Phillies' Chase Utley Is Star Of New Pet Adoption Ad Campaign
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The animal rights group "PETA" (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is departing from some controversial tactics of its past -- such as having women disrobe in public -- to unveil a decidedly more conventional form of advertising.
But the Phillies star who is featured in it says that doesn't make the message any less meaningful.
The print ad shows a smiling (and fully clothed) Chase Utley hugging his panting pit bull Jack, who's a bit more of a show-off. Their message: save a homeless dog or cat.
"The whole concept here is to adopt and not to buy," says Utley. "There are so many wonderful animals at shelters across the United States that need homes."
Jack was one of them, he adds, rescued from a dogfighting ring and adopted by Chase and his wife Jen, who'd already taken in two cats. A goal of their foundation is to prevent animal cruelty.
The Utleys unveiled the PETA ad at Seger Dog Park, 11th and Lombard Streets in center city Philadelphia. Some concerned canines cornered Jack, wanting to know when his pop -- with bum knee -- would be back out in the yard to play ball.
We got Chase to translate:
"He's a little restless these days. I haven't been able to be too active with him. But soon enough."
Reported by Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio 1060.
