We all know the ASPCA Sarah McLachlan ads where she sings
“In the Arms of an Angel”, while pictures of sad abused animals are flashed
before our eyes. This is obviously designed to guilt trip us into rushing out
and adopting a pet. But isn’t this exactly the sort of thing that could lead to
pets being neglected or abused: manipulating people into getting a pet they
don’t really want and aren’t truly prepared to care for? I mean, please don’t
misunderstand me here: I’m not trying to cast aspersions upon Sarah McLachlan
or the ASPCA; I think they mean well and try hard and really help animals in need. It’s just
that I’m not so sure this strategy is the best way to lead people into healthy
relationships with pets.
Shouldn’t a person really want a pet before they get one?
And if so, then surely presenting pets in a fun and attractive light would be
more realistic for attracting prospective pet owners, right? So then, why not
show dogs and cats playing and looking healthy and fun, rather than parading
sorrow and guilt across the screen? And for an ad about dogs, it might be
really appropriate to use the Stooges’ song: “I Wanna Be Your Dog” while
showing dogs running, playing, jumping, sniffing the camera, licking someone’s
face, etc. With the hip group of people who are parents nowadays, I think that
song might just be perfect for a dog adoption ad.
Here is why I think it might be a better strategy than the
ASPCA/Sarah McLachlan ad:
