The exchanges between a service dog and its owner are born of need, but the attachment that develops between them is far more complex. Dutch filmmaker Heddy Honigmann, recipient of Hot Docs' 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award, turns her gaze to the inner workings of six canine and human pairs to reveal what's really given and received. A veteran with PTSD, an autistic child with multiple physical challenges and an elderly soldier blinded by a Second World War explosion each rely on a four-legged partner to assist them with everyday tasks. Impressive dogs like Kaiko and Makker can easily pull drawer handles and signal approaching doorways, but what they actually open is access to the world. From enabling people to occupy public spaces to easing anxieties around social interactions, animals help their humans navigate physical and emotional living. With Honigmann's signature interview and camera style, Buddy captures canine humanity and life-altering trust at work. Myrocia Watamaniuk
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