Mine

MINE

     As many of you are aware, I am not one to dote over our family pet. In such, this film was a bit difficult for me to relate to in a manner befitting a critical eye. Be that as it may, this captivating documentary, directed by Geralyn Pezanoski, kept me actively engaged the entire time.

     The basis for this documentary surrounds the separation of a beloved pet from its master(owner) following a natural disaster (Hurricane Katrina). Pezanoski captures the emotion and pain of a “family member” lost in the storm. What wasn’t expected, by me, was the socioeconomic and racial aspect to some of these stories. Need I say wow! Perhaps this blogger lives in a bubble, but I had no idea that I would watch a documentary about “how can I get my dog back” and find a story line about how segregated and racially divided we still find ourselves.

     One story in particular caught my attention as uplifting and inspiring. People working together for the common good (unfortunately, not the case in every situation throughout this piece). An elderly lady is airlifted out of her home and is not given the opportunity to take her pet, Murphy Brown, with her. The search for Murphy is extraordinary in and of itself, but the ability of a new owner to return their recently acquired best friend is just a little more than heartwarming. I’m not spoiling anything by telling you that the elderly woman passes away in 2008 and in her will she leaves Murphy to the family who had returned her. Poetic justice in a film focused on the divisiveness of class and status.

     I believe this is a must see for all pet owners, if not all people. This was better than just good it was great on so many levels. However, it fell short for me in one critical area. The director didn’t really explore the other side of the coin and talk to people who actually did take their pets. I would have been interested to see why some people in the same situation, economic and social strata chose to take their animals to safety and not leave them behind. Pezanoski only gives us one side of the story and tends to lead us down the path that there was no other option than to leave the animal behind. Obviously, this wasn’t the situation for everyone, so I felt as though the director didn’t provide a completed documentary.

     Overall, this was a must watch whether you agree with some viewpoints shared within the documentary or not. I give it two paws up (four stars)!

     Now for the controversial part of my review. There was a comment made within the documentary by an attorney along the lines of “…why would you leave a dog in the attic, you wouldn’t leave a child in an attic with just food and water.” I apologize to all pet owners for what I’m about to say, but I believe it needs to be said. If we place the life of a human and animal on the same level, we as a culture seem to be missing something.  I’m all for proper treatment of animals, but I don’t believe they should be elevated to the status of a person. If I was faced with a fire in my home and I had to choose between saving my dog or my child, my child would win every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I understand the love for a family pet, but making a comparison between an animal and a child seems to be ridiculous, specifically with the events that these people had to endure.

That’s How Matt Sees It!