The Crystal Theatre in Carbondale is set to showcase “GOODBOY,” a heartfelt documentary by local filmmaker Ashley Mosher at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) is hosting the special screening. Proceeds will go toward aiding pets at their shelter.

“GOODBOY” presents a real-life account of the bond between pets and their owners. Mosher filmed the documentary while taking a cross-country trip from Portland to Vermont during the height of COVID-19 alongside her husband and 15-year-old chocolate Lab, Kenya. The documentary captures their adventure against the backdrop of Kenya’s bone cancer diagnosis, offering an intimate look at dealing with loss and the fear of death.

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“I wanted to bring this film to Carbondale because it’s my local community and because I know that the Carbondale community has such a strong connection to our animals in the Roaring Fork Valley,” Mosher said. “We have great organizations in this Valley, such as CARE who are doing great things for sheltered pets. We just have an unbelievable system around veterinary medicine and taking care of our pets that we all love so much.”

The documentary, initially intended to explore the impacts of COVID-19, evolved into a personal narrative reflecting Mosher’s experience with Kenya’s illness and her own confrontation with mortality. It’s a journey interwoven with humor, adventure and deep emotion, reflecting the complexities of love and loss.

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“I feel that the film really captures in a respectful and tasteful and tender way losing someone you love, whether it be a pet or a person,” Mosher said. “I believe it’s a fantastic resource for other pet parents and veterinarians and vet schools and grief and loss organizations to have this as a resource to present to whomever may need it.”

CARE Executive Director Wes Boyd emphasized the documentary’s relevance to the shelter’s mission. 

“Our shelter often cares for senior animals and those with health issues. ‘GOODBOY’ sheds light on the importance of caring for these pets in their final years,” he said.

Boyd underlined the film’s potential to assist pet owners through their grief. 

“We believe this film and available resources can help people understand that the joy of having a pet in someone’s life greatly outweighs the grief of loss,” he said.

The event will not only feature the film screening but also a Q&A session, offering the audience an opportunity to delve deeper into the documentary’s themes and message.

Despite the Saturday screening being sold out, CARE and Mosher will hold a second screening at the Crystal Theatre at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 27. Mosher expressed her desire and lasting impressions in bringing the documentary to the Roaring Fork Valley.

“I want this film to show people that they are not alone and to know that there are choices out there, and that we can handle this process of death with grace and actually come out of it feeling incredibly full of love and appreciation and gratitude,” Mosher said.

For tickets to the Jan. 27 screening, visit goodboymovie.com.

To learn more about CARE, visit coloradoanimalrescue.org.