The War in Between

The "Wolves and Warriors" program brings military veterans together with wolves that have been rescued from harrowing situations. It’s hard not to see the parallels between the two populations. Matt Simmons, a Gulf War veteran, and Dr. Lorin Lindner, a clinical psychologist, founded the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center in California, starting with an abused wolf named Wylie, who inspired them to dedicate a sanctuary to wolves (instead of horses, their original intention). Although they receive many inquiries, the pair only have funding for two to three workers at a time. These prospects spend the day doing chores around the ranch, which also houses pigs and parrots, before sitting down with Matt for an interview. Matt tells Juan Francisco Mosquera, an Afghanistan veteran of Ecuadorean descent, that the program taught him patience and acceptance. Lindner notes that the presence of animals reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels. Since the wolves are used to human contact, they welcome the attention, although workers must still take necessary precautions. Lindner believes that the relationships the men form with the wolves can help in their human relations. Juan joins Jim Minick, an Iraq War veteran, in caring for the wolves. The latter entered the Navy in the wake of 9/11, motivated by revenge. But after three deployments, he developed a drinking problem. Juan, who served as an Army sniper, laments that he never found his place in society, either before the military or after. Director Riccardo Ferraris doesn’t provide an epilogue to their stories, but it’s clear that Juan and Jim have benefited greatly from their time with the wolves. An engaging film about an interesting form of therapy, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)