Janet Gearhart of neighboring Oakdale is scheduled to be on hand for the Sunday, Sept. 30 screening of the film ‘Pick of the Litter’ at the State Theatre in Modesto.

Gearhart is involved with VIPS, Visually Impaired Persons Support – and the group is assisting the state in putting together a special event for the screening of the film, which follows a litter of puppies from birth to when they begin their journey to become guide dogs for the blind.

Gearhart is featured in the film, which has already been shown in Canada and in multiple locations across the United States. One of the puppies followed in the film is now Gearhart’s guide dog.

The special screening is scheduled for Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.; the theatre is at 1307 J St., Modesto and tickets are $10, with a portion of the ticket sales going to benefit the local VIPS group. Theatre officials said they anticipate some guide dogs to be in attendance at the show and there will be a panel discussion about the VIPS and guide dog programs following the movie.

Cameras follow the puppies through an intense two-year process as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm. The animals also rely on a community of dedicated individuals who train them to do amazing, life-changing things in the service of their human.

Doors open at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30 and the film is set for 5 p.m.