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MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOGcoming falL 2014
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
Film synopsisMarshall was rescued in 2010
by the humane society of missouri.
Marshall is now a certified therapy dog and has visited
over 250 schools and events with his adoptive
mother Cyndi.
MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG
Thirteen-year-old Finn endures daily torment from the bullies at his school.
But his life begins to change the day that he encounters a Labrador retriever
named Marshall. He finds the dog being held in deplorable conditions, at the
mercy of an animal hoarder who keeps 60 dogs penned up on her isolated
ranch. The boy sees something of himself in Marshall: both are bullied, but
both are brave. Finn pulls off a daring rescue, saving Marshall from the dogs
that are attacking him.
That’s only the beginning.
In a game of cat and mouse, Finn must hide Marshall from his stressed-out
single mother, Cynthia. It’s truly a race against time as Finn and his sassy
17-year-old cousin, Grace, try to find help for Marshall before his wounds
worsen and he dies of an infection.
Along the way, however, Marshall gets spooked and runs away from Finn. The
dog embarks on a series of scary, funny, and heartwarming adventures, while
everyone, including Cynthia and her love interest (the handsome veterinari-
an Doc Henry), desperately look for him. Finn faces his own challenges, too,
as he continues to encounter the local bully and his mother – the hoarder who
wants her dog back.
In the end, Finn and his family are able to get Marshall to the vet hospital,
and it is the special bond between a boy and his dog that will ultimately save
the brave Lab. Marshall has to have his front leg removed, but he is a fierce
survivor and can outrun most four-legged dogs, while teaching everyone an
important lesson:
Don’t give up five minutes before the miracle.
SHORT SynOpSIS Inspired by a true story, Marshall the Miracle Dog shares the adventure of Finn,
a 13-year-old boy who has become the target of bullies at his new school.
Finn is feeling hopeless – that is, until he finds Marshall being held by a
dog-hoarder in deplorable conditions with 60 other dogs. The bond is
immediate. Finn rescues Marshall, but he has been horribly abused by the
other dogs and needs immediate surgery. With the help of his cousin Grace,
Finn and Marshall find their way to Doc Henry, who agrees to treat Marshall’s
injuries. But Marshall becomes spooked by the other dogs and bolts out of
Doc Henry’s office. The race against time is on – Marshall is terribly sick.
Finn is chasing Marshall, but so is the dog hoarder. And, Finn is still being
pursued by the bullies. In the end, it is Marshall who leads everyone to a place
of change, forgiveness, and friendship.
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
Film informationMarshall the Miracle DogfILM TITLE
Don’t give up five minutes before the miracle.LOG LInE
CONTACT INFO
cyndi willenbrock
The Marshall Movement
Pelopidas, LLC
1034 S. Brentwood Blvd, Suite 1700
St. Louis, MO 63117
www.marshallthemiracledog.com
wEbSITE
pRODuCER
Jay Kanzler
ExECuTIvE pRODuCER, DIRECTOR & CO-wRITER
CHRIS BENSON
DIRECTOR Of pHOTOGRApHy & pRODuCER
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
Production crew bios & photos
marshall the
miracle dog
jay kanzler
Jay Kanzler – Director, Executive Producer & CO-WRITER
Jay Kanzler has written, produced, and directed award-winning feature films, documenta-
ries, and short films. His most recent film, 23 Minutes to Sunrise (writer, producer, director),
starring Eric Roberts and Nia Peeples, was released nationwide in March 2013 by MTI
Home Video.
He has produced and directed four feature-length documentaries: A Magical Life Circus Flora;
River Boat Dreams; St. Benedict’s Rule; and Bob Zany: Close But No Cigar.
As an attorney, Jay is a named partner in the law firm Witzel Kanzler Dimmitt & Kanzler,
LLC, where he splits his time evenly between transactional, litigation, and entertainment
law. Prior to 2004, Jay was a partner with the law firm Bryan Cave LLP.
Marshall the Miracle Dog – Our Muse and Real-Life Inspiration
Marshall was found in 2010 while being filmed by Animal Planet’s Confessions:
Animal Hoarding. More than 60 dogs were found living on the grounds of an
abandoned property. At the time of his rescue, Marshall was in the worst
shape of all – he had been attacked by other dogs (most likely over a lack of
food), resulting in bite marks all over his body, a broken front leg, and a hole
the size of a tennis ball on the side of his face.
The Humane Society of Missouri immediately came to all of the dogs’ rescue.
Because Marshall was so badly injured, he could not be put up for adoption
right away. During his surgery, Marshall died on the operating table but was
resuscitated by Dr. Schwartz. The doctor and his medical team sewed up
Marshall’s face and amputated his badly infected front leg.
After a few months, Marshall was ready to be adopted, and he went to his
Forever Home with Cyndi Willenbrock. Now, Marshall knows he has a job to
do – and that job is to give back. Marshall and Cyndi have visited more than
250 schools to share his story of courage and the will to overcome abuse and
neglect. Marshall has inspired a children’s book, an educational curriculum, a
Girl Scout patch, and now a feature film.
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
Production crew bios & photos
chris benson
ira dewitt
cyndi willenbrock
Chris Benson – Director of Photography & PRODUCER
Over the past fifteen years, Chris Benson has served as director of photogra-
phy on a multitude of films, commercials, music videos, and documentaries.
Chris graduated with departmental honors from Webster University in St.
Louis.
In 1999, Chris’ first 35mm feature film, Hairdo U, brought him attention
from producers in Los Angeles, allowing him to shoot such feature films as
The Family Mancuso, Showdown at Area 51 (for the Sci-Fi Channel), Ghost Image (for
Showtime), and 23 Minutes To Sunrise.
Chris has also shot 2nd Unit for such films as Alice Upside Down, Saving Grace,
Saving Shiloh, and Killshot. The success of his music videos has led him to shoot
such iconic performers as Nelly, Chingy, Richard Marx, Murphy Lee, Lil’
Wil, and Yo Gotti.
Cyndi Willenbrock – Producer and Marshall’s Mom
Cyndi Willenbrock lives in St. Louis with her two dogs, Marshall and Mooshy.
Marshall the Miracle Dog is her first children’s book, and the film was inspired by
Marshall’s own true story and how his spirit and resiliency affect those around
him.
Cyndi started The Marshall Movement in order to give voice to the impor-
tance of teaching children to be anti-bullying and anti-animal cruelty, as well
as promoting education about numerous other social issues facing our chil-
dren today. Giving back has always been essential in Cyndi’s own life, and she
has passed that on to Marshall, who has been trained as a Certified Therapy
Dog. Cyndi and Marshall visit classrooms and children’s hospitals carrying
Marshall’s life-changing messages.
Ira DeWitt – Music Supervisor
As a mother of two and a huge lover of dogs, Ira understands the importance
of the soundtrack in emphasizing the film’s heart-touching messages. Ira is
CEO and founder of Notifi Records, an urban-music label based in St. Louis
that is home to R&B stars Ginuwine, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley, and the trio
Bos. Ira is responsible for five top Billboard hits, and Notifi has recording
studios in both St. Louis and Los Angeles.
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
Lucas Carroll (Noah) . . . Finn
CAST LIST
Shannon Elizabeth (americaN Pie, ThaT ‘70s show) . . . Cynthia, Finn’s mother
Matthew Settle (GossiP Girl, BaNd of BroThers) . . . Doc Henry
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
CAST LIST
Lauren Holly (Ncis, moTive, dumB aNd dumBer, aNy GiveN suNday) . . . Susan, the animal hoarder
Dingani Beza . . . Coach Penner
Bill Chott (saTurday NiGhT live, wizards of waverly Place) . . . Susan’s husband
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
CAST LIST
Greg Warren (23 miNuTes To suNrise) . . . Assistant Coach Larry
Patti Vasquez . . . Lynette, the waitress
Zach Louis (GoldeN wiNTer) . . . Luke, the Bully
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
CAST LIST
Haley Busch (23 miNuTes To suNrise) . . . Grace, Finn’s cousin
Nathan Eswine (The l word) . . . Grace’s boyfriend, Drew
Jilanne Klaus (23 miNuTes To suNrise) . . . Carrie
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
ACCLAIM FOR MARSHALL
TITLE INFORMATION
MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG
Willenbrock, Cynthia
Illus. by Heimbaugh, Lauren
The Marshall Movement (40 pp.)
$16.95 hardcover
ISBN: 978-0615666259
BOOK REVIEW
Willenbrock’s heartwarming debut picture book is the autobiographical story of how she came to share her home with a
special shelter dog.
Told from the perspective of Marshall, Willenbrock’s dog, this tale tells of his unpleasant life in the home of a dog
hoarder, where food for the dogs was so scarce that they fought each other at mealtime. In one of these fights, Marshall’s
front leg was broken and his face was badly bitten. When animal rescuers finally found out about the animal hoarder and
took the dogs away, Marshall was in such sorry shape that they didn’t know if he would make it. He ended up losing his
damaged front leg and his face remained badly scarred, yet he describes the compassion of the humane society workers
who helped him learn how to walk and run on three legs. He meets his new “mom” (owner) and adjusts to a life of
freedom with her and her other dog, Mooshy. Though life is good, Marshall is insecure and nervous about how other
dogs and people will react to the fact that he has only three legs and a big scar on his face, but he’s pleasantly surprised
by the kindness of others. Heimbaugh’s realistic colored-pencil illustrations help bring Marshall’s story to life. Due to
wordiness and the use of some bigger words—celebrity, socialize, limitations—this book will most likely work better as
a read-aloud with school-age children. It also lends itself to discussions about the humane treatment of animals and
discussions about bullying.
An enjoyable picture book that addresses important issues in a kid-friendly way without being preachy.
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Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744
1. alive magazine, nov. 2012 2. dove award 3. kirkus review 4. town & style magazine, feb. 2014 5. humane society of missouri campaign 6. webster-kirkwood times, feb. 2014
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MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
ACCLAIM FOR MARSHALL
7. ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, JUNE 5, 2014. 8. STARS IN EDWARDSVILLE SHOOTING “MIRACLE DOG” MOVIE – FOX 2, JUNE 2, 2014. 9. MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG FEATURED ON SHOW ME ST. LOUIS, JUNE 4, 2014 10. MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG STARTS FILMING – KSDK CHANNEL 5, JUNE 4, 2014. 11. AMERICAN DOG, SUMMER 2014.
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78 Summer 2014 | American Dog Media American Dog Media | Summer 2014 79
A DOG GIVING BACK A DOG GIVING BACK
The AmericAn Dog reporTs
How is it a 46-pound, 3-legged, scar-faced dog can make such a huge paw print in this world? Marshall, a dog saved from death, has become the "spokesdog" against bullying and is teaching empathy to hundreds of thousands of adults and children.
Marshall is a 5-year-old yellow lab mix and was found in a heap in the corner of a filthy pen housing 60 dogs belonging to an animal hoarder in rural Missouri. At the time of the rescue in September 2010, Marshall was found to be in the worst shape of all the dogs. He had obviously been attacked by other dogs, probably over food (or lack thereof ), and he was bad-ly injured with numerous dog bites. He had a broken front leg and a hole
the size of a tennis ball on the side of his face.
Marshall’s hoarding situation was featured on Animal Planet's television show, "Confessions: Animal Hoard-ing." When the TV crew arrived to film, they found Marshall close to death, and called the Missouri Humane Society for the rescue immediately.
Dr. Steven Schwartz, director of vet-erinary services, was one of Marshall’s guardian angels. He had to amputate the dog's front leg because the damage was so severe. Marshall's heart stopped beating numerous times on the operating table, but Dr. Schwartz refused to give up on Marshall. And, Marshall refused to die.
"Dr. Schwartz said this dog had a pur-pose, and that he did not hold on for weeks just to die on his operating table. That's why they started calling him Marshall the Miracle Dog,” said Mar-shall's new owner, Cyndi Willenbrock.
When Willenbrock was looking for a “brother” for her black lab Mooshy, she certainly did not expect to adopt a dog with a disability and horrific past. But when she saw his video, “my heart broke, and I knew this dog did not deserve to be without a home one more day!” she said.
Willenbrock was a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative and worked long hours. She was always on the go and training for marathons. But,
MARSHALLPHOTOS BY CYNDI WILLENBROCK
Marshall changed all that. “He slowed my life down. From the moment Marshall hopped into my life, he turned my world upside down, and anything unimportant, just fell away.”
Knowing Marshall needed to give back, Willenbrock had him trained as a certified therapy dog. She also wanted to share his lessons and has written an award-winning book, "Marshall The Miracle Dog," The book is available at: www.marshallthemiracledog.com.
Willenbrock also founded The Marshall Movement, which teaches children
the importance of standing up against bullying, peer pressure and animal cruelty. Marshall has inspired a Char-acter Education Curriculum to deliver Marshall’s 5 cornerstones: Empathy, Strength, Courage, Kindness and Forgiveness to classrooms.
Marshall’s story also caught the at-tention of Hollywood. A feature film inspired by his life story begins filming in June 2014. “The movie is just one more platform to carry Marshall’s life changing message that there is a ‘Marshall’ inside all of us, that place that feels inadequate,” said Willenbrock.
Marshall speaks the language of the heart and has a unique message for everyone. Cyndi says, “We just have to get quiet enough to be shown what it is. Marshall is a reminder not to give up five minutes before the miracle.”
THE MIRACLE DOG
Become a fan on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/pages/ Marshall-the-Miracle-Dog
Visit the Website at:
www.marshallthemiracledog.com
11
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
School outreach & engagement
ny journal of books review:
“Marshall the Miracle Dog is a story to be savored—and
read over and over again.”
–Lisa Rojany Buccieri
Since the publication of his children’s book in September 2012, Marshall has
become a public figure and an inspiration. Endorsed by the Humane Society
of Missouri and winner of the Dove Foundation’s highest award, Marshall the
Miracle Dog shares the story of his triumphant journey from an abusive, bul-
lying place to a loving, accepting home. The book delves into how Marshall
learned to trust again, especially after his last attack left him with only three
legs and a large scar on his face. There is a “Marshall” inside all of us – a place
that feels inadequate. Marshall is a living reminder that we are all enough,
exactly as we are.
Marshall inspired a Girl Scout Anti-Bullying Patch and caught the attention
of the St. Louis Cardinals. The beloved baseball team honored Marshall with
his very own Bullying Prevention Game and parade, and he even “threw out”
the first pitch.
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
School outreach & engagementTo date, Cyndi and Marshall have been invited to speak at more than 250
schools and events, resulting in Marshall already meeting over 80,000 new
friends. But, he is only one dog and cannot be everywhere! Therefore, a
Character Education Curriculum has been designed to empower high school
juniors and seniors to serve as peer-to-peer mentors; they share Marshall’s
5 Cornerstones—Empathy, Strength, Courage, Kindness, Forgiveness—with
middle and elementary school classrooms.
“Cyndi’s presentation with Marshall the Miracle Dog is an inspirational and
life changing experience for all ages. The expertise at presenting their mes-
sage to promote compassion and empathy in our world will touch the heart
of every member of the audience. So many children and adults know what’s
right, but can’t get out of the gate to truly do what’s right until their own heart
leads them to do so. After being a part of the audience, all will feel urgency
and responsibility to step up and do something to make life better for others.”
–Amy Richards, Character Educator, Lindbergh School District
TESTIMOnIAL
Marshall was invited to be the “face” of the Humane Society Annual Cam-
paign that ran from November 2013 through January 2014, with media out-
reach on four billboards on the major highways in St. Louis City and County,
along with commercials airing on ESPN, Animal Planet, Nat Geo, and ABC
Family.
Humane Society of Missouri Holiday Fund Drive
Believe You Can Make a DiΩerence
Believe You Can Make a DiΩerence
hsmo.org
MARSHALL • the miracle dogwww.marshallthemiracledog.com
High-res photos of Marshall & Cyndi
hsmo rescue marshall, mo
october 4, 2010
adoptive mother cyndi willenbrock
with marshall
marshallpost-surgery
marshall, after recovery