Sick Of Insensitivity About Pet Loss, DQ Commercial Options

[Shimmer]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this or if it is acceptable to post. If it needs to be moved or deleted, I understand.

I admit that I may be oversensitive when it comes to pet loss so please let me know if you feel I am overreacting or if you agree with my feelings. I'm writing regarding the DQ (Dairy Queen) Moolatte commercial that has been airing lately. In the commercial, a woman is grieving the loss of her cat and the man who is pretending to console her can only concentrate on trying to drink the Moolatte that she is holding while he "hugs" her. I feel that it is an insensitive and offensive commercial. Pet loss is a serious subject and the commercial treats it as a joke.

I sent a short message expressing my concerns to DQ using the Consumer Relations option on their website. I received an email from them assuring me that the commercial was not "intended to offend" and that their "national advertising agency that produced the spot aimed for an upbeat and humorous theme". I fail to see the "humorous" and "upbeat" nature of pet loss.

I know that they really did not mean to produce an offensive commercial, no sensible company would. They seemed appreciate the feedback saying, "Your comments have been do%%ented and forwarded to the appropriate IDQ personnel for their review. We want you to know that we are taking your comments seriously and will take them into consideration as we review our advertising plans for the remainder of this
year".

If you have seen and are bothered by the commercial, I encourage you to voice your concerns as well. I wrote to DQ using "http://www.dairyqueen.com/en-US/Consumer+Relations/We+would+love+to+hear+from+you/default.htm" and clicking on the general comment option under the search box.

I hope that I am not being irrational regarding the commercial. I just feel that insensitivity regarding pet loss should not be encouraged or used as an advertising technique.

Sincerely,
Tracy

[LS Support]

being in the advertising industry for over 2 decades, i agree the commercial can be seen as insensitive. however (uh-oh), i pretty much believe the commercial is more pointing to the man's insensitivity in regards to the alleged humor than making light of the loss of the woman's pet. keep the letters and emails coming though, because DQ and its agency may yank the spot if enough people complain. at any length, their marketing team will be more respective to advertising they create in the future!