If reality was this year’s Christmas ad theme at the beginning of November, it has certainly been replaced now by classic feel good Christmas magic stories. This one, by VCCP Blue, is for Dogs Trust – the story of a little girl whose wish that her dog, Buddy, could talk is answered (an idea perhaps triggered by Reels, which abounds in dog voiceovers).

Thank you for my Happy Place applauds the everyday dedication of dog owners across the UK, recognising the joy, effort and love they pour into giving their dogs a safe, happy home, particularly during the festive season.

The campaign is inspired by the insight that true happiness for dogs comes from human commitment – the simple, everyday gestures that make them feel safe and loved.

The campaign was developed by VCCP creatives, Jade Sturman and Tori Fannon, and the film was directed by Neil Gorringe through Girl&Bear Studios, with Buddy’s voice by Mark Benton.

The full campaign covers TV, cinema, BVOD, online, national out-of-home with localised Dogs Trust centre thank yous, radio, Display, and social media.  Media strategy, planning and buying, handled by the7stars, includes a collaboration with Picturehouse for its dog-friendly screening across the festive period. Supporting activity across digital was led by Propellernet and the wider PR press campaign is led by The Ripple Effect.

Supporting the campaign is a dog toy, Lucy Longlegs, that is available to purchase from the Dogs Trust online shop for £8, named after a Lurcher at the charity’s West Calder rehoming centre. All profits will help the charity rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more dogs. 

Owen Sharp, CEO of Dogs Trust, stated, “This Christmas, we want to recognise the heroes of every rehoming story, the people who give dogs the happy places they deserve. This campaign is a heartfelt thank you to them and a celebration of everything Dogs Trust stands for.”

Ross Neil, executive creative director at VCCP, added,“We were struck by a simple but powerful truth: dogs can’t say thank you, not with words. But they show it every day, in their own way. We wanted to create something that wasn’t just festive, but lasting. A story that speaks to the heart of what it means to rescue, to care, and to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

Credits:

Client: Dogs Trust 

Creative Agency: VCCP Blue
Executive Creative Director: Ross Neil
Associate Creative Directors: Stephen Misir, Jade Sturman & Tori Fannon
Managing Partner: Ed Maxwell
Account Director: Lucy Williams
Account Manager: Katie Shea
Executive Planning Director: Matt Wyatt
Strategy Support: Lucy Rowland
Creative Producer: Jack Higgins
Designer & Art Director: Holly Powell
Broadcast Affairs Manager: Julia Matthews

Production Company: Girl&Bear Studios
Film Producer: Selena Cunningham
Executive Producer: Francesa Best
Director: Neil Gorringe
Production Manager: Miriam Deas
Production Coordinator: Angeline Gill
Production Assistant: Ana Ungureanu
Senior Designer: Steven Tinkler
Director of Photography: Murren Tullett
Editor: James Rosen At Final Cut

Post-Production Company: Absolute Post
Post Producer: Tia Duff & Sian Hagan
Colourist: Peter Oppersdorff

Audio Post-Production Company: Absolute Post
Sound Engineer: Arge
Music: Felt Music

Media Agency: The7stars
Digital Agency: Propellernet