Combustible pets rely on Pedigree digestive

Anyone who's been a dog owner can relate to this Pedigree campaign by TBWA Paris. See all three ads here. "Beware of the dog" signs are permuted to reflect all-too-common canine terrors like bad breath, diarrhea and obesity—problems that can be fixed with Pedigree dental, digestive and diet formulas. The headline in the ad above might seem like hyperbole. But as I recall the sorry state of my parents' kitchen after their fox terrier ate something she shouldn't have, like a banana cream pie or a pair of socks, I can personally confirm that it isn't. In fact, these signs could be most effective for deterring intruders. The work almost makes a person want to buy a cat. If Fido's offended, well, life is ruff. Via Ads of the World.

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Published on December 22, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Filed under Animals, Europe, Gianatasio, Pedigree, TBWA

Obama also dealing with load of ad appeals

Brandweek notes that a week after the election, advertisers continue to run ads that speak directly to Barack Obama. In The New York Times, the ACLU reminds the president-elect of a humanitarian pledge and bids him to "restore America's moral leadership in the world." At the opposite end of the spectrum, Pedigree in USA Today touts DogsRule.com and says, "We'd love to help you fulfill your first campaign promise" to buy a dog now that the race is over. (See a larger version here.) There was no such phenomenon when Bill Clinton or George W. Bush took office—it's hard to imagine the latter reading a newspaper, and the former probably focusing on the entre nous section in the back. These Obama ads underscore the level of personal investment that individuals, groups and corporations feel they have in Obama's election. The true test, of course, will come as soon as Obama makes a few unpopular decisions. That's when we'll learn how strong these connections forged during the run-up to the White House truly are, and if the incoming administration's view of media is as social as it now appears.

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Published on November 11, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (3)
Filed under Gianatasio, Pedigree, Politics