Walking the dog

WNY native Diane Gaidry, right, and Pamela Gordon star in "The Dogwalker," which premieres Friday at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center in downtown Buffalo.

Buffalo native Diane Gaidry stars in the independent feature film "The Dogwalker," which opens at the Market Arcade Cinema this Friday, Sept. 15.

"The Dogwalker" follows the story of Ellie Moore (Gaidry), on the run from her latest abusive boyfriend. Down and out on the mean streets of Los Angeles, rescue comes in the unlikely form of Betsy Wright (Pamela Gordon), a misanthropic dogwalker in need of help with her business and struggling with her own dark past. The unusual relationship between the cranky dogwalker and her unstable apprentice sets the stage for the emotional transformation Ellie must undertake.

"The Dogwalker" will be shown at 4, 7 and 9:30 p.m. weekdays, and 1:30, 4, 7 and 9:30 p.m. weekends through Sept. 21 at 617 Main St., Buffalo. Gaidry and the film's director/producer and husband Jacques Thelemaque will be in Buffalo for the opening.

Gaidry grew up in Snyder. She attended the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, where she was taught by Irish Classical Theatre Co.'s Associate Artistic Director Fortunato Pezzimenti.

She has been seen in dozens of films, television shows and commercials. She has played lead roles in numerous independent films.

Gaidry will appear as Mary Cavan Tyrone in Irish Classical Theatre Co's "Long Day's Journey Into Night" from Oct. 27-Nov. 26.