Have you seen Subaru’s latest TV commercial? You know, the one that tugs at your heartstrings – and maybe your tear ducts – by featuring some very special shelter dogs?
If you haven’t caught it: “The Underdogs” features seven adorable, adoptable dogs with a range of special needs. An accompanying landing page showcases short intros to each pup, like Echo, a sweet girl who’s a great listener despite being deaf, and Cooper, who – even with just three legs – is the first to greet visitors at the door.
The campaign is part of Subaru Loves Pets month. The carmaker’s commitment to dogs and cats is hardly new – it’s given $25 million to the ASPCA and helped 57,000 animals since 2008.
This year, Subaru is taking its pupper-love one step further by designating Tuesday, Oct. 22, as the first-ever National #MakeADogsDay. It’s about showing your own dog a little extra love, yes. But it’s also about opening your heart to The Underdogs.
Here are four ways you can join in to celebrate and support shelter dogs, underdogs and even your own dog in October.
Join with Subaru to donate online
When you buy from three ASPCA Charity Wish Lists through Oct. 22, Subaru will donate an additional $10 (up to $250,000). You can choose between the ASPCA’s Adoption Center, Field Investigations and Response team, or its Weaverville, N.C.-based Behavioral Rehabilitation Center. The first-ever permanent facility – located about 15 minutes from Asheville – is dedicated to the rehabilitation and study of extremely fearful, unadoptable homeless dogs.
Donate pet supplies in person
The Charlotte region’s Subaru dealerships are hosting new pet supplies drives all month long. Requested items include food (canned or dry); collars, harnesses and leashes; towels or blankets; grooming supplies; food bowls; small dog or cat toys; treats; and cleaning supplies. These donations will help keep local shelter animals healthy and happy – which, in turn, increases their chances of adoption. As thanks for contributions, you can pick up a free Subaru-themed dog toy (while supplies last).
Participating locations include:
- Subaru South Boulevard (benefiting CMPD Animal Control)
- Williams Subaru on Independence Boulevard
- Tindol Subaru in Gastonia
- Subaru Concord (benefiting Catering 2 Cats and Dogs Rescue)
Adopt an underdog
This is the call to action at the heart of National #MakeADogsDay. Of the 3.3 million dogs that enter shelters each year, Underdogs are the ones that have the toughest time finding forever homes. By featuring dogs like Echo and Cooper, Subaru aims to bring awareness to the hardest-to-adopt shelter dogs – those that are older, deaf, blind, amputees, born with birth defects or living with other physical challenges.
Interested in opening your heart and your home to an Underdog? Contact the Greater Charlotte SPCA, Humane Society of Charlotte or another local rescue.
Do something special for your dog
We’ll take any excuse to show our four-legged family members a little extra love. Maybe that’s just one more snuggle or a special treat from Canine Café. Or an extra-long evening walk on a greenway or romp at Davie Dog Park. Or maybe it’s an outing that includes a dog-friendly brewery like Triple C or a frozen treat from a local scoop shop.
However you celebrate man’s best friend this Tuesday, we know it’ll #MakeADogsDay.
