For years I’ve cringed at the pet rescue commercials done by the SPCA. You know the ones — the sappy song (“In the Arms of an Angel”), the pitiful animals, and the pleading Sarah McLachlan. I couldn’t be a bigger supporter of pet rescue (my Annie is a rescue) but I’ve always hated those commercials.
I think this commercial from Nature’s Variety Instinct and Best Friends Animal Society is remarkable. I’ve watched it several times just because it makes me smile, and I’m guessing it will continue to do so. Visit the website to learn about the film (somehow “commercial” seems inappropriate). The owners of these dogs and many more submitted photos for the film — more than 25,000 in all. The website has stills of those that made it into the film, as well as many that didn’t (surely not all 25,000, but there are a lot). And each one includes the dog’s name and a line or two about him or her.
Such a beautiful, joyous film. Makes me want to go rescue several dozen more dogs and make them just as happy.
Long live pets!
Hi PT– Joyous and happy and beautiful certainly fit this appeal to rescue dogs (and i hope they can make one for cats, too). Really intrigued by not only using so many images of actual rescued pets, but knitting (or crocheting?) them into bits long enough we can see each dog and still follow the action in the film. I’ve not seen the actual commercial on tv, but have viewed this clip several times already– like you, i cringe every time i hear the “Angels” music and cannot watch. I applaud all who rescue, help, and support animal rescues, and i support our area shelter & humane society, too. If i ever win the lottery, most, if not all, would go to helping animals and, of course, to rmnp. Thanks for posting — refreshing way to start the day!!
Like you, I kept thinking what a labor of love the production here must have been. So many photos to sort through, choose from, and arrange, plus setting up the notes on each dog. (The website itself is no small undertaking.) It’s not exactly a money-making commercial, and at two minutes, is going to be expensive to place. Maybe if we spread the word, it will become an internet phenomenon. It deserves it.
I thought about one on cats, but that would really really be tough. I can just imagine owners saying, “Come on, Garfield, we need some shots for the commercial” and the cats thinking something I can’t print here.
This is BRILLIANT. May I reblog??
Oh please do!!
Beautiful! Made me go hug Dawg and give him a treat for no good reason. He likes it when I do that.
Besides being a rescue, Dawg is also my service animal, and a winner of the Hero of the Year award for his breed for saving my life several times every week…
I saw Dawg’s pic on your website or somewhere. The two of you together. Awesome dog, er, dawg. Truly remarkable. There shouldn’t be a single animal languishing in a shelter anywhere. None.
Annie’s been getting a lot more attention too. And about all she does is keep the couch warm. I can’t complain, though. She mimics my behavior perfectly.
Totally agree, an inspiring clip. Our Yorkie Winston was a purchase made without due regard for responsibility and had we not adopted him, he would have been adrift in the secondary market. There is great need for much more regulation in the “pet” industry, IMO.
Winston sounds like the perfect name for a Yorkie, and he’s lucky to have you.
I agree about the regulation. Something is desperately needed. Too many irresponsible humans are responsible for too many homeless, unwanted pets, and I think it’s criminal.
All of our doggies (3), (2) kities and 3 donkeys, 1 horse is are rescues. Living in their forever home. Feels good to save life.
It does indeed, although I often think my dog saved me. Love, companionship, a happy attitude — all so valuable for someone who lives alone. You’ve reminded me of the wonderful piece “I Rescued a Human Today” by Janine Allen. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about rescuing dogs.
Thank you for all you do! I will take a look at your blog too! Melody
Oh that was so well done PT. Thanks so much for sharing it! 😀
Well, time for me to play it again and get my daily dose of sunshine. Glad it brightened your day too.
I could not find a link, but I remember reading the National SPCA organization is not rated very well as a charity. If one is to donate any money, they should always do it to local chapters; the national organization does not give much money to the local branches.
Wish I could have found the article, but if one wants to check, just ask your local branch.
As for the movie, I agree . . . much better. The usual ones just make me want to go out and beat up irresponsible pet owners.
I hear that. Every one of those poor homeless, neglected animals owes their situation to some irresponsible human somewhere.
I had to come back. This is a winner. (Subaru does a pretty great job, too)
Could it be that ASPCA prefers the money – instead of encouraging adoptions? After all, you adopt from/pay fees to your local branch SPCA that is not funded by the ASPCA?
This certainly does make you want to go grab a couple.
Maybe you should reblog this each January as counterbalance?