Just, what the eff.
The Westminster Dog Show has severed their relationship with Pedigree because their "adopt a shelter dog" commercials are too sad.
News flash: SHELTER DOGS ARE SAD.
Screw you Westminster. You and all of your richy bitchy, too important, nose thumbing participants. I'm sorry shelter dogs aren't living in pink houses with sparkly collars and cupcakes so you can feel better about watching TV.
I can say this because I have participated in dog shows as a handler, including the string of Westminster ones (though not the big ones they show on TV). Pedigree attends these shows and promotes adoption events (as well as selling their stuff). Practically everyone involved in these shows - save for a few exceptions - are richy bitchy, too important, nose thumbing people.
While I think that it's fine to still do shows like this, even if it hovers on the line of taste (a la child beauty pageants), I don't think it's okay to purposely go out of your way to denigrate shelter dogs.
From the article:
"You people that would rather remain silent, or turn away, or close yourself off from tragedies, or from information, or from discussion, or from things that may not affect you directly–you people are worthless. You people are the reason this world is so completely f---ed up. Because y’all grossly outnumber the people who actually give a shit. And then ignorance reigns. And then oppression reigns. Yes, this is just a commercial. But yes, I just took it there–to a political perspective, to a societal perspective–because at the end of the day, it’s all the same, it’s all relatable."
By severing ties with Pedigree, which does a good job raising money for adoption events, Westminster is saying shelter dogs aren't worthy of the same treatment as their purebreds.
And I don't have a problem with purebred dogs either. Breeds are developed for a reason and often have jobs. People who want to promote that breed and keep it alive and accurate are to be thanked. I think that's great. It keeps dogs diverse.
Know what else is diverse? A shelter full of mutts. (And by the way, many shelters have just as many purebred pups too).
Look at these faces and then I will tell you about them:
These are my dogs. They complete my motley crew of a family.
The one on the left is Crazy Dog. He is undeniably mentally insane and probably a sociopath, and a drain on our patience on a regular basis. He is also the smartest dog I have ever met.
He is adopted.
The one on the right is Roxy. She is a joy and bursting with life. I am pretty sure if it was possible for dogs to shit rainbows she would do it. She is a purebred corgi, but she was a puppy mill dog and was only bred because there is a market for purebreds that is merciless. She was then dumped at a shelter when someone didn't want her and had genetic bone issues requiring three surgeries we had to pay for (so far).
She is adopted.
And they are both (despite my constant rant of the opposite) wonderful dogs.
These dogs aren't any less important or worthy than the dogs in those rings.
We need to stand up to this kind of bigotry against shelter dogs.
I even started a cause page on facebook (I am one of those people now. I know.).
Join it and stand with me.
