We Don't Deserve Dogs

2020

Action / Documentary

5
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Rotten 89% · 12 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Upright 89%
IMDb Rating 6.8/10 10 245 245

Plot summary

A contemplative odyssey across our planet, looking at the simple and extraordinary ways that dogs influence our daily lives. Former child soldiers in Uganda. The local pub in a Scottish town. A dog walker on the streets of Istanbul. A kaleidoscope of unconventional portraits from fascinating locations. People need dogs, and perhaps they need us, but what do humans do to deserve the unconditional love they provide?

Director

Matthew Salleh Photo
Matthew Salleh

Top cast

720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
772.88 MB
1280*544
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 24 min
Seeds ...
1.55 GB
1920*816
English 5.1
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 24 min
Seeds 3

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by davidpetrison 8 / 10

Mellon collies and the infinite sadness.

This is a collection of interviews and stories from dog owners and admirers about the dogs in their communities or the pets that have changed their lives. The mood of the film aligns with its title - this is all very, very sad. Sad stories, sad people, and sad circumstances that brought dogs into their lives.The music is relentlessly somber, a constant collage of string instruments playing sustained whole notes, reminiscent of Philip Glass composing his version of Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber. Interestingly, the actual composer is a former child actor, one of the Little Rascals from the 1990s movie - an odd detail.About 80% of the film is not in English. It's a beautifully filmed, albeit somewhat amateur, travelogue that captures glimpses of how dogs are perceived in various cultures. Some of the countries featured include Chile, Peru, Uganda, Pakistan, Romania, Vietnam, and Scotland. I had to look this up, as the segments aren't separated by headings or on-screen text.The film might have been aiming for the tone of Kedi, the 2016 documentary about Istanbul's street cats. In that film, we see how cats bring meaning to people's lives, often serving as community mascots. They're respected and cared for, but no one person takes sole responsibility for them.The opening story, set in Santiago, Chile, echoes this concept. It features a dog named Dr. Coffee who lives a dual life. Everyone in the neighborhood knows him and will often ask, "Have you seen Coffee today?" He moves freely, vanishing and reappearing days later. Eventually, one resident learns that the hospital nearby knows him by a different name - he has a room there and stays for days at a time. Coffee isn't like a typical dog; he doesn't crave pets and affection. His version of companionship is simply sitting quietly with kind people.In Uganda, survivors of violent trauma are given dogs as a form of emotional support. One woman names her dog PTSD to reflect the emotional weight she's working through. The belief is that a dog provides unconditional love, free from hate or judgment. The group dog-training sessions, where dozens of new dog owners learn how to care for their companions, are striking in their simplicity and warmth.In Pakistan, a self-described tomboy finds a dog on the street with a paralyzed leg, covered in maggots, and left to die. Despite many people telling her to give the dog away once he recovered, she refused. Some people in Pakistan believe that having a dog in the house will prevent God from accepting you into heaven. She rejects that belief, instead seeing the dog's presence in her life as part of God's plan. Her story is one of quiet defiance and compassion.Not all the stories are tragic. In Chile, a therapy dog named Patron brings joy to residents of a retirement home. During an exercise session, Patron is told to "find the yellow ball," which he does effortlessly. The residents marvel at his ability to distinguish colors. One participant remarks, "If a dog comes up and hugs you, then it is a hugging dog, and you can hug it." This gentle wisdom encapsulates the joy dogs bring - they accept us for who we are.However, the film doesn't shy away from difficult realities. In Vietnam, the dog meat trade is addressed. A restaurant owner recounts how his father introduced him to the practice as a child. While he acknowledges that dog meat consumption has declined, he continues to serve it as long as there is demand. This segment is sobering, forcing viewers to confront how cultural norms shape our perceptions of animals. It made me wonder about the conditions of dog meat farms and, by extension, the treatment of all farm animals. Should I view them all as dogs? It's a thought that lingered with me.While the film's tone leans toward the morose, it remains gentle in its approach. Dog lovers will appreciate the celebration of the bond between humans and animals, as long as they're prepared for the emotional weight of the stories. Ultimately, We Don't Deserve Dogs serves as a poignant reminder of the kindness and joy that dogs bring to our lives.7.5/10.
Reviewed by hoffoliv 7 / 10

A Touching Dog Documentary (with the exception of one part)

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