Watch I Breathe: Lily's Legacy

I Breathe: Lily's Legacy is a heartwarming documentary that tells the story of a little dog named Lily who survived a horrific act of cruelty and the group of people who came together to save her and create a lasting legacy in her name. The documentary begins by introducing us to Ward Lucas, a retired TV news anchor and animal lover who stumbled upon the story of Lily while researching another animal cruelty case in Colorado. Lily, a small white Maltese mix, had been left for dead in a trash bag along with her two puppies after being beaten, stabbed, and thrown from a moving car. Miraculously, Lily survived the attack but was left with permanent physical and emotional scars.

Moved by her story, Lucas begins to investigate and soon joins forces with Theresa Strader, founder of the National Mill Dog Rescue organization, and Barb York, a local animal lover who was one of the first people to help Lily after her attack. Together, they form the Lily's Lifetime Care Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing ongoing medical care and support for Lily and other animals who have suffered similar trauma.

The rest of the film explores the many ways in which Lily's legacy has continued to touch the lives of people and animals all over the country. We meet other dogs who have been rescued by the National Mill Dog Rescue, hear from Lily's vet about the challenges of caring for a traumatized animal, and witness the moving moment when Lily receives a standing ovation at a fundraising event in her honor.

Throughout it all, the documentary maintains a heartfelt and often emotional tone, celebrating the resilience of animals and the power of human compassion. There are moments of heartbreak as we see the extent of Lily's injuries, but there are also moments of pure joy as we watch her run and play with other dogs in the care of the National Mill Dog Rescue.

Ultimately, I Breathe: Lily's Legacy is a testament to the fact that even in the face of unspeakable cruelty, there is hope and healing to be found. It is a compelling and moving portrait of a little dog who inspired a movement, and the people who continue to fight for her legacy.