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.
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.)
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.
Sad that his human has left him
On the constant lookout for his human’s safe return
“I guess I’ll pass the time with this toy”
“Oh, headlights and a car sound! That’s him! That’s him!”
“Oh, guess not”
“Is he ever coming back?”
Then we get these two somber messages…
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.
All the doggy kisses
Respectable, of course, because you should never drink and drive. But also, has this guy never heard of Uber?
“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.
Friends are waiting
Timothy Moore takes his leadership inspiration from Michael Scott, his writing inspiration from Mark Twain, and his dancing inspiration from every drunk white guy at a wedding. When Tim is not writing about cars and money, he’s working on his novel or reading someone else’s, geeking out over strategy board games, hiking with his pooch, or channeling his inner Linda Belcher over beers with his friends. See more articles by Timothy.
