Everyone looks. Everyone.
P.A.W.S, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, is a local no-kill shelter that takes in, and adopts out, dogs and cats and provides care for all sorts of animals.
This idea actually sprang from a conversation with a PAWS employee about the sad situation of puppies being given away out of boxes, an act which is the antithesis of what PAWS stands for. If people can give away puppies (or kittens) for free, why take the time to spay and neuter their pets? This attitude contributes to a large percentage of the abandoned or lost animals PAWS has at the shelter.
Since the “free puppies” image has such a strong emotional draw, it seemed natural to recreate its powerful effect to grab attention. Whether you’re looking for a new pet or not, it’s nearly impossible to walk past a box of free puppies without peeking inside.
The box is simple cardboard with an intentionally handmade sign taped on the outside reading “Free Puppies.” A false bottom fits inside the box to conceal a small CD boombox playing pre-recorded puppy noises. The false bottom also serves as delivery area for the message.
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Elapsed time: 15 minutes
People flock to it. Some out of curiosity, others with excitement, hoping too see fuzzy little bundles of joy frolicking around. Regardless of the motivation, the effect is powerful.
The sweet old lady pictured below was convinced that there were real puppies trapped inside. I ended up taking it apart to prove to her that it was just a recording.
