An ad by Budweiser promoting the downside of drinking and driving through the eyes of a dog waiting for his owner to return after a night of drinking has gone viral. The ad stars several Labradors playing the role of Cooper and 25-year-old Nile Sarkisian, who plays his owner. The ad has gotten over 1.5 million views since it aired in 2014 and is a reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Cooper grows from a puppy to an adult dog

Initially heartwarming, the ad begins with clips of the puppy Cooper and his new owner, showing Cooper as he steadily grows bigger. There are scenes of the dog and owner playing and relaxing together, and generally spending time forming the bonds that many dogs and their owners do over time.

Cooper’s owner spends a night out drinking with friends

Next, we are treated to a scene of the now-adult Cooper’s owner leaving for a night of drinking with friends. We know this because one person in the group is carrying a six-pack of Budweiser beer. Cooper watches the group forlornly as they head for what we can assume is his owner’s vehicle.

Cooper waits anxiously for his owner’s return

The video goes on to show Cooper waiting anxiously for his owner to return. At one point he raises his head when he sees headlights, thinking it is his owner, only for it to be a passing car. By the general mood of the commercial at this point, you are left wondering if things are going to turn out badly for Cooper’s owner.

The ad’s message hits home

The screen then switches to black and the words, “For some, the waiting never ended.” This is followed by, “But we can change that.” The next scene is of Cooper looking up, a smile on his face. This is because he can hear his owner’s return, as the front door opens and he walks through.

The importance of drinking responsibly

His owner apologizes to Cooper and explains to him how he had been drinking and thought it best if he stayed at a friend’s house the night before, as opposed to drinking and driving. The commercial switches to a black screen again with the words, “Make a plan to make it home. Your friends are counting on you.” appearing.

Drunk driving kills over 10,000 people each year

There is then a final scene of the two cuddling with Cooper’s owner telling Cooper he is back. This commercial is a sweet reminder of why it is important to not drink and drive. It further emphasizes how you should make plans beforehand if you know you are going to be out drinking.

This is important as almost 30 people are killed in the U.S. in drunk driving crashes each day, according to NHTSA. You can watch the commercial, and see its timely and poignant message, in the video below

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Source: adswithme.com