Sound the alarm: Pets count, and companies are counting on it
By Gina Spadafori
September 26, 2009
When I bought my first home in 1989, I had a security system put in. The technician who did the work took a look at my big dogs and said, “Lady, not my business to tell you, but I’m not sure you don’t have a great security system already.”
I told him I was putting the system in to protect the pets, because honestly, the stuff in the house just doesn’t mean that much to me.
He looked at me as if I were crazy.
It’s 20 years later, and I just saw this ad from ADT while watching a college football game. Watch it, and tell me that how we view our pets hasn’t changed:
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Wow. I mean, really …. wow. I can’t imagine seeing an ad like this even 10 years ago. Homeowner, woman, apparently single, who wants a security system to protect … her pet.
Turns out I was just 20 years ahead of the times … or maybe it’s just that companies are just now catching up to the idea that “family” isn’t just one man, one woman and a couple of cute kids. And that we care about everyone in our families.
Kudos, ADT, for “getting it.”
10 years ago when we bought our house, I insisted that they add the smoke detector to the home security system for exactly this reason — protect the dogs when we weren’t home.
They didn’t get it either.
Comment by Kathleen Weaver — September 26, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
I didn’t realize that a smoke detector could be connected to the alarm…… now I need ADT for Mylo!
Comment by Trish — September 27, 2009 @ 5:19 am
It was probably eight years ago that a man came knocking at my door selling a home security system.
I laughed at him as my two GSDs and the deceptively Gund-toy-ish Pip — who had all sounded the most impressive alarm — regarded him calmly from their positions by the front door.
He didn’t miss a beat — This system includes fire and carbon monoxide protection, which is so important when your animals are home alone.
I didn’t buy the security system, but ten points out of ten for recovery and salesmanship.
Comment by H. Houlahan — September 27, 2009 @ 6:47 am
Never thought of the fire aspect if I weren’t home to protect my pets but glad my security system does have a fire alarm.
Comment by VJ — September 27, 2009 @ 7:12 am
Seriously, this may be the most effective ad aimed at my demographic that I have ever seen in my life. It makes me want to pick up the phone and call, not for the burglary issue, but to protect the pets from fire.
And I’m not all that susceptible to advertising!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — September 27, 2009 @ 7:30 am
Comment by Gina Spadafori — September 27, 2009 @ 7:30 am
I agree! My reaction was “Oh WOW! I need that!”
Comment by straybaby — September 27, 2009 @ 8:18 am
This is the exact reason I have a security system. I have fire and carbon monoxide protection tied to my system. I don’t care about the electronics or other “replaceables”. I just want to make sure that if something happens while I am gone, my pets have help on the way.
Comment by anecdote — September 27, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
My daughter is 11 and raises money to put specially designed pet oxygen masks in fire departments across the country. Fire/smoke detectors are vital to saving humans and pets. These oxygen masks help the fire fighters after the pet is rescued. It provides the oxygen needed after the animal has been inhaling smoke and it also helps protect the fire fighters from being bitten as the pet gets better. These have saved many animals already. You can help by letting your fire departments know these masks exist or by making a donation. Please check out Monica’s website http://www.petmask.com.
Comment by Wendy — September 28, 2009 @ 6:19 am
Wendy, you must be so proud of your daughter. Go Monica!!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — September 28, 2009 @ 9:00 am