Sundance Film Festival director Cindy Meehl’s documentary The Dog Doc follows South Salem's Dr. Goldstein

Performance on October 7^th, 7 pm features screening, post-film talk- back and drawing for special pet gifts 

Merryall’s 72^nd season climaxes with the screening of “The Dog Doc”, a documentary written and directed by Cindy Meehl of Sundance Film Festival fame is known for her hits “Buck” and “Trapped.  ‘A thought-provoking look at what is missing from modern medicine for animals and people,” critiques the New York Times.

In her inspirational film, Director Meehl documents the life, times, dedication, and rewards of Dr. Marty Goldstein, founding father of integrative veterinary medicine, and his colleagues who are passionately committed to providing care and hope to animals in need and, just as importantly, to their owners.

“The Dog Doc” offers the audience an intimate look into the world of Dr. Goldstein and his team who have created a mecca for holistic care in South Salem, NY.

The documentary explores the unique philosophy embraced by Dr. Goldstein combining conventional medical training and cutting-edge alternative therapies underscoring the power of the extraordinary bond between humans and their animal companions and the importance of holistic care. It asks: are we over-medicating our pets, our children, and ourselves and provides some intriguing answers via the good doctor’s life and death interaction with pets and people. 

The screening will be introduced with a performance by singer and songwriter Nick Petrone. A local favorite of Merryall audiences, he will perform, “My Shadow (My Jake),” a song he wrote in memory of his beloved dog, Jake, whom he lost two years ago. 

Says Petrone, “In his last few years of life, Jake had many health issues. I feel certain that the care he received from Dr. Marty and his staff of veterinarians at Smith Ridge Veterinary Hospital truly gave him a better quality of life for a longer period of time. I believe the care Jake received gave him an additional 6 - 7 years of life.”  

The evening will conclude with a post-film discussion with the film’s director and veterinary practitioner, Dr. Jenna Lenarz-Salcedo, a colleague of Dr. Goldstein’s at the Smith Ridge Veterinary Center, South Salem NY.

Last but worth waiting for. ...a drawing of fabulous gifts from generous local businesses including Paul's Custom Pet Food, Barkery Boo'Tique, Agway, Stella's Natural Dog Treats, DoggyLicious, Unleashed Day Care, all located in New Milford, and Patricia's Presents of Bethel CT. Also, artworks from pet painters Christina Maschke and Chris Osborne, Merryall’s artist-in-residence.

One of the biggest stars of the evening is The New Milford Animal Welfare Society, which takes in 500 pets annually and finds loving homes for them. Founded in 1965, AWS is an independent, nonprofit, non-destroy animal rescue organization.  According to the Society’s President, Diane Saraceni, “Our mission is to provide refuge for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats by placing them in loving responsible homes. Thank you Merryall for your support and generous contribution... our four-footed friends thank you, too. And, a nod to our loyal volunteers and donors.”

“The Dog Doc” will be screened at Merryall on Saturday, October 7^th at 7 PM. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or online at www.merryallcenter.org. 

Merryall is a non-profit arthouse and community center located at 8 Chapel Hill Road in the heart of Litchfield Hills. For membership, sponsorship, or ticket info, visit the Center’s website at merryallcenter.org.