Introducing “The Canine Effect”

Saatchi & Saatchi loves dogs. Every Friday, ten lucky employees get to bring their pooches to work. The dogs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, breeds and colors. Some are hyperkinetic. Others are mellow. The common bond is an ability to bring smiles to people’s faces. When Saatchi asked its interns to develop a campaign for the cause of our choice, we immediately focused on animal shelters. Dogs make us smile too.

Now it’s your turn to bring a smile to a dog’s face by participating in “The Canine Effect”, our initiative to support G.R.A.C.E., an animal rescue in El Segundo (http://www.graceanimalrescue.org/).  The interns will also be hosting a series of events, such as cuddle-a-puppy day and a revamped “Rubber Ducky” program, to raise money for this great cause. Details on these events will be released soon.

In the meantime, stay tuned for updates on the progress of our project. Every week, we will feature the stories of Saatchi dog owners and their pets to give you a sense of why we care so much about dogs. We invite you to share your dog’s stories with us on Facebook and Twitter. Keep an eye out for the hashtag #RealDogsRealOwners.

We’re happy to be a part of the Saatchi family. With our mutual love for dogs, we feel right at home.

Sincerely,

The 2012 Summer Interns at Saatchi LA

Now, meet some of Saatchi LA’s “Real Dogs, Real Owners”…

Owner

Nicole Buckley

Dog’s Name

Benji

Age

Six months old

Breed

Unknown because he’s a rescue (possibly poodle-terrier)

Benji’s Story

Benji visited the office for the first time on Friday, July 6, yet his Saatchi roots extend way back. Nicole adopted him while shooting the Prius c online configurator in Culver City, where the set next door had 15 rescue puppies visiting. The dogs were a perfect fit for Nicole and two other Saatchi employees. They each adopted one as soon as the shoot ended. Things happen quickly with Benji. Because he’s just six months old, Benji is full of energy. He loves to play Frisbee and run in the dog park with Nicole and her fiancé. In their house, Nicole and her fiancé play fetch with Benji. He can go back and forth forever. One thing that’s taking some time for Benji is making his way through obedience school. From his puppy kindergarten class, he is potty-trained and has learned to sit, lie down, and shake for treats. He is still working on Frisbee and come commands, though. Benji is very vocal when he wants something from Nicole. If he can’t jump onto the couch with her and her fiancé, he starts whining. If Nicole doesn’t put down the phone, or if she isn’t petting him, Benji starts whining. He’s feisty. His energy fits right in at Saatchi.

Owner

Margaret Nickerson

Dog’s Name

Maebe

Age

Six years old

Breed

Golden retriever

Maebe’s Story

Maebe owes her name and her adoption to her owner’s love of television. Margaret was watching The Oprah Winfrey Show when she fell in love with the breed of golden retrievers on that episode. Their beautiful white coats of fur inspired Margaret to contact the breeder Oprah used and adopt Maebe. Maebe is named after a rebellious teenage girl from the cult classic Arrested Development. Maebe the dog is far less defiant of authority than Maebe the character. When she visits the office, Maebe spends her day sleeping by the window. She is a joy to have at Saatchi because she is so gentle. Maebe likes to hold hands. Sometimes she tries to hold the editors’ hands when they are cutting film for commercials. But she never interrupts their work. Maybe Maebe has inherited Margaret’s appreciation for TV.

Owner

Landon Nguyen

Dog’s Name

Kennedy “Kitty” Bouvier

Age

18 months old

Breed

Unknown because she’s a rescue (possibly poodle-Yorkie mix)

Kitty’s Story

Kitty is treated like royalty by Landon. Start with her name, which she owes to John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier. Continue to her attire—pearls, a leather collar and a floral-print dress. Every morning, Kitty chooses which dress she wants to wear, looking at the ones Landon is holding and pawing at the one she wants. Landon helps her get dressed and then sprays Gucci perfume on her fur. Yes, Gucci. Kitty’s pampered lifestyle belies her humble beginnings at Saving Spot animal shelter. She was barely two months old when Landon came in and picked her out of her cage. As Kitty rested her head against Landon’s arm, he knew they were a match. Despite her dress, her pearls and her perfume, Kitty likes to get her paws dirty, running around and burrowing. She herds her toys in the corner, often ripping the stuffing out of them in her hurry to organize them. Her new toys don’t have stuffing, so she rips the squeakers out instead. Yet Kitty is a princess at heart, right down to her impeccable manners. At Landon’s command, she will kick, sit, shake, spin or offer her paw. Her etiquette is a welcome addition to the Saatchi office.