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This is a sad and distressing decision by the Westminister Kennel Club.
For the past few years Pedigree (would that their food was as good as their advertising) has promoted the adoption of shelter pets during the broadcast of the WKC annual show. This is a fine example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2xe73iyg3U
The commercials stressed the dignity of shelter dogs, not their neglect: "Do not pity shelter dogs. Adopt one." They were beautifully filmed and very moving. Very different from the disturbing ASPCA fund-raising commercials that show the victims of hoarding Sally Struthers style.
WKC spokesperson David Frei should know better: "Show me an ad with a dog with a smile; don’t try to shame me,” he says. I wonder how many German Shepherd Dogs suffering from genetic hip dysplasia or English Bulldogs who can't breathe in the heat are "smiling."
The ads were obviously effective: "In 2007, Pedigree received $500,000 in pledges (for its adoption drive) after its graphic ads were broadcast over the show’s two days." I know I contributed.
So is this one more feeble attempt by the AKC to prop up its sagging registration numbers (supported mainly by puppy mill papers) by turning their back on the real need to find homes for *all* adoptable dogs?
Does Pedigree actually make a product I could give my dog? I'd love to boycott the AKC and support Pedigree. Note that when "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" aired in the UK, Pedigree pulled its advertising from the Crufts show and the BBC dropped its broadcast. Is the WKC's decision to drop Pedigree in favor of feel-good Purina ads part of a conspiracy on the part of the dog show mafia to revenge themselves on those who promote healthy purebreds and adoptable rescues?
I'm pretty disgusted right now. If you agree you can show your support for Pedigree by contacting them here.
For the past few years Pedigree (would that their food was as good as their advertising) has promoted the adoption of shelter pets during the broadcast of the WKC annual show. This is a fine example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2xe73iyg3U
The commercials stressed the dignity of shelter dogs, not their neglect: "Do not pity shelter dogs. Adopt one." They were beautifully filmed and very moving. Very different from the disturbing ASPCA fund-raising commercials that show the victims of hoarding Sally Struthers style.
WKC spokesperson David Frei should know better: "Show me an ad with a dog with a smile; don’t try to shame me,” he says. I wonder how many German Shepherd Dogs suffering from genetic hip dysplasia or English Bulldogs who can't breathe in the heat are "smiling."
The ads were obviously effective: "In 2007, Pedigree received $500,000 in pledges (for its adoption drive) after its graphic ads were broadcast over the show’s two days." I know I contributed.
So is this one more feeble attempt by the AKC to prop up its sagging registration numbers (supported mainly by puppy mill papers) by turning their back on the real need to find homes for *all* adoptable dogs?
Does Pedigree actually make a product I could give my dog? I'd love to boycott the AKC and support Pedigree. Note that when "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" aired in the UK, Pedigree pulled its advertising from the Crufts show and the BBC dropped its broadcast. Is the WKC's decision to drop Pedigree in favor of feel-good Purina ads part of a conspiracy on the part of the dog show mafia to revenge themselves on those who promote healthy purebreds and adoptable rescues?
I'm pretty disgusted right now. If you agree you can show your support for Pedigree by contacting them here.