With its simple title and premise, one might assume that Netflix’s Dogs is a lighthearted and cutesy series in the vein of Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 or Too Cute. However, this Netflix Original series is anything but that. In fact, you may want to have some tissues on-hand, as these stories will pull at your heartstrings and leave you misty-eyed.
Netflix’s docuseries, Dogs, explores the powerful bond between humans and dogs in 10 sentimental and heartfelt episodes split between two seasons. Each self-contained hour-long episode is set in a different part of the world and profiles people and the dogs in their lives – with each story contributing to a larger narrative about humanity.
Dogs doesn’t have to be watched in episodic order to truly appreciate it. In fact, all Dogs episodes are good Dogs episodes, but there are some standouts among the pack. Crazy Cat Guy watched them all and made his top picks from each season. Check them out below. Grab your popcorn and settle in – your binge watch starts now.
Season 1 (2018)
“Ice on the Water”
Set in northern Italy, “Ice on the Water” tells the story of fisherman Alessandro and his 10-year-old Labrador named Ice. For years the duo has fished the waters of Lake Como to catch fish for the family restaurant, Ittiturismo Ristorante Mella, in Bellagio. But as Ice ages, Alessandro begins to question how much longer his perpetual companion will be able accompany him on the water.
But this is not the only uncertainty that Alessandro faces. A decline in the fish population of Lake Como and the possibility that his children may pursue careers outside of the family business, Alessandro also worries about the future of his restaurant. Even so, Ice serves as a comforting presence for Alessandro as he navigates his uncertain future.
“Bravo, Zeus”
In “Bravo, Zeus” we meet Syrian refugee Ayham who had to leave behind his Siberian Husky, Zeus when he fled war-torn Damascus. Now settled in Berlin, Ayahm longs to be reunited with his canine companion. With the help of a loyal friend and Animals Syria Charity, Ayham plans to have Zeus smuggled across the border from Syria to Lebanon, and ultimately to Germany.
Documenting the struggles of Ayham and Zeus, “Bravo, Zeus” calls attention to the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict and puts faces to the crisis in Syria. It exposes the realities of war and the impact it has on individuals, and highlights the obstacles those fleeing conflict continue to face after they have escaped.
“Territorio de Zaguates”
There are an estimated 2 million stray dogs, or “zaguates,” in Costa Rica. Territorio de Zaguates, or “Land of the Strays” is a 378-acre farm and dog sanctuary located in the country’s north-central mountain region. Founded by Álvaro Saumet and Lya Battle in 2006, the non-profit currently houses over 1800 dogs in need of forever homes. It’s here that Álvaro, Lay, and their staff of volunteers work tirelessly to care for the many animals that live on the vast free-range shelter.
On the farm, the dogs are allowed to roam free daily, and are taken on two-and-a-half-mile runs up and down pastures where they can run through water, roll in the grass, and chase birds. It may sound like a paradise for the dogs, but for Álvaro and Lay the challenges of keeping the operation running often seem insurmountable.
Season 2 (2021)
“Much Ado About Blue”
“Much Ado About Blue” takes us to Indianapolis, Indiana to meet Butler University’s live mascot Butler Blue III, aka Trip, and his handler Michael Kaltenmark. Trip, an 8-year-old English bulldog, is facing retirement and is preparing to take part in the “Changing of the Collar ceremony that will usher in the era of Butler Blue IV. At the same time, Kaltenmark is preparing to hand the leash of live mascot responsibilities to his mentee and fellow Butler alumnus Evan Krauss.
The episode offers an interesting behind-the-scenes look into Butler’s live mascot program and highlights Kaltenmark’s two-decade labor of love in making the program what it is today. But the real story here centers around the health of Kaltenmark and his long, emotional journey of finding a kidney donor and preparing for kidney transplant surgery. It’s an overall inspirational and heartwarming story that makes “Much Ado About Blue” arguably the best episode of the series.
“The Protectors”
The final episode of Season 2 introduces us to Father João Paulo Araujo Gomes, head of the parish of Santana in the Brazilian city of Gravatá. In addition to his regular duties, Father João Paulo has made a commitment to finding homes for the high number of stray dogs in the local community. Every Sunday, Father João Paulo opens the doors of the church to the strays, welcoming them to attend Mass in hopes that parishioners will want to take them home.
Father João Paulo’s rectory also serves as a sanctuary for some of these animals, providing them a place where they can sleep, eat and drink, and find shelter. His compassionate efforts have inspired a grassroots movement in the community to help find homes for the strays. With “The Protectors,” Season 2 ends on an exceptionally high note – one that may even inspire you to help the forgotten animals in your own backyard.
