Timothy Moore
No Comments

[WATCH] Budweiser’s Dog-Filled Anti-Drinking-and-Driving Ad Still Hits Home

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

Budweiser’s “Friends Are Waiting” ad features an adorable pooch and an important message

Back in 2014, Budweiser released an ad called “Friends Are Waiting” warning against drinking and driving. Said ad tugged at our heartstrings because it featured an adorable dog.

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

I mean, come one, just look at this guy

It’s been one and a half years since this tearjerker first aired, but until I upgraded to commercial-free Hulu a couple weeks ago, I would still see it here and there. (And because New Girl randomly has a weird contract that still requires ads to be played even though I shell out an extra three bucks a month specifically to avoid that, I still might see it now and again.)

nick miller shaking head - new girl gif

Despite having seen “Friends Are Waiting” so many times, I still get worked up over the ad. What can I say? I’m a sucker for good advertising, especially where dogs are concerned. (You just try and watch this Subaru ad without crying. Go on, I dare you.)

WATCH: Budweiser’s “Friends Are Waiting” Ad Features Adorable Dog

The ad features the song “I’ll Be Waiting” by Dan Rodriguez and follows the story of a man and his dog, from puppy to full-grown. One night, the man leaves the house with some friends (and a six-pack of Budweiser (because apparently that’s all it takes to get six adults drunk). Then we get some really sad shots of the dog all alone at home, which is heartbreaking in itself, because I have a dog with separation anxiety, and I immediately picture him sulking around my house while I’m away.

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

Sad that his human has left him

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

On the constant lookout for his human’s safe return

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

“I guess I’ll pass the time with this toy”

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

“Oh, headlights and a car sound! That’s him! That’s him!”

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

“Oh, guess not”

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

“Is he ever coming back?”

Then we get these two somber messages…

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

But all is well in the morning, when the man returns home for lots of doggy pets and kisses. He explains to his dog that he had too much to drink—presumably one of six beers from that six pack—so he stayed at Dave’s.

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

All the doggy kisses

Respectable, of course, because you should never drink and drive. But also, has this guy never heard of Uber?

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

“Oh my gosh you’re back you’re back I’m so happy I can’t calm down”

Either way, the ad has a happy ending as man and dog are reunited. But we’re still left with the sobering (get it?) reminder that not everyone does make it home to their dogs, or kids, or spouses, or Xbox Live friends. The point is clear: don’t drink and drive, because there are people counting on you.

As Budweiser says, friends are waiting.

Budweiser Friends Are Waiting Drinking and Driving Dog Ad

Friends are waiting