The documentary feature film When Dogs Heal will continue the story that was first introduced in the book of the same title by Jesse Freidin, Zach Stafford, Christina Garofalo, and Robert Garofalo, which presented the experiences of 36 different people — including Dr. Garofalo — whose lives with HIV were hugely improved, even saved, by their relationships with dogs.

The bond between humans and dogs can be traced back 15 thousand years — and as time goes on, we continue to find more and more ways that dogs can help us to not only live happier lives, but to be better versions of ourselves.

While the therapeutic value they provide can be, and has been, measured in countless scientific studies, there’s something magical about what a bond with a dog brings into a person’s life — something that transcends any specific need or desire.

Portraits by Jesse Freidin

Dogs help us to be more human.

Studies have shown that among people living with HIV, dog owners are three times less likely to suffer from depression than non-dog owners, as well as other challenges like homelessness and partner abuse. We’ll see this effect play out in real time, as our subjects discover the joy, meaning, and even salvation of caring for and bonding with a dog. These dogs will give them someone to care for, someone to dedicate themselves to, someone who can provide unconditional love that has nothing to do with their HIV status or any other aspect of who they appear to be to other people.

For our subjects, their dogs will be there for them when nobody else is.

The dogs in our film will offer a purpose that can, quite literally, keep their owners alive — not to mention plenty of cuddling, fetch, and even some valuable lessons in... let’s call it patience. (Anyone who has ever walked into their apartment to find a new shoe in their puppy’s mouth will know exactly what this lesson feels like.)

Because that’s the thing about dogs: whatever love, care, and loyalty they give to you, you also get to give back to them, and that can be just as great of a reward.