Blog › For the Love of Dog
For the Love of Dog
This comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me but I’m a lover of all things dog. It was therefore with huge disappointment that I read in the trade press that Pedigree was dropped as a sponsor of the Westminster dog show after a 20 year association.
The reasons surrounding the split stemmed from the creative advertising Pedigree was using to highlight the plight of homeless dogs in need of adoption. Westminster stated “Our show is a celebration of dogs… When we’re seeing puppies behind bars, it takes away from that.”
This initiated a visceral response from me in full support of Pedigree. As the owner of a rescue mutt, I’m one to err on the side of adopting from shelters rather than supporting breeders; mostly for fear of those less salubrious individuals who are in the business purely for monetary gains. There are some fabulous breeders and Westminster is a perfect showcase for these and their commitment to the canine world. I do recognize that there is demand for purebred dogs but I think it’s remiss to try and ignore the fact that there is also a huge population of homeless animals (a good portion of whom are purebred).
Although I can’t agree with Westminster’s position, given the nature of the event, I can to some extent understand the concern behind the creative but as historic campaigns have proven, the media attention and ratings surrounding the show provide an excellent opportunity for fundraising. Before my blood completely boiled, I happened to hear an interview presenting the fact that the Westminster dog show has donated significant money to the ASPCA. This has in part quelled my anger but above all, I’m disappointed that the two parties couldn’t come to a creative agreement…for the love of dog.
Helen Burdett
General Manager
Mood: Dog-tired
2 Responses to "For the Love of Dog"
speak to the paw!!! love it.
I couldn’t agree more! This is a new subject for me as I’m a fairly new dog owner, I purchased a Golden Retriever a couple of years ago from a breeder. I had been pursuaded by pet professionals that if you are going to get a dog, be sure you get a papered dog from a breeder. Well, while my Golden has turned out to be a wonderful pet, However recently I also acquired/inherited a puppy. My son is a fireman in the Las Vegas area and someone dropped off (abandoned) a puppy at his station. He called animal control who then visited the station, who then also offered to take the pet away. My son was concerned as he had grown attached to this puppy immediately and asked if they would be finding the pup a home. They said that most likely he would be euthanized by the next day, as the outcome for most pups and older dogs is bleak. The breed of this pup was determined to be a Pit Terrior, and thus, his chances were even worse. My son deceided that no way was he going to let this sweet little pup be euthanized. However, with his work schedule 24/48 type shifts, he couldn’t care for the pup….So,..”‘Mom, can you and dad watch a pup for ‘a bit’?” Yeah right! We have had him since a week before Christmas, and he has turned out to be the sweetest most loving pet ever!!!!! He went from an orphan in Las Vegas to sleeping in our bed in his new red and green Christmas sweater. He has brought so much happiness to our family! I’m a firm testimony to dog rescue programs. I was unaware of the thousand of animals that are eliminated every day. This situation has really made question the morality of dog breeding. .