One Hundred Thousand Hearts

One Hundred Thousand Hearts is a 2010 documentary film by American independent filmmaker Gurukarta Khalsa. The film was shot on location in Houston, Texas and investigates the pet population crisis of this city in particular and of the United States in general. The film focuses on the importance of spaying and neutering and responsible pet ownership in order to reduce the high kill rate of unwanted pets in U.S. animal shelters. The film also focuses on what individuals can do to help make a difference in their communities.
Synopsis
Filmed on location in Houston, Texas, a city that has a [http://s312584456.initial-website.com/houston-s-kill-shelters/barc/intake-exit-outcome-reports/ 65% higher] kill rate than the national average, Khalsa interviews veterinarians, spay/neuter clinics, shelter workers, rescue groups, fosters, volunteers, and pet lovers discussing the emotional and financial cost of euthanizing millions of American companion animals, also known as "pets". Approximately 7 million pets are killed each year in animal shelters in the United States and approximately $2 billion tax dollars are spent annually on pet sheltering and control programs. Houston's five major shelters kill over 100,000 adoptable pets per year due to owner surrender, overcrowding, and lack of enough adoptions. Those interviewed describe and explain the solutions to these problems.
On location at Citizens for Animal Protection with Shelby Kibodeaux and [http://%5Bhttp://www.cap4pets.org/programs/feral-cats%20Feral%20Cat%20Assistance%20Program%20(FCAP)%5D Feral Cat Assistance Program] with Harriet Rankin, Khalsa shows the pets whose lives are at stake and interviews shelter workers in Houston's most "successful" shelter, which means they have higher adoption rates than the other shelters. Mr. Kibodeaux also explains the services available at The Greater Good, a clinic that provides low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services. Khalsa interviews a veterinarian whose practice is devoted to cats. The health benefits of spay/neuter are delineated by this successful graduate veterinarian. Khalsa also visits an indoor adoption event at [http://%5Bhttp://www.bustersfriends.org/%20Buster's%20Friends%5D Buster's Friends] and an outdoor adoption event sponsored by HAPI Homeless Animal Partnership Initiative, where rescue workers strive to adopt out pets that have been rescued off the streets or pulled from overcrowded shelters.
Similar to the ASPCA deciding that operating a kill shelter system conflicted with its mission , Khalsa goes on location at an adoption event with PupSquad, a rescue group created by former city shelter volunteers to save the nursing mothers and puppies from being euthanized at shelters.
Khalsa interviews Dr. Beverly Harper, founder of "no kill" cat shelter, Adopt a Cat as she shares her many years of observations and insights into the pet population problems that now exist in America, and what needs to be done to correct these problems. Dr. Harper stresses the need for low-cost, accessible spay/neuter programs, coupled with community education.
Khalsa also interviews Mike Kinsella, the president of Friends of BARC, a non-profit group that focuses on helping the animals that are brought into the city of Houston's Animal Control shelter, also known as BARC, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care. He discusses the accomplishments that his group has achieved; such as helping the city shelter purchase spay/neuter equipment, gathering enough volunteers to walk the hundreds of dogs that otherwise remain continuously caged, and creating family-friendly weekends to attract more potential adopters to the shelter. He also discusses the obstacles facing the city shelter due to the daily intake of animals being a much higher number than the adoption rates, thus leading to an almost at BARC.
Khalsa interviews Bett Sundermeyer, president of No Kill Houston, an advocacy group that is working to end the killing in Houston's shelters. Sundermeyer hopes that Houston and surrounding Harris County will follow the example recently set by Austin, Texas adopting a "no-kill shelter" policy. Khalsa also interviews Dana Blankenship, a board member of [http://%5Bhttp://www.scoutshonor.org/%20Scout's%20Honor%5D Scout's Honor], a rescue group that had unique origins, as it was formed by a group of attorneys who loved animals and wanted to make a difference in the Houston community.
Two of the solution-oriented interviews center around high volume spay/neuter clinics, Spay Houston with Executive Director Deana Sellens and SNAP, Spay Neuter Assistance Program with Director of Development Laura Welch. These women explain the importance of spay/neuter, the data, statistics, and the financial assistance available to those in need. The film also follows Isabella, companion dog of Ryan Rice, through a short wellness exam, while discussing the importance of basic wellness services that are available at low cost.
Khalsa interviews Deborah Hoffman of Corridor Rescue. Hailed as a CNN Hero of the Year, Deborah Hoffman single-handly began a rescue group that addresses the horrific dumping of animals along a stretch of . Ms. Hoffman is determined to raise awareness about the plight of animals.
Khalsa also interviews many "ordinary" people. Pet lovers who have rescued their dogs and cats off the streets or have adopted them from animal shelters and shared their stories. Khalsa decided not to include graphic footage in this documentary because it was important to her that children were able to watch this documentary. The film includes music by Cary Beare and by Wendy Francisco and footage of many rescued animals who have been adopted into loving homes.
Release
One Hundred Thousand Hearts premiered on September 26, 2010 at the main branch of the downtown Houston Public Library, 4th floor theater.
Media
Houston Chronicle
Houston Pet Talk Magazine
Houston Dog Blog
Wellsphere
References
Further reading

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu