Netflix has released a trailer for the upcoming docuseries Dogs, but a tearjerker warning is necessary. Dogs are the best. This is a scientific fact. They’re unconditionally loving, loyal, joyous, personable gifts handed down straight from the heavens, so it’s only fitting that they get their own documentary series on Netflix. But Dogs is a more compelling and emotional venture than you may first suspect, as it aims to celebrate the deep bonds between humans and dogs by telling six very different, very personal stories about dogs.
Each episode is directed by a different filmmaker except Episode 2 and Episode 6, which are both helmed by Amy Berg (Deliver Us from Evil). The stories told range from a Syrian refugee trying to get his beloved Siberian Husky Zeus out of war-torn Syria to an 11-year-old girl suffering from seizures whose life is changed by a certified dog to the story of a Costa Rican sanctuary that houses and shelters thousands of dogs. Glen Zipper developed and executive produces the series alongside Berg.
This show looks like This Is Us on steroids in terms of emotional impact, but it’s all the better considering these are true stories of how strong the love and bond is between dog and human. Perhaps the episode centered on world-renowned dog groomers will be an emotional reprieve, but who knows really.
Check out the Dogs trailer below to see some Very Good Doggos, and see below for the synopsis of each episode. The Netflix original documentary launches on November 16th.
Episode 1:The Kid with a Dog
Directed by: Heidi Ewing (Jesus Camp, One of Us)
Corrine, an 11 year old girl who suffers from traumatic seizures, is forever changed when she meets Rory, a certified dog who has been trained to detect oncoming seizures. This episode highlights the depths of a closely formed friendship between a child and their dog, the unbreakable trust they have in each other and the incredible power of a dog’s ability to assist humans in health and wellness.
Episode 2: Bravo, Zeus
Directed by: Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil)
Two years after fleeing his home in war-torn Syria, Ayham has made a new home for himself in Germany. He cannot feel at peace however, until he is reunited with his best friend, a Siberian Husky named Zeus. Ayham and his friends risk everything they have to bring Zeus across the border from Syria to Lebanon in the hopes of ultimately being reunited in Germany.
Episode 3: Ice on the Water
Directed by: Richard Hankin (The Jinx)
In a picturesque town off of Lake Como, Italian fisherman Alessandro relies on his partner, Ice, a 10-year-old Labrador to help with the family business as they get ready for the busy tourist season. The fishermen in town struggle, but Ice continues to stand guard and do all he can, even in the coldest winter months.
Episode 4: Scissors Down
Directed by: Roger Ross Williams (Life Animated)
In Japan, people’s relationships with their dogs is on a whole new level. Dogs are dressed in clothing to match their owners and the craft of dog grooming is a true artform. This episode follows two of the world’s most renowned dog groomers as they fly to California to compete in the ultimate dog grooming competition.
Episode 5: Territorio de Zeguates
Directed by: T.J. Martin and Daniel Lindsay (Undefeated, LA 92)
Territorio de Zeguates is a sanctuary deep in the Costa Rican rainforest that houses thousands of dogs and saves them from living on the streets. But with that many dogs, how long can the organization sustain without running out of resources? The people who run the shelter dedicate their lives to making these dogs lives better, even at their own expense.
Episode 6: Second Chances
Directed by: Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil)
New York City has a love affair with adopting dogs. There are more dogs in New York than there are people in the city of Cleveland—and thousands of them are rescues. This episode follows every step of this adoption ecosystem through the charity Hearts and Bones as they go on a rescue mission to bring dogs from a kill shelter in the south to the Big Apple for a better life.