Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Guilie’s New Book!


I have never done this before partly because I didn’t know how it all works (she e-mailed me her post and I saw all this gibberish which is computer talk so I hope I did this correctly) but I felt this is important because she rescues dogs on her home island of Curaçao. I first blog met Guilie Through The A to Z Challenge and was so happy to have done so because I believe in her fight and her vision. Trying to save dogs, cats or any animal is noble and important and very difficult since many don’t want to be saved due to their mistrust of humans, one lives the heartache every time one sees an animal in distress, not all animals make it and one has to deal with the nasty part of human beings. By the way, I hope Guilie doesn't mind, but she recently lost a furbaby which I posted the picture above. I will speak about my favourite dog film after hers.

I feel bad that I missed the giveaway but I still find it important to have her here at my blog so, without further adieu, here is Guilie....maybe I haven't missed the giveaway...:)

Thank you so much for having me over to talk movies, Birgit! I've long been a fan of this cozy space you have here—to say nothing of your crafts; you have a wee talent there, my friend!—so I'm thrilled to get a chance to contribute a bit to it.

You'd think that, being such a dog lover and all, I'd be first in line at the box office to watch anything with dogs in it. Alas, that is not the case. The prospect of a dog movie gives me that sinking feeling that most people associate with the moment at a roller coaster when you're all strapped in and just waiting for the thing to start rolling.

Part of it is that I can't help worrying about the dog actor/actress. Were they treated kindly, were they mistreated (remember "https://www.hollywoodrep orter.com/news/gavin-polone-a- dogs-purpose-outcry-what-happe ned-whos-blame-967160" that awful scandal around A Dog's Purpose; fake news in the end, but it's every animal lover's worst nightmare)? Were they trained using positive reinforcement or were their fears preyed on for the sake of the production? This is what I obsess over during every scene that has a dog in it. Every. Scene.;No, not pleasant.
 
And I dislike the heartstring-pulling. Dogs seem to get cast in movies mostly for the purpose of engaging—and manipulating—the audience's emotions. But my heart can only take so much dog (and animal) suffering, and, as a rescuer, I see too much of it already on a daily basis.

So, yes, I hesitate.

Having said that, there are two dog movies I love. Deeply, and without reservation.

 

The all-time Olympian champion of heartstring-pulling, the most shameless of all manipulative tear-jerkers ever brought to the screen. Seriously, Pollyanna does not hold a candle to this yellow dog's story. I love it to bits anyway. I can't watch it (especially not the end, never ever again the end), but I love it. Maybe it's nostalgia. Maybe it's the 'found dog' idea (I've been rescuing since I was 8). Maybe it's the 'boy and his dog'...

I grew up an only child, and my one constant companion was a wonderful Boxer named Cookie (Cuca for short) whom I adored and who adored me right back. No raccoons or bears or rabid wolves; our adventures were much tamer than Travis's and Old Yeller's, but their camaraderie still resonated.

And maybe that's where the value of this film is. The relationship between boy and dog is not just central to the plot; This is, at its core, a film about the lessons a dog—loving a dog—brings to our lives.





                                                              The Secret Life of Pets (2016) 

This one I'll watch anytime, anywhere. I'll stop channel-surfing if I catch it on TV. There is no tear-jerking here, no dying (well, almost no dying)—no, this one has humor! And a happy ending! (Sorry for the spoiler, but for us too-sensitive animal fanatic rescuers, the happy ending is a must!

Don't be fooled, though. This film may look like a pet version of Toy Story (the comparison just begs to be made), but it goes far beyond that. "The Secret Life of Pets" does something really special: it captures animals in all their wonderful, quirky uniqueness. Each of the animals here—dogs, cats, goldfish, parakeet, psycho bunny—has their own distinct personality but never fails to come across as a realistic representative of their species. The way the cats play, for instance. The dogs' body language. Their rationale, their relationships with their humans... It's all recreated to a T.

I love it because it brings to life the amazing diversity of the animal world, because it does that in incredibly funny ways, because it never loses sight of the basics of animal welfare—and because it deals with the issues of cruelty and neglect and human ignorance without making light of them but still keeping it easily digestible. When it comes to animal welfare awareness, it's films like this one that end up making a broader impact.



(And because of the soundtrack. That 'Grease' cameo in the sausage factory—and when was the last time you heard Beastie Boys in a film? An "animated" ;film? Oh, and because of the strong female lead—even if she started out as a ditz, but that was her journey. And, above all, because of Psycho Bunny.)

Of course I still cry at the end (and throughout, really). But it's the good tears.<


Birgit, you were one of maybe three full-steam-ahead supporters back in 2016 when I wrote the original blog series that would, eventually, become "It's About the Dog: The A-to-Z Guide for Wannabe Dog Rescuers", and I'm forever grateful to you for that. Without your encouragement and enthusiasm, I probably would never have dared to even imagine turning it into a book. I'd certainly never have had the motivation! I can't thank you enough for hosting me here today, and I look forward to chatting with you and your readers in the comments. I'd love to know if you've seen these two films, and what you thought if you did, and if you have any favorite dog movies.


Guilie Castillo, Mexican expat, writer, and dog rescuer, is the author of 


 "It’s About the Dog: The A-to-Z Guide for Wannabe Dog Rescuers" (Everytime Press, April 2018), a hands-on, less-tears-more-action, 100% practical introduction to dog rescue.

This post is a part of, "https://lifeindogs.blogs pot.com/p/the-dog-book-blog-to ur.html", The Dog Book Blog Tour; during April and May, author and book will be making the rounds of dog-loving sites on the blogosphere to talk dogs and rescue—and to give away THREE signed copies. (More about both tour and giveaway "https://lifeindogs.blogs pot.com/p/the-dog-book-blog-to ur.html")

I planned on creating a couple of dog cards and will do so and, when i show them here, I hope Guilie will accept these cards as a gift. Ok my favourite dog movie....

LASSIE COME HOME-1943


This film started the whole Lassie series and this dog was amazing! When I saw this film, with a young Roddy McDowell and Elizabeth Taylor, I was riveted about a collie taken away from the boy Lassie loved, and her way back home to the boy. The ending makes me cry every single time. Yes, it is manipulative but in the best way and, let me tell you this dog was treated well off camera. 

I have to give a mention to the Dog that started  it all regarding great dog adventures and, the rumour is this dog won the best acting Oscar in 1928 but, the bigwigs didn't want Oscar to lose credibility, so they gave the Oscar to a human-Emil Jannings.  Let's here it for the puppy saved by an American during WW1  in the trenches to become the biggest name in Hollywood during the 1920's...Rin-Tin-Tin


I hope you enjoyed this post and please check out Guilie's blog and her book which is excellent.

43 comments:

  1. Who doesn't cry when Old Yeller dies? I've never seen Marley and Me because my wife pre-warned me the dog died in the end. I don't need that!
    Birgit, I'm sure Guilie appreciates even a late post.

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    1. Exactly, Alex! I read Marley & Me, cried myself silly, refused to watch the movie. My favorite 'dog' book, though, is The Art of Racing in the Rain, which also made me cry from page one, but is beautifully, beautifully done—not just from a writing perspective, but also from the animal welfare side. It's a beautiful, beautiful tribute to the walking bundle of love that is a dog.

      And you're absolutely right, I love that Birgit took the time to host me here and give a shoutout to the book... I'm lucky to have some truly extraordinary friends :)

      Thanks so much for coming by!

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    2. Leave to Disney to make kids and adults cry even Bambi made me cry. I can’t watch Marley & Me again, I cried like a baby.

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  2. Birgit, you're a star!!!!! Thank you so, so much for making room for us (me and the book) even in spite of your busy schedule and the computer issues you've had—I appreciate it hugely, and I'm so grateful to you for your ongoing friendship and support.

    I remember Lassie from the TV series, though I don't think I ever watched more than a couple of episodes... I wasn't allowed much TV as a child, and by the time I rebelled I think the reruns had stopped altogether. Rin Tin Tin—my dad *loved* that! But I've never seen it. I will look for it, though. I'd completely forgotten about it... Thanks for reminding me :)

    You're the best, Birgit. Thank you so, so much for all you do.
    Guilie @ Life In Dogs

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    1. I never really watched the Lassie tv show but the movie is great. I am so happy to have done this for you.

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  3. I like the first three movies, but having been attacked by a German Shepherd as a child I want nothing to go with them, including watching RTT.

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    1. I hear you, Denise... A traumatic experience as a child is really hard to get over. I'm glad you came by!

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    2. Yes, apparently Rin Tin Tin was not the nicest and would nip some people.

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  4. Hi, Birgit & Guilie!

    Bless you both for your support of dog rescue. Like Guilie, I am wary of movies and television series with cute animal stars, fearing that abusive training techniques were used to bring them to the screen. Heaven knows, human child actors have many horror stories to tell, and our animal friends have no voice of their own. That is where good people like Guilie come in.

    I had just turned eight years old when Old Yeller was released in theaters. I went to see it with my parents and it left an indelible mark on me. The film should be required viewing in elementary schools to teach young people kindness and compassion toward animals, toward each other and toward their fellow citizens of all ages. In the mid and late 50s I watched the Western television series Rin Tin Tin featuring, in the role of "Rinty," canine actor Rin Tin Tin II, birth name Golden Boy Jr.

    I feel very fortunate to have experience boyhood in the 1950s when excellent role models were in abundance, not scarce as hen's teeth.

    Thank you very much, BB and Guilie!

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    1. Shady, thank you so much! I agree with you; kids would certainly grow into better adults if Old Yeller was part of grade school curricula. Thanks so much for your visit, and your warmth :)

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    2. I agree with you about Old Yeller even if it makes one cry, it shows kindness and sacrifice. I always enjoy your comments

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  5. I've seen newer versions of Lassie, don't think I've ever seen the first one, but maybe. Old Yeller sure tugs at the heart strings. Hachi is one that can do that too.

    Beethoven and Homeward Bound 1 & 2 I enjoy. Turner and Hooch and K9 pop in too.

    One can hope all the dog actors are well cared for, but sure isn't alwways the case.

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    1. I've heard of Hachi, Pat, and it's one I've steered away from... I get the sense I'm going to cry a river with it. Haven't seen the others, but I've heard good things about the Homeward Bound series. Maybe I'll give them a try :)

      Thanks so much for coming by!

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    2. I’ve never seen Hatchi or even know about it. I’ll have to look it up. I wonder if you ever watched The Littlest Hobo

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  6. Hi Birgit and Guilie - over the years I'll have watched one or two movies with dogs in ... but only because they were being shown. They look fun to see ... perhaps I can get one or two from the library ... but good luck with the book Guilie - it seems you've struck a chord with many readers - cheers Hilary

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    1. I'm pretty sure you can find Old Yeller somewhere, Hilary—maybe even online, like on YouTube or something. It's pretty old, and widely considered a classic. You're in for a treat... But keep the tissues close :)

      Thank you so much for the visit here, Hilary, and for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for the book. Many of your comments on the original series, back in 2016, helped me make the content that much better, and I'm so grateful to you for that.

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    2. I hope you see the films and I am so happy that you also supported Guilie

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  7. A thumbs up to all the rescue workers out there. They've saved many a life. Thank you Guilie.

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    1. I think rescuers across the board are fervently looking forward to the day we're out of a job :) Thanks so much for the appreciation, Sandra, and for the visit :)

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    2. Thank you Sandra for the kind words

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  8. Believe it or not, I've never seen Old Yeller. I'm not sure why.

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    1. It's an oooooold one, Liz... I don't think it's one that you can come across easily, say on TV or something. If you cry easily, though, you're probably better off not seeing it :)

      Thanks so much for coming by!

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    2. It’s a tough film to see because it’s old fashioned Disney

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  9. They need to stop killing dogs in fiction.


    I'm looking at you John Wick

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    1. Right?!?! Completely unnecessary plot device—manipulative, cruel, predictable.

      So glad you came by!

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    2. I hate that movie and thought it cruel and it haunts me to this day as it was just so cruel.

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  10. Glad you and Guilie bonded over such a hearfelt cause.
    I loved Old Yeller. It's the kind of movie you don't forget.

    Thank you both, for your huge hearts.

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    1. Thanks Robyn. I think it is so important to help animals in any way.

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    2. Thanks, Robyn! You're right about Old Yeller... It does leave a mark, doesn't it?

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  11. Congrats Guilie on the book you wrote! What a great cause to be part of! I do remember seeing Old Yeller and being sad when the dog died. These days I can't read books about dogs or see dog movies after we lost our beloved corgi back in 2014. I'm afraid it will bring up too much sadness.

    betty

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    1. I know what you mean and Old Yeller is a great movie but sad. Thanks for visiting and I know that you still have a rough time missing your doggie but you have your fur babe much love and that is what is beautiful

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    2. Thank you so much, Betty! Rescue is hard, and much too sad most of the time—but then you have the happy endings, and they make up for everything else :)

      I'm so sorry about your loss. As Birgit mentioned, we lost one of ours last year, and it's been so, so hard. (Birgit, I just realized I completely forgot to thank you for mentioning little Sasha, and for sharing her photos—it gave me such a lovely feeling to see her here :) ) Sasha was also a rescue, one of the toughest I've done (it took us two weeks to catch her), and she left a huge pawprint on my heart. So much, in fact, that this book is dedicated to her :)

      Thanks so much for your visit!

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  12. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. I've never seen Old Yeller, but I cry every time the Humane Society ad comes on for the dogs, cats, seals, etc. You are right that dogs are often used for sympathy and to tug at the heart strings.

    I really enjoyed The Secret Life of Pets. That gray cat could be Squiggles, since he struggles with his weight.

    I so glad you found Guilie. Her cause is also one of my causes. I believe EVERY pet, not just dogs, deserve a forever home. Thanks for sharing her story, her favorite movies, and yours, too.

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    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this post and know how important it is to save animals and Guilie is one of their angels. The fat cat reminded me of our Mia who was very overweight and loved to eat.

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    2. I'm with you all the way—not every home needs a pet, but every pet needs, and deserves, a home :)

      I love The Secret Life of Pets. It touches me again every time I watch it :)

      Thanks so much for coming by! Very happy to meet you :)

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  14. Old Yeller... oh boy...

    I love dogs but can’t say I know too many dog films. I loved the TV show Boomer when I was a kid.

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    1. There are many dog movies but I want to know first that they live because it is too difficult. I used to watch The Littlest Hobo

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    2. Boomer... Haven't heard of that one. I'll have to look it up :) Thanks so much for the visit!

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  15. Great to see you here, Guilie! Sorry to be so late, Birgit. I cannot handle when a dog (or any animal) is hurt or dies in a movie! :(One reason I've never seen "Marley and Me" or "Old Yeller.) Absolutely LOVED "The Secret Life of Pets"! ☺ There's another animated dog movie out this summer, but the name escapes me. Birgit, we met the owner/trainer of the Littlest Hobo shepherds back in Sept. 1969. He was German and struck up a friendship with my mother when we were all staying at the same hotel. (We had just moved back to Canada and our house wasn't ready yet.) He had several of the puppies with him and seemed like a kind, gentle man.

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  16. Wonderful to meet Guilie. Her work with rescue dogs is amazing.

    I haven't seen Life With Pets- but I have been wanting to see it. Old Yeller makes me cry my eyes out.

    Wishing Guilie the best of luck with her book! :)
    ~Jess

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