How To Help

Filmmaker Vision

I’ve archived hundreds of hours of news video footage as far back as the 1980s from all around the world. I possess relevant newspaper articles dating as early as the mid-1800s. I’ve collected numerous postcards, photographs and other memorabilia as old as the late 1800s/early 1900s. And, all these help tell a story surrounding the most controversial dog in our history.

Even though perceptions have dramatically changed after the Vick case towards dogs who came from alleged dogfighting raids, and breed specific legislation has become increasingly unpopular, there is still a faction of the public who keeps this topic surrounding dogs labeled “pit bull” in the news on the wrong side of history. My hope with this film project is it will serve as the final nail in the coffin, so we can begin to focus our attention on programs and initiatives that truly keep our communities safe with dogs, and celebrate everything good they do for us.

And, while that occurs, to tell a real life fairy-tale and pay homage to a once in a lifetime relationship between human and dog. This is for you, Preston. My soulmate.

Filmmaker Statement

Independent filmmaking presents many challenges, that requires an incredible amount of patience and persistence to see it through. Oftentimes just getting across the finish line is a daunting task, that tests your resilience and commitment. But, having a completed film is just the beginning; you still have to establish a distribution plan where it can be seen by the masses…and even then there’s no guarantees for the film’s success.

Independent film is just that – a film without a major studio and its financial backing and influence dictating the success. So, independent filmmakers usually have to wear multiple hats – Director, Producer, Editor, Social Media/Promotion, etc. And, there’s an enormous burden placed on the shoulders of the filmmaker, both financially as well as the months, or years, of time invested, required to see it through. If you are not passionate about the project, it will fail.

This is my 3rd film, and most important to date. So, given the ambitious goals this doc-series has set forth, to not only inform but also to create a domino effect to promote change, I am seeking supporters and other partnerships in a variety of roles to join me on this journey.

Please consider contributing to one of the below options, or contact us for other ideas on ways to partner together.

The best word to sum up the last 1.5 years is – loss. On the afternoon of January 7, 2019, Preston had his first seizure. Factoring in his age (at this time – an estimated 14 years old), signs pointed to this being his final chapter. Preston was brought to his veterinarian the following morning to have blood tests run in an attempt to pinpoint the potential reason, which showed he was anemic, but he needed to see a specialist. He had another seizure in the morning of Friday, January 11th, so he was rushed to the veterinary hospital where he’d spend the weekend being passed around through each of the different departments.

This, while at the same time finishing the remaining three months of work before losing my job of 14.5 years (20 total in the telecom industry) due to my employer downsizing – cutting 1/3 of the nationwide workforce (estimated 40,000 positions). Preston’s outlook wasn’t immediately good. His age limited the amount of digging the specialists could do. But, slowly over the next couple months his health improved. His quality of life extended well past the original estimate, but started to descend again his final three weeks, before eventually passing on March 16, 2020.

In January 2020, at the age of 9, my second dog – Era, had surgery to remove several suspicious growths, which all came back benign. A full blood panel was done prior to surgery, where it showed some additional potential health concerns. In April, she again had surgery to remove a tumor found on her anal gland after the bloodwork came back, which was confirmed to be cancerous. A month after surgery, bloodwork was again done thinking the removed tumor would bring those levels back to normal, but it still showed an elevated calcium, indicating cancer has already spread to other areas. She began chemo treatment on July 29th, and all focus was now on her.

Then, on July 6th, at an estimated age of 11, my third dog – Fergie, was rushed to an emergency vet appointment after not eating and nearly collapsing in the yard the previous evening. Bloodwork was done and came back clean, but x-rays taken the following day showed two large masses – one in her chest and the other on her spleen. Sadly, she had to be humanely put to sleep on July 8th due to her quality of life taking a sudden and immediate nosedive.

I’ve been able to use the severance package and 401k earned from my previous employer to stay afloat during this time, but these continuous hits have drained those reserves, and the lack of opportunities to earn a living through the global COVID-19 pandemic have also handcuffed my ability to earn a living.

I’ve been able to use the severance package and 401k earned from my previous employer to stay afloat during this time, but these continuous hits have drained those reserves, and the lack of opportunities to earn a living through the global COVID-19 pandemic have also handcuffed my ability to earn a living.

Production for this doc-series – “Once In A Lifetime” may have officially begun about a week after Preston passed as a way to productively occupy my mind, but it’s hard to ignore this story of fate was being written each and every day over the last 12+ years. It was fate all along.