Last Saturday afternoon, Middlebury was taken over by a pack of furry friends. More than 200 dogs, accompanied by their loving owners, gathered at the town’s Memorial Sports Center with one goal in mind – to break the Guinness World Record for the most dogs attending a film screening. The current record stood at 219 dogs at last year’s Paw Patrol movie screening in Los Angeles, so Middlebury needed at least 220 dogs to claim the title.
The mastermind behind this ambitious event was Middlebury filmmaker Andy Knight Mitchell and his son, Billy. Inspired by their recent documentary, „Inside the Mind of a Dog,“ which explores the intricacies of canine behavior and communication, the father-son duo saw an opportunity to combine their passion for dogs with a fun and unique challenge. Mitchell shared that the film highlighted how dogs evolved to become our loyal companions through the concept of „survival of the friendliest,“ a message he believed the world could benefit from.
As the rules were laid out for the record attempt, it became clear that this was no easy feat. All dogs had to be on a leash, with only one dog allowed per person. The real challenge, however, was getting the pups to sit and stay for a full 10 minutes during the film screening. Dog owners were not allowed to physically restrain their pets, relying solely on verbal commands to keep them in place.
Participants came from near and far to be part of this historic event. Amy Blicher from Lebanon, New Hampshire, brought her schnoodle, Freddy Boy, who was known for his love of television. Kassandra Pike and her husband traveled from Middletown Springs with their two labs, Jadama and Jovee Bug, who needed a little spelling lesson to contain their excitement.
The bond between humans and their canine companions was evident throughout the event. Jane Steele of Middlebury shared how her rescue dog, Peanut, had been a source of comfort and joy in her life. Others, like Cathy Messina and Mary Michaud, proudly showed off their West Highland terriers, known for their independent and curious nature.
Inside the sports center, people and pups settled in for the screening, some opting for blankets and lawn chairs for added comfort. Tracy Himmel Isham, accompanied by her dog Chupi, shared how her furry friend was a familiar face at her workplace, charming everyone for treats.
Despite falling short of the record with 206 dogs in attendance, the spirit of camaraderie and joy prevailed. Mitchell remained optimistic, mentioning that they had two more attempts to make history. The sense of community and love for dogs shone brightly, proving that even in moments of disappointment, the bond between humans and their four-legged friends is unbreakable.
In the end, all the dogs were indeed very good dogs, showcasing the true essence of the survival of the friendliest. Middlebury may not have broken the record that day, but they had certainly created a memorable experience for all who attended.
