Behind the scenes at the Humane Society's PuppySwap commercial shoot
Reporter Susan Krashinsky got up close with some puppies during the filming of the organization's prank video
In a scene from the Toronto Humane Society’s “PuppySwap” campaign, a little boy plays with his new puppy. The video promotes a fake service that allows people to swap out their adult dogs for a more appealing puppy.
On set during filming of the “PuppySwap” commercial at a house in Mississauga, Ont. The makers of the ad are hoping people will be horrified by the idea of a service that lets people discard old dogs. The message is that “pet ownership is for life.”Susan Krashinsky/The Globe and Mail
The crew films a scene of the ad showing the fake PuppySwap mobile application, which lets users pick a new puppy based on criteria including colours, “social likeability,” and “cute factor.”Susan Krashinsky/The Globe and Mail
Walter the cockapoo relaxes in owner Kelly Fanson’s arms, in between takes during filming of the new “PuppySwap” commercial.Susan Krashinsky/The Globe and Mail
In a scene from the “PuppySwap” commercial, an adult dog is carted away, and exchanged for a new puppy.
A scene from the “PuppySwap” commercial. More than 180,000 animals are taken into shelters across Canada each year, according to a 2012 report from the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. Of those, roughly 60 per cent find homes.
A the golden retriever on set during the filming of the “PuppySwap” commercial at a house in Mississauga, Ont.Susan Krashinsky/The Globe and Mail
Filming a scene for the “PuppySwap” commercial at a house in Mississauga, Ont.Susan Krashinsky/The Globe and Mail
Animal handler Vi Hessing holds a golden retriever puppy named Lily, after filming a scene for the “PuppySwap” commercial.Susan Krashinsky/The Globe and Mail
A still from the new ad showing a PuppySwap customer receiving multiple “likes” on a photo of his puppy on social media.
A still from the ad showing the fake PuppySwap mobile application, which lets users pick a new puppy based on criteria including colours, “social likeability,” and “cute factor.”
A still from the ad showing a little boy receiving his new puppy.