An animal home's first ever television advertisement is to be shown tonight to urge people to take in a homeless dog.

The Mayhew Animal Home in Ternmar Gardens in Kensal Green's 90-second slot will appear in an ad break during Channel 4's coverage of dog competition Crufts and was written and directed by Dominic Goldman, creative director of advertising agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty.

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Eight months ago Mr Goldman wanted to turn his hand to directing and decided to pursue a topic close to his heart - the rehoming of abandoned pets.

He sought out The Mayhew Animal House as the charity to benefit from the endeavour even though he is not local to the area, and Bartle Bogle Hegarty produced and paid for the whole clip.

Mr Goldman said: "I simply can’t bear to watch ads about abused or starving animals. It’s just too upsetting. I wanted to write an ad that spoke the truth about what dogs give us - how they make us feel. Why we love them so such. If just one dog is adopted and has an incredible 15 year life with a family, who will benefit from everything they bring, it will all be worth it."

The ad shows a football referee, a charity street fundraiser and a nightclub bouncer having to endure disregard and harassment before going home to be greeted by their pet dog and its ‘Unconditional Love’.

Caroline Yates, chief executive of the home, said: "We are delighted that Dominic chose The Mayhew for this project. We are always looking at different ways of  raising our profile and informing people of our vital work.

"Dominic and the team from BBH have been such a fantastic help and we are sure the advert will help to inform people of the many and varied benefits that pet ownership can bring, but, more importantly, help to save a life by adopting from a rescue centre such as The Mayhew, where we are constantly trying to stem the tide of abandoned, unwanted and neglected animals we see on a daily basis."