A DOG NAMED GUCCI is a feature-length documentary that looks at animal abuse laws in the United States, told through the compelling story of one determined man and one lovable dog who made it their mission to change the laws in their state.

The film is shot and edited, and we even have a premiere date.  But we want to arrange screenings of A Dog Named Gucci in cities all across the U.S.  And that of course takes money.  Help us spread the word that justice really is a dog's best friend.

THE STORY

A DOG NAMED GUCCI is a feature-length documentary which looks at animal abuse and abuse laws in the United States by telling the story of a 10-week old puppy named Gucci who was hung by his neck, punched repeatedly, doused with lighter fluid, and set afire. That should have been his last contact with humans. His final moments of life.

But Doug James, standing on his porch nearby, heard the puppy’s cries and ran to help. He scared away the cowardly thugs who had perpetrated this heinous crime, and at the request of Gucci’s 15-year-old runaway owner, took the dog in for the night.

Thus began a 16-year odyssey of devotion and perseverance.

When Gucci was rescued by Doug, it seemed impossible that the badly burned pup would make it through the night. But Gucci, a Chow-Husky mix, would live for sixteen years as Doug’s companion. As Gucci recovered, Doug did everything in his power to see that the dog’s three assailants were punished. However, the laws in Alabama were not on Gucci’s side. At worst the guilty would receive slaps on the wrists. That was not enough in the eyes of Doug James.

Together with local legislators, and with Gucci always faithfully by his side, Doug would see the “Gucci Bill” passed, changing the laws in Alabama and making domestic animal abuse a felony. He would witness Gucci go from being a survivor . . . to a rock star.

Gucci’s story captivated the state of Alabama in the mid-90s. And now, when every other day a new tale of outrageous animal abuse pops up on the news or on Facebook, we present a story that will captivate animal lovers everywhere and show that one person can make a difference. Especially when they have a tail-chasing pup by their side.

A DOG NAMED GUCCI brings the amazing story of Gucci and Doug James to life. We interviewed Doug, Shauna (Gucci's original owner), and everyone else involved with the case: from the doctors and veterinarians who helped Gucci recover, to the legislators who helped Doug and Gucci change the virtually non-existent abuse laws in Alabama.

By also including the abuse cases of Nitro, Susie, and Louie Vuitton, A DOG NAMED GUCCI examines the bigger picture of domestic animal abuse in America (think of it as a "Waiting For Superman" about animal abuse), the laws in every state, and what you can do to help change them.

Why We Are Making This Film

After three rock documentaries, I felt the need to do something slightly different. I wanted to make a difference in the world. But when you spend so long on a single film it needed to be about a subject I was as passionate about as rock 'n' roll. Shortly before leaving for a vacation for our 20th anniversary, my wife Kristine shared with me a story she read online. It was the story of Gucci. After reading about Gucci, and watching the news clips, I knew this had to be my next documentary project. The day before leaving on that vacation I emailed Doug, telling him of my passion. By the time Kris and I arrived at our destination, he had already written back. He too felt it was time Gucci’s story be shared with the world.

Who We Are

Director Gorman Bechard, co-owner of What Were We Thinking Films, is a lifelong dog lover (if you have any doubt read his eulogy to his dog Kilgore Trout here) who has three feature-length documentaries to his credit. These include Color Me Obsessed, a film about The Replacements, which Rolling Stone called one of "The Seven Best New Music Documentaries of the Year."

He directed the Archers of Loaf concert film, What Did You Expect? The Archers of Loaf Live At Cat's Cradle, which along with Color Me Obsessed was released worldwide on DVD in November 2012. Both films are also playing via Video-On-Demand on over 250 cable systems across the U.S.

Bechard is also the filmmaker behind the narrative feature Broken Side of Time and the documentary Every Everything, the Music, Life & Times of Grant Hart, both of which premiered in 2013. (Broken Side of Time was released on DVD on May 20, 2014, Every Everything was released in August 2014) Previously he directed the award-winning narrative features Friends (with benefits) and You Are Alone.

We have a proven track record and nearly thirty years of experience making feature films. This film will get made, it will play film festivals, be distributed, and you will receive your backer prize.