animals while advocating for better care and understanding of their needs. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions as this film will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with senior dogs all over again.