The Super Bowl Has Gone to the Dogs

The San Francisco Forty-Niners may not be playing in this year’s Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5, but there are plenty of television commercials featuring man’s best friend. Advertisers know that “cute” sells, and have opted to use dogs this year in full force to grab the public’s attention. Sure, there’s still the adorable E*TRADE baby, but this year the dogs have it.

Subaru of America has a series of humorous ads with dogs in the driver's seat. One shows a group of dogs on a camping trip, trying unsuccessfully to launch a canoe into the lake. Another features a pack of dogs out for a day at the beach, including a surfing bulldog. The company’s slogan is, “Dog Tested. Dog Approved.” My husband and I joke that our Subaru Outback is our dog’s car because of the convenient gate at the back of the wagon, and it seems that the company has targeted dog owners as its market.

Not to be outdone, the American Suzuki Motor Corporation added Siberian huskies to its commercial to turn up the cute factor to sell its sport utility vehicle.

Volkswagen is staying true to its Star Wars theme this year. Last year it was a cute little boy in a Darth Vader costume, and this year, it's a chorus line of dogs singing "The Bark Side."

One of the canine stars this year is Mr. Quiggly, a French bulldog wearing red sneakers for a line of Sketchers running shoes. Quiggly reportedly beat out Kim Kardashian as the spokesmodel for Sketchers. The commercial is set at a greyhound racetrack, and some animal rights organizations have taken issue with the endorsement of greyhound racing.

Bud Light has a humorous spot about a party gone to the dogs with its “Dog Sitter” commercial, and Doritos is letting viewers vote ahead of time as to which ad to run on Super Bowl Sunday. One of the contenders is set in a dog park, but the humans are acting sillier than the canines.

Pet of the Week

Sandy is a cute 2-year old shepherd mix. She’s sweet and gentle, and according to her foster parent, has “the softest coat ever.” She’s very affectionate, knows how to “sit” and does well in her crate. Her favorite hobby is going to the beach and she takes to the water so well that she may have some Labrador retriever mixed in. Her adoption fee covers her spay and current vaccinations.

For more information about Sandy and other dogs available for adoption, visit Copper’s Dream Rescue website.