If you love animals, nature, our planet, and especially dogs, please consider "Dog By Dog" as essential and 'required' viewing. There are no highly graphic images, nor any political agendas underscoring the film. It is quite simply vital information to learn as an animal lover, U.S. citizen, and consumer of any type. As an animal advocate and activist, I thought I understood the basics behind atrocious puppy mills: the unconscionable conditions, horrific treatment of the overly-bred parental dogs, astounding lack of veterinary care, and more. I had so much to learn!
You will be amazed at the intentionally hidden connections between unscrupulous dog "breeders", the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Westminster Dog Show, the USDA, and the little-known, super PAC, "Alliance For Truth" (*which functions largely to protect lawbreakers and animal abusers involved in and profiting from the puppy mill process, along with lobbying to exploit loopholes in existing animal welfare legislature, and preventing abusive "breeders"/AKA puppy mill owners from being legally penalized).
This riveting documentary will capture the intellect and emotions of every dog lover, providing facts which are disturbing, integral, and well-concealed. Facts which mill owners describing themselves (legally!) as "AKC, registered breeders" do NOT want you to be aware of. One example provides unfathomable information regarding how puppies purchased on the Internet are nearly inevitably coming from a puppy mill, despite "cute photos" &/or images of majestic, beautiful, full-bred parental dogs and claims that all litters are healthy, bred humanely, etc.
The extent to which this industry will collude with other animal abusers (such as factory farmers) to affect relevant pending legislation in their favor, and will do essentially anything to avoid detection and/or regulation is another essential arena in which the viewer will gain knowledge. We all know that puppy mills are a cruel, unbelievably relentless means of making profit through the abuse and exploitation of innocent, voiceless animals. However, there is still a great deal to discover and CHANGE.
This film is moving, evocative, endearing, and even stunning in many moments. The viewer is taken on a journey which reveals the actual steps involved in hiding the abhorrent truth of puppy mills, as well as the truth behind the actual functioning of and profit from puppy mills, which, contrary to urban myth, have NOT been deemed illegal, nor shut down as an industry. Puppy mills sadly DO continue to exist and thrive, while the enslaved, abused breeding dogs are living in a reality which is indeed, a silent and torturous hell. These mills are run by "breeders" protected by laws which also encompass factory farming, the decimation of our climate, and other alarming occurrences which exploit the innocent and directly mislead the public, consumers and voters.
Please call your local PBS station to request airing(s) of this profound, vital documentary. I guarantee that you will be astounded, moved, and grateful to be armed with the truth, so that you, too, can make a difference in the life of a beloved, furry friend. Whether you change your consumer habits, pass along what you've learned to others via blogging or word of mouth, decide to protest at a nearby pet store, or simply recommend this film to even one friend: YOU can make a difference...'Dog by Dog.