Pick of the Litter 2018
Directed by
Dana Nachman
Made by
Sundance Selects
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Pick of the Litter (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The movie chronicles the journey of a litter of five adorable puppies at Guide Dogs for the Blind as they embark on their quest to become guide dogs. Born on the GDB campus to one of the breeder dogs, these puppies are placed with dedicated volunteer puppy raisers at just two months old to continue their basic training. Each puppy raiser fosters the dogs for a period of 14 to 16 months, although it’s important to note that any puppy can be “career changed” if necessary. Throughout this nurturing time, community representatives from GDB frequently visit to monitor the puppies’ progress.
Patriot was initially paired with puppy raiser Nick for his first GDB experience. However, struggling with his behavior at school, Patriot was later transferred to Adam, an Iraq veteran. Together, they formed a profound connection as Patriot provided invaluable support to Adam’s PTSD. Eventually, Patriot’s training progressed under the care of more experienced puppy raiser Maureen. After returning to GDB, Patriot trained with Melanie and successfully passed his preliminary guide work test. However, during the subsequent training phase, he faced challenges, especially with other dogs, leading to his career change. Ultimately, GDB contacted Adam to gift him Patriot as an unofficial PTSD assistance dog.
Similarly, Phil was placed with puppy raiser Patti for her first experience with GDB. Later, he was transferred to the more seasoned Kristin for additional support. After returning to GDB, Phil trained with Adam but initially did not pass his first preliminary guide work test. A few weeks later, he succeeded, and after passing all final tests, Phil graduated from the program. He was then matched with Ronald, eagerly awaiting his first guide dog. Together, Phil and Ronald developed a strong bond, attending school and enjoying adventures outdoors.
Poppet, meanwhile, was raised by Cathy, who had previously fostered seven GDB dogs. After returning to campus and training with Adam, Poppet successfully passed her preliminary guide work test. Although she faced challenges, Poppet ultimately triumphed, passing all her final tests and graduating. She was matched with Janet, who was thrilled to welcome her fourth guide dog. Their connection was immediate, and Janet often expressed that Poppet was the best guide dog she had ever had.
Then there’s Potomac, placed with puppy raiser Linda, who had raised two GDB dogs. Unfortunately, at the age of twelve months, Potomac faced challenges with essential training skills, leading to his career change. He ultimately found a loving family in Oregon as a cherished pet.
Lastly, Primrose, paired with puppy raiser Rebecca, excelled throughout her training. Recognizing her potential, GDB decided to let Primrose become a breeder. The film concludes with the heartwarming sight of Primrose giving birth to another litter of five puppies, setting them on the path to becoming future guide dogs.
Timeline
Track the key events of Pick of the Litter (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Puppies Born at GDB
A litter of five adorable puppies is born on the Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) campus. These puppies are the progeny of a carefully selected breeder dog, marking the beginning of their journey toward becoming guide dogs.
Puppies Placed with Raisers
At just two months old, the puppies are placed with dedicated volunteer puppy raisers. This initial step is crucial as it sets the foundation for their basic training and socialization over the next several months.
Patriot's First Placement
Patriot is placed with his first puppy raiser, Nick. However, he struggles with his behavior during training sessions, prompting a reassessment of his placement.
Patriot's Transfer to Adam
Due to difficulties in training, Patriot is transferred to Adam, an Iraq veteran. Together, they develop a deep bond, as Patriot helps Adam manage his PTSD, illustrating the transformative power of this partnership.
Patriot’s Additional Training
After his time with Adam, Patriot is returned to GDB for further training. He undergoes more advanced instruction with Melanie and successfully passes his preliminary guide work test, indicating progress in his training.
Patriot's Career Change
As training continues, Patriot encounters challenges, particularly when interacting with other dogs. Ultimately, it is decided that he will be career changed, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.
Patriot’s New Role
Despite being career changed, GDB contacts Adam to offer Patriot as an unofficial PTSD assistance dog. This decision underscores the strong connection formed between the two, allowing them to continue their relationship.
Phil's Training Begins
Phil starts his journey with puppy raiser Patti. This experience is pivotal as he learns essential commands and social behaviors, establishing a crucial foundation for his future training.
Phil’s Transfer to Kristin
After spending time with Patti, Phil is transferred to Kristin, a more experienced raiser. This change provides Phil with enhanced support and guidance, necessary for overcoming training hurdles.
Phil’s Return to GDB
Phil returns to GDB for formal training with Adam. Initially, he faces setbacks and does not pass his first preliminary guide work test, marking a challenging moment in his progression.
Phil’s Success
After some time, Phil reattempts the test and successfully passes. His perseverance pays off, and he eventually graduates from the program, ready to serve as a guide dog.
Poppet's Journey
Poppet begins her training under Cathy, a seasoned puppy raiser. After completing her initial phase, she returns to GDB for advanced training with Adam, demonstrating steady progress.
Poppet's Graduation
Poppet overcomes the challenges encountered during training and successfully graduates. She is matched with Janet, who expresses immense joy as Poppet becomes her fourth guide dog, showcasing their deep connection.
Potomac’s Challenges
Potomac begins his training with Linda. However, after facing significant challenges at the age of twelve months, he is ultimately career changed and finds a new loving family in Oregon.
Primrose’s Bright Future
Primrose is paired with Rebecca for training and excels throughout the process. GDB recognizes her potential and decides to have her become a breeder, culminating in the heartwarming scene of her giving birth to another litter of puppies.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Pick of the Litter (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Patriot (Nick, Adam, Maureen, Melanie)
Patriot is a determined puppy who embarks on a challenging journey to become a guide dog. Initially placed with Nick, he struggles with his behavior but later finds a profound bond with Adam, who he assists with PTSD. Despite his eventual career change, Patriot's role as an unofficial assistance dog showcases his impact on Adam's life.
Phil (Patti, Kristin, Adam)
Phil is a resilient puppy who faces hurdles in his training but ultimately perseveres. Transferred between several raisers, he eventually bonds with Ronald, illustrating the successful culmination of his training journey. Phil embodies the spirit of determination and success, having graduated and become a guide dog.
Poppet (Cathy, Adam)
Poppet is a dedicated puppy who thrives in her training despite facing challenges. With Cathy as her initial raiser, her eventual success under Adam's guidance highlights her growth and determination. Poppet's strong bond with her owner Janet reflects the deep connection between guide dogs and their humans.
Potomac (Linda)
Potomac is a lovable puppy who faces difficulties during training, leading to a career change. Despite not becoming a guide dog, he finds joy in a new family, showcasing the importance of every dog's journey and the love they can bring to a household.
Primrose (Rebecca)
Primrose is an exceptional puppy who excels in her training and is selected to become a breeder. Her successful journey reflects her potential and the continuing legacy of guide dogs, culminating in the heartwarming scene of her giving birth to another litter.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Pick of the Litter (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Modern Day
The film is set in the contemporary era, focusing on the process of training guide dogs and the emotional connections between the dogs and their raisers. This time period reflects a growing awareness of service animals and their significance in assisting individuals with disabilities.
Location
Guide Dogs for the Blind, Oregon
Guide Dogs for the Blind is a well-respected organization dedicated to training guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments. The facility is known for its commitment to producing skilled guide dogs through a comprehensive training process that involves volunteers and trainers. Oregon is where some of these dogs find loving homes, showing the importance of community support.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Pick of the Litter (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Companionship
The bond between the puppies and their raisers highlights the theme of companionship. Each pairing reveals how these dogs become integral parts of their trainers' lives, offering support and love. This theme addresses the profound relationships that can develop between humans and animals, emphasizing the importance of these connections.
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Growth and Training
The journey of each puppy represents themes of growth and training. As they navigate challenges and successes in their training, they symbolize development not just for the dogs, but for their handlers as well. This theme illustrates the transformative power of training and the personal growth that occurs both for the dogs and their raisers.
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Purpose
Each puppy's journey emphasizes the theme of purpose. While some dogs succeed in becoming guide dogs, others find fulfillment in different roles, highlighting that every animal has its unique path. The film ends on a hopeful note, showcasing the continuation of this purpose through the next generation of guide dogs.
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