Watch Madonna of The Mills

Madonna of the Mills is a touching and heartbreaking documentary that explores the issue of puppy mills and their devastating impact on dogs. The film, directed by Andrew Nisker, follows the story of Laura Flynn, a rescuer who dedicates her life to saving the dogs that are left behind by puppy mill owners. The title of the film refers to the Virgin Mary, who is often pictured holding a baby, and the mills, which are factories where dogs are bred and kept in cruel conditions.

The film begins by introducing us to Laura Flynn, a middle-aged woman who has been rescuing dogs for over a decade. Laura lives in Long Island, New York, and operates a dog rescue organization called St. Francis Farm. We learn that Laura started rescuing dogs when she was still working as an accountant, and that her passion for rescuing animals eventually led her to leave her job and devote herself full-time to the cause. Laura is a kind, dedicated, and tireless worker who will do whatever it takes to save a dog in need, often going to extreme lengths to rescue dogs that are sick, injured, or in danger.

The film then delves into the issue of puppy mills, which are large-scale breeding operations that produce puppies for profit. Puppy mills are notorious for their inhumane conditions, where dogs are kept in small cages, often in their own feces and urine, and are given little food, water, or medical care. The dogs in puppy mills are treated as commodities, and their welfare is often ignored in favor of maximizing profits. The film shows us the heartbreaking reality of puppy mills, with footage of sick, terrified, and miserable dogs trapped in squalid conditions.

Madonna of the Mills then follows Laura as she sets out to rescue dogs from puppy mills in various states across the country. We see her traveling long distances, often with little more than a crate and a blanket, in order to save dogs from certain death. We also see her working with other rescuers and organizations, as well as local law enforcement, to shut down puppy mills and rescue the dogs trapped inside. The film shows us the ups and downs of rescuing dogs, from heartwarming moments of reunions and adoptions, to heartwrenching scenes of dogs suffering and dying.

Throughout the film, we also learn about the various organizations and activists who are working to end puppy mills and promote animal welfare. We hear from veterinarians, animal rights lawyers, and other experts who explain the legal and ethical issues surrounding puppy mills. We also see how social media and the internet have helped to raise awareness about the issue of puppy mills and connect activists from all over the world.

One of the most emotional parts of Madonna of the Mills is when Laura visits a shelter that is overwhelmed with dogs from a puppy mill. The shelter is located in rural Ohio, where puppy mills are prevalent, and it is filled with hundreds of dogs that are sick, injured, or traumatized. Laura spends days at the shelter, working to save as many dogs as possible, and we see her forming close bonds with some of the dogs, who are grateful for the love and attention she gives them. The scene is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, as we see the dogs that Laura is unable to save, and the enormous toll that puppy mills take on these innocent animals.

Despite the grim subject matter, Madonna of the Mills is also a film that inspires hope and action. The film shows us that there are people like Laura and her fellow rescuers who are making a real difference in the lives of dogs that are trapped in puppy mills. It also shows us that there are ways to help, from adopting a rescue dog to spreading awareness about the issue. Madonna of the Mills is a powerful reminder of the role that humans can play in making the world a better place, one dog at a time.

Overall, Madonna of the Mills is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on the issue of puppy mills and the people who are fighting to end them. The film is well-made, with beautiful cinematography and a strong focus on the stories of the people and dogs involved. It is a must-see for anyone who cares about animal welfare, and a testament to the power of compassion in a world that can often be cruel and uncaring.

Madonna of The Mills is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 50 minutes.