Man’s best friend truly earns this title: dogs listen to what we say, follow us wherever we go — with no privacy at all, even while going potty — and protect us without question. They cherish every moment spent with us, waggling their tails at the mere sight of us. Yet, they cannot talk, which is probably the hardest thing to accept about dogs (or any other animal, frankly). Still, their behavior says it all: the head tilt, the face licking, or the playful barks are some of the signals they use to express the loyalty and the trust they carry for us. Even without the ability to talk, they make their feelings visible.
With all these small gestures, we can figure out what’s going on in their minds. But if your dog could talk, what would they say? According to Dogs Trust, a leading UK charity in dog welfare, they’d say: “Thank you for my happy place.” (We’re not crying, you are). This right here is the message that lies at the heart of the organization’s holiday ad, created by global creative agency of record VCCP Blue.
The campaign is dedicated to all dog owners across the UK, celebrating their dedication and the acts of love, care, cuddles, and patience they shower their pups with every day. Because, at the end of the day, this is the biggest gift we can give to our pets: our commitment to taking good care of them.
So, speaking on behalf of all dogs is Buddy, the protagonist of the video titled “Thank you for my Happy Place.” The rescue dog alongside his best friend Daisy are spotted sharing wonderful moments: Voiced by actor Mark Benton, Buddy expresses his joy for unwrapping Christmas presents, going on muddy walks, for being paid the “turkey tax,” or for snuggling on the sofa. As the story unfolds, the audience learns what Buddy’s “happy place” is: it is the family who adopted him and who deeply cares for him, so he can feel safe and loved.
Commenting on the campaign, Owen Sharp, CEO of Dogs Trust, said: “This Christmas, we want to recognise the heroes of every rehoming story, the people who give dogs the happy places they deserve. This campaign is a heartfelt thank you to them and a celebration of everything Dogs Trust stands for.”
“We were struck by a simple but powerful truth: dogs can’t say thank you, not with words. But they show it every day, in their own way. We wanted to create something that wasn’t just festive, but lasting. A story that speaks to the heart of what it means to rescue, to care, and to be part of something bigger than yourself,” continued Ross Neil, Executive Creative Director at VCCP.
Developed by VCCP creatives Jade Sturman and Tori Fannon, the hero film was brought to life under the direction of award-winning filmmaker Neil Gorringe through Girl&Bear Studios. His talent helped capture the very essence of what a home means to a dog and how rewarding it is for a family to provide a loving, secure place for their pet.
The initiative runs across TV, cinema, BVOD, online, national OOH with localized Dogs Trust center thank yous, radio, Display, and social media. the7stars was in charge of handling media strategy, planning, and buying, which includes a partnership with Picturehouse for their dog-friendly screening across the festive period. The wider PR press campaign is led by The Ripple Effect, while Propellernet provided support across digital.
CREDITS
Brand: Dogs Trust
Agency: VCCP Blue
Director: Neil Gorringe
