Westminster Dog Show Disallows Shelter Pet Message

courtesy spcaLA

The exclusive Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Dog Show has banned the mere mention of shelter dogs at its event.

They have dropped Pedigree, a long term dog food sponsor, because they didn't like Pedigree's ad campaign which encouraged people to adopt shelter pets. David Frei, a spokesperson for the show is reported as saying:
“Our show is a celebration of dogs. We’re not promoting purebreds at the expense of non-purebreds. We celebrate all dogs. When we’re seeing puppies behind bars, it takes away from that. Not just because it’s sad, but it’s not our message.”

Really? Pedigree, though often marketing to pure breeds, hence the name Pedigree, does not feel compromised in also addressing the plight of shelter pets. Shelters, do not feel their message is undermined by ministering to the needs of homeless pure breeds -often about 25% of their residents -and I believe a message that advocates the humane treatment, appreciation and respect for all dogs is one that truly celebrates dogs.

In fact, I get sad when watching the fancy breeds in the dog show and imagine them living in puppy mills, and wonder, how many of these less than fortunate members of this exclusive club will end up in my shelters sad, sick, and homeless.

Now that takes some of the enjoyment out of  it for me.