About this project

We are in the process of filming a documentary about the story of Charlie Petrizzo and how he gave up everything to start a foundation that breeds and trains Labrador Retrievers as skilled companion dogs for children with special needs. 

SYNOPSIS
Charlie Petrizzo knows about hurt, and the scars it can leave. He also knows about healing.

What he never suspected is how little he knew about forgiveness.

Charlie Petrizzo looked death in the eye twice – once when he was just four years old and again when he was 16. He survived brain damage, paralysis, burns over almost 70% of his body.

He has the scars to prove it.

Charlie’s Scars is the story of one man’s life-long struggle to heal. For Charlie that has meant more than physical healing. It has been a journey to faith. And it has meant finding meaning and purpose – a calling, if you will – in the life-altering accidents of his childhood. Part of Charlie’s healing process has been bringing together dogs with special gifts and children with special needs.

Then Charlie learned that the selfless work he was doing meant giving a second chance to a brutal murderer – Melinda Loveless, who murderer 12-yr old Shanda Sharer in 1992.

Will Charlie’s scars make it impossible for him to continue his work of healing? Will his scars make it impossible for him to offer mercy to a killer, and grant her the second chance at life that he has been given?

Considering that this particular murder case, that of 12 yr old Shanda Sharer, was sensational and far-reaching it was covered by many popular television shows. Dr. Phil devoted two episodes to the case. It was an episode of Deadly Women. TruTV has covered the story and many, many others we think this documentary could gain national attention.

OUTCOME
It is our belief that everyone needs healing and inspiration in this world. We hope that those who see this movie will be inspired to do more for others and make a difference in this world in any way they can, in the way that Charlie has.

We hope the film will draw more attention to Project 2 Heal so that the organization can receive additional funding through donations in order to grow and provide more special needs children with skilled companion dogs.

The last goal for us is to give the public a new perspective on prisoners training dogs as a part of their own recovery and as a way to give something back to the community and benefit the general public.

COMPLETION PLANS
Filming for the movie will be completed by August 1st and the post-production process, which has already started, will be in full-swing. We will use the additional funding to complete this project and plan to have it done in time for the Sundance Film Festival.