By My Side
Description
BY MY SIDE tells a story of hope and possibility in an intimate portrait of three veterans struggling with the invisible wound PTSD, the most prevalent and unhealed wound experienced by veterans. Approximately 20% of those who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars are still haunted by visions, chased by enemies they can never outrun, and tortured by the fear that they are now the enemy. Through intimate interviews with the families and revealing footage of bonding with their service animals, the film demonstrates how man’s best friend mitigates the psychic scars imprinted on those who have been in service to our country.
It is rare for veterans to admit they feel pain or need help. Even worse is accepting the pain they’ve brought back into their families. Set in northern California, three veterans opened their homes and hearts to filmmaker Vicki Topaz, with their continued spirit of service. These families bravely share their pain, fear, and the difficult realization they’ve lost time and love that they may never get back again. Their lack of faith in themselves and others, left these veterans isolated. Standard treatments failed, filling them with despair. All three found hope where no one had looked—in the heart of a faithful service dog.
BY MY SIDE celebrates our veterans and their love of country and family. And shows how and why service dogs – who match their loyalty and commitment – can heal broken hearts and quiet the wars within. That is the message our veterans and their families want others to know. There is hope and it can be found on the end of a leash.
(30 mins)
Cast/Crew
Director/Writer: Vicki Topaz, Wynn Padula
Producers: Michael Collins