The parts of this film that actually relate to dogs are mildly interesting, like imagining how different breeds would respond verbally to commands if they could, but they are few and far between. I really didn't connect with much of the rest, which meandered through the state of New York post-911, the growing surveillance of American citizens by the NSA, the nature of life and death, the supernatural, childhood memories, and various philosophical musings culled from Western and Eastern teaching. What could have been right up my alley felt a lot less profound than I think it was intending to be, and the soft-spoken narration style which often oddly paused every few words quickly grew irritating too. It's ironic that Anderson complains about the slow style of reading volunteers at the hospital had when she broke her back as a child given her own vocal style here, which was perhaps a similar kind of torture, at least to me.
I have to also say, losing a dog is incredibly painful under any circumstances, but I thought Anderson's decision to not euthanize hers to be incredibly naïve and selfish, as dogs can suffer immensely without the ability to explain themselves, and in some cases it can result in traumatic trips to the emergency room at the end of their lives, as opposed to peacefully letting go at home with a vet's assistance, surrounded by loved ones. It's hard to judge anyone for going through these gut-wrenching moments in life in the way they deem best for them, but I found myself at odds with someone who seemed to feel so smugly self-assured, and that feeling never let up. Just not a good match for me.
I have to also say, losing a dog is incredibly painful under any circumstances, but I thought Anderson's decision to not euthanize hers to be incredibly naïve and selfish, as dogs can suffer immensely without the ability to explain themselves, and in some cases it can result in traumatic trips to the emergency room at the end of their lives, as opposed to peacefully letting go at home with a vet's assistance, surrounded by loved ones. It's hard to judge anyone for going through these gut-wrenching moments in life in the way they deem best for them, but I found myself at odds with someone who seemed to feel so smugly self-assured, and that feeling never let up. Just not a good match for me.