Posted By Pack Member: Simon
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show recently announced that it had parted ways with its longtime sponsor, Pedigree. The reason?
Pedigree’s dog adoption ads were too sad and didn’t focus enough on purebred dogs.
Known as “America’s Dog Show,” The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is based in NYC, and is currently holdings its 136th annual event, dedicated to the celebration of purebred dogs.
This year, Pedigree developed a series of ads that contrasted the healthy, happy dogs of the show with images of dogs that remained neglected and ignored, trying to raise awareness about homeless animals or those living in abusive situations. The WKC Dog Show wanted to focus more on the beautiful side of dogs, rather than some of the harsher realities they face.
The WKC Dog Show certainly has the right to choose who sponsors the program and their advertising campaign—but is it right to always focus only on the bright side of the doggy life? If people don’t know what some dogs are experiencing, will they be as motivated to adopt and provide loving homes?
What’s your take? Is the WKC Dog Show wrong to disassociate itself with dog adoption efforts? Do adoptions ads focus too much on the negative, or are they at least admitting the painful truth about the ongoing plight of dogs in our country?
I have been a big fan of the WKC Show, as it’s always provided a fair level of education regarding purebreds. However, I’m a bigger advocate for the idea of adopting ALL kinds of dogs – purebreds, mixed breeds. There are so many horrid circumstances that ALL of them have been subjected to. I refuse to pay for a purebred from a breeder when I know I can get an equally great dog from a local rescue group or shelter. I find WKC’s reasoning deplorable. I would like to know how all the breeders, owners and handlers feel about WKC cutting the ties for the reason stated. Sometimes shock is what’s needed the most to get through to people in this tremendously fast-paced, instant gratification world we find ourselves in!
Dog education is certainly important, and there’s always value to organizations that provide awareness for dogs, whatever kind. It is unfortunate, though, that marketing images can sometimes override a real need.
I suppose they don’t acknowledge the fact that there are people living in poverty either? It’s really tragic that the WKC Show can’t face life outside the ring.