Pick of the Litter (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film follows puppies training at Guide Dogs for the Blind, a well-respected organization that trains guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments. Some of the dogs ultimately find homes in Oregon, highlighting the community support involved in the process.

• guide dogs for the blind
• oregon
• training facility
• setting

The film is set in modern day, reflecting contemporary training practices and the current understanding of service animals. This time period captures the ongoing commitment to assisting individuals with visual impairments through specially trained guide dogs.

• modern day
• contemporary
• time period
• era

The film explores three core themes: companionship (the bond between puppies and their raisers), growth and training (the transformative journey of development for both dogs and handlers), and purpose (the idea that every dog finds its unique path, whether as a guide dog or in another fulfilling role).

• companionship
• growth
• training
• purpose
• themes

The film illustrates how guide dogs become integral parts of their trainers' lives, offering unconditional support and love. Each pairing demonstrates the profound relationships that can develop between humans and animals, showing that the bond extends beyond mere training into genuine partnership.

• bond
• raisers
• human-animal bond
• partnership

The film conveys that purpose looks different for each dog. While some puppies successfully become guide dogs, others find fulfillment in different roles. This theme emphasizes that every animal has its unique path and that finding the right role matters more than fitting a single mold.

• purpose
• career change
• different roles
• fulfillment

The five puppies are Patriot, Phil, Poppet, Potomac, and Primrose. Each puppy undergoes a two-year training journey to become guide dogs, with the film following their individual paths toward either graduation or career changes.

• patriot
• phil
• poppet
• potomac
• primrose
• puppies
• dogs

Patriot is a determined puppy who initially struggles with his behavior during training. After being transferred, he forms a profound bond with Adam, who has PTSD. Though he ultimately undergoes a career change, Patriot serves as an unofficial assistance dog, demonstrating the impact these dogs can have beyond formal guide dog work.

• patriot
• adam
• ptsd
• career change
• assistance dog

Primrose excels in her training and is selected to become a breeder. Her successful journey highlights her exceptional qualities and the continuing legacy of guide dogs. The film ends with the heartwarming scene of Primrose giving birth to another litter, showcasing the generational impact of the program.

• primrose
• breeder
• litter
• birth
• legacy

A career change occurs when a dog in training does not meet the rigorous standards required to become a guide dog. These dogs are placed as family pets where they can still bring joy and companionship. The film shows Potomac as an example, highlighting that these dogs find happiness in new homes despite not completing guide dog training.

• career change
• failed training
• family pet
• not qualifying

Puppies who do not become guide dogs are career-changed and placed in loving family homes where they can still live fulfilling lives. The film presents this outcome positively, showing that these dogs bring joy to their new families and emphasizing that every dog's journey has value.

• career changed dogs
• family homes
• not becoming guide dogs
• adoption