Photos: Courtesy of Valentin Garcia (VG Creations)
Excitement filled The Wanderers Club on Monday evening as Wellington’s renowned equestrian and philanthropist, Jackie Ducci, and director Don Hardy took center stage to host the first exclusive premiere of the documentary, Unspoken Bond.
The special event brought together the film’s creative team, cast, and supporters to celebrate not only the documentary’s debut, but also the powerful connection between humans and animals that define its story.
Ducci and Hardy were joined by the film’s featured subjects, such as combat veteran Jason Gaver, Wellington’s dressage rider Shannon Dueck, and Nicole Navarro, founder of Pawsitive Beginnings Fox Sanctuary. The group took the time to greet guests, pose for photos, and share insight into their personal journeys, as well as what audiences could expect before watching the movie.
Before the film started, Ducci and Hardy thanked the audience for their support and emphasized the beauty and significance between the human and animal bond, highlighting how it can shape lives for the better. Ducci stated, “I’m a huge believer in the power animals have to make our lives better. They can change lives and they can save lives. This is something that not only I have experienced, but I’ve witnessed countless other people experience the same. These bonds are very real, deep, and meaningful.”
Hardy expressed his pride in the film and how it was created with a lot of heart. Together, their words set the tone for a film that is both emotional and inspiring.
As the lights dimmed, the audience embarked on a journey through the perspectives of Jason Gaver, Nicole Navarro, and Shannon Dueck. Their experiences illustrate how the human-animal bond can shape, heal, and transform the lives for both humans and the animals. The film highlights the power of healing, resilience, and companionship from the human-animal bond. For each individual, animals played a pivotal role during times of hardship.
In Navarro’s segment, she opens up about facing her own personal struggles, and how she found healing from caring for animals during a difficult time. She highlighted how the bonds she made with the animals gave her a purpose, which ultimately led her to open a fox sanctuary called Pawsitive Beginnings.
Gaver took the audience through his journey with his service dog, Woodrow. Their story illustrates how Woodrow provides Gaver mental and emotional support, as well as a renewed sense of purpose. Gaver was transparent about how Woodrow helps him cope with lasting effects of military service, as well as reclaiming his role as a father. From watching Gaver’s segment, it is evident that their bond provides stability and a sense of connection.
Viewers also got to experience how dressage rider, Shannon Dueck’s bond with her Grand Prix horse, Angelika, went beyond partnership in her sport. Together, they shared a love for one another and relied on each other’s presence and trust. Dueck explains how she and Angelika mirrored each other. They knew how to tend to one another during times of joy, fear, and sadness. The film captured the heartbreak of Angelika’s passing and how Dueck was able to navigate through the loss, while keeping her companion’s memory alive.
There was a mix of tears, laughter, and smiles throughout the theater. The crowd was visibly moved by the raw experiences shared in the film. At the same time, they were overcome with joy and hope. It was truly inspiring to see how Gaver, Navarro, and Dueck overcame their challenges through their own strength, and with the love and connection given to them by their animals.
The movie was a true testament of how the human-animal connection is just as important as the human connection. The film gives validation for anyone who has a bond with an animal, whether it be a pet or animals they work with. Anyone who may not have a personal bond with an animal, will definitely want to experience it after watching Unspoken Bond. Animals provide a unique yet special kind of love. They don’t judge. They just love you unconditionally no matter who you are, where you come from, and what you have been through.
To learn more about the missions featured in the film, visit www.pawsitivebeginnings.org to learn about Navarro’s organization and www.paws4people.org for Gaver and Woodrow’s journey.
