That was fast. Internet giant GoDaddy released its Super Bowl ad online today, then said it won't be using it, after howls of discontent from dog advocates over the spot, which featured NASCAR's Danica Patrick and a golden retriever.
In the 30-second ad, a golden retriever puppy falls out of a truck but finds its way home. Unfortunately for the pooch, its owner went on GoDaddy.com to make a website to sell the dog, AdWeek reported
Animal lovers didn't get the joke, though. They pointed out that dogs sold often come from puppy mills and set up the hashtag #GoDaddyPuppy to rally critics. A Change.org petition opposing the ad gained 42,000 signatures.
GoDaddy CEO Blake Irving went on Twitter to say "we will not air" the ad.
But don't worry about the dog.
While shooting the Super Bowl commercial with Patrick, GoDaddy employees fell in love with the pup, later named Buddy by GoDaddy followers on social media, and the company adopted it.
"As our Chief Companion Officer, Buddy will be interacting with customers, mostly small business owners who are looking for relaxation and a reprieve from their hectic workday," GoDaddy Chief Marketing Officer Barb Rechterman said in a news release. "We're already booking time with customers ... and our own employees are lining up to meet the little guy. All you have to do is look at him and 'bam,' your stress level goes down and your mood goes up."
That's a wrap with sweet little Buddy for the @godaddy Super Bowl spot! He's a keeper! pic.twitter.com/GqOQl1i3SH
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) December 13, 2014