Meet one of Animal Fair’s Most Eligible Pets … we just dig a man in uniform! There is nothing more appealing than a dog who dedicates his life to crime prevention. The world was introduced to the ambitious pooch in a rumpled trench coat in 1980. Since then, McGruff the Crime Dog has taught millions of people that police can’t do it alone … everyone can help “take a bite out of crime”. McGruff has dedicated the past twenty-five years (that’s 175 in dog years!) to public service. We love a dog who knows what he wants. He truly is man’s best friend to adults and children alike. It’s about time this loveable canine got a shout out!
In his first public service announcement (PSA), McGruff barked out the words, “You don’t know me, yet. But you will”. He was right – the unforgettable trademark slogan, “take a bite out of crime” is known by more than half the population. This hound dog is recognized and trusted as a face of public safety by 74% of adults and 76% of children. Created by adman Jack Keil, McGruff was modeled after Humphrey Bogart and Peter Falk (Columbo) and ended up getting his name in a “name that dog” contest from an officer in New Orleans.
The beloved icon of the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has even taken his nephew, Scruff, under his paw. Scruff is a children’s role model whose adventures help kids learn to make good decisions about issues like bullies, drugs, weapons, violence, and dangerous strangers. McGruff just released
new radio public service announcements this year focusing on neighborhood safety with the help of celebrity Joy Behar, a co-host of ABC’s The View. Though the famous Crime Dog has been around for many years, his messages of prevention are still relevant. Over twenty million people were victims of crime last year and new emerging crimes are victimizing individuals at alarming rates. Today, the focus of McGruff’s messages have evolved to address 21st century concerns such as cyber-safety, identity theft and even homeland security. America knows we can always count on our favorite dog to remain at the forefront, urging everyone to help “take a bite out of crime”.
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