Behind the scenes of ‘A Dog’s Purpose’
By Jenn Zeleski//Staff Writer
On Jan. 18, TMZ released a gut wrenching video titled “A Dog’s Purpose video shows terrified German shepherd forced into turbulent water.” The video was released just nine days before “A Dog’s Purpose” hit theaters. The video, now with over 8.5 million views on YouTube, evoked an instant firestorm across social media. People called out potential animal abuse which forced the red carpet premiere to be canceled. It also resulted in the release of formal statements from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and almost 75,000 online signatures for a petition for the film’s creators to “make a significant donation to animal welfare organizations.”
According to Box Office Mojo, despite the immense criticism and notable protests at theaters around the country, the film still topped the box office with an estimated $18.6 million in ticket sales. The success of the release begs a few questions. Were the actions in the released video truly animal abuse, and should viewers be boycotting and undermining the film’s integrity based on a potentially manipulated one minute and 18 second video?
If you have yet to see the video released by TMZ, a trained German Shepherd named Hercules from Birds and Animals Unlimited (the company that provided animal talent for “A Dog’s Purpose”) is visibly fearful of a pool designed with a rushing water current used for the filming of a dramatic rescue scene. The situation escalates when the trainer tries forcing the dog against his will into the rushing water, strongly picking him up by his collar, pushing downwards on his neck towards the current and spending 36 seconds coercing him into the water. A controversial commentator can be heard stating, “just gotta throw him in,” which many find disturbing and disheartening. At the end of this portion, the dog is never forced completely into the water but brought back out.
The final 10 seconds of the video appear to be a different clip, where Hercules is found at the end of the rushing current pool, being completely submerged under the rough water for four seconds with fearful voices expressing concern of his safety until one of the divers is able to pull him above the water. The footage ends and viewers are left wondering if the dog made it out of the water alive. Any dog-lover, pet owner, or viewer with a place in their heart for animals can see the obvious malpractice of the trainer, and should voice their concern and discontent for the actions. But, be weary of fulfilling your opinion of the film, when only getting exposed to a small portion of the full story.
The director, along with certain actors and producers from the film, have also voiced their indignation in unison with the voices of the social media masses, citing the wrongdoing but also confirming the intentions of the film were to promote the storyline, not the abuse of animals to obtain the “perfect shot.”
TMZ denies the footage being edited or manipulated in any fashion, but if the clip would have been filmed in one full sweep, viewers would have seen the dog get into the water (whether forced or voluntarily) and move down the pool before being completely submerged for the final four seconds of the video.
As painful as it is to witness, it is vital for viewers to critique not only the actions, but also the reasoning, behind the source’s distribution of the video. TMZ is a media company notorious for spreading the release of celebrity’s nude photos, using clickbait headlines and stirring controversy in strategic ways in order to make the most of their media brand.
As viewers and consumers of media, it is our responsibility to use our voices to stand up for the type of media we want to see—for example, behind-the-scenes footage that shows a different perspective to filming a movie—and to speak up for the causes in which we believe. As consumers, however, we also need to understand that our inherent habits of being drawn in to well-manipulated media can at times, do more harm than good. TMZ can deny the manipulation of the footage, but the more we allow manipulated media to get circulated, the more likely we are to find ourselves drowning in “fake news” and entertainment rather than being exposed to the objective facts we should expect.
The actions that are exposed within the footage are upsetting and painful to watch, and consumers should be outraged over the lack of prevention there seemed to be from the AHA (American Humane Association), who was on site for the full duration of filming for the safety and wellbeing of the working animals. With that being said, proceed with caution when blaming everyone involved for the actions of one trainer. Birds and Animals Unlimited released a statement in hopes of diffusing the outrage stating, in reference to traumatization of the dog, “no such thing occurred, nor would it ever under the supervision of our animal trainers.” Whether or not you believe the company is telling the truth, one should always be critical of the profitable actions of an entertainment business, but trust the good intentions of those who worked hard to make the story of our soulful companions come to life.
As we move forward, continue to call out the actions you do not agree with and allow yourself the ability to fully consider the sources of information you are exposed to. There should not be any denial of wrongdoing of the trainer within the footage and the AHA should have stepped in during the situation. The film itself, its producers and those who created the film to promote their love and compassion for dogs (and animals) should not be punished for the release of one video.
If you still wonder what is going on in your dog’s mind when you talk to them, or if you wish to see a tear-jerking film based around the thoughts and spirits of some of our favorite furry companions, then go see the movie for yourself and come to your own conclusions. But, if you still strongly believe that animals were harmed in the making of the film, then refrain from seeing the movie altogether and donate your ticket money to a local animal shelter or a reputable animal rights organization.