Barking at the Knot

Understanding the hidden history of animal services

In the Arms of the Angel: The Strange History of Sadvertising

As an industry, we’ve often resorted to shocking imagery to relate to the public. But why? The history of Sadvertising has unexpected roots.

Audrey Lodato

November 28, 2025

1980s, 1990s, Animal Welfare

Advertising, animal control, animal shelters, Animal Welfare, animals, Cats, dogs, history, In the arms of the angel, pets, Sadvertising, Sarah McLaughlin, Shock and horror, Spay and neuter, The ASPCA, the humane movement, Transparency, Transparent, writing
Early No Kill

Early no kill language first showed up in the media in the 1970s. How its use evolved is important to our perception of the no kill movement today.

Audrey Lodato

September 3, 2025

1970s, 1980s, Animal Welfare

1970s, 1980s, advocacy, animal control, Animal Welfare, animals, ASPCA, Cats, dog, dogs, history, Humane Movement, hydrophobia, in the name of Mercy, Massachusetts, No kill, pets, Rabies
Ed Duvin’s “Unfinished Business”

This week, in a bit of a deviation from my usual content, I’m choosing to repost Ed Duvin’s 1999 essay “Unfinished Business” in it’s entirety. I have noticed that one of the few places I could go to find this essay has disappeared. I worry it will get lost if not preserved, so this is…

Audrey Lodato

June 17, 2025

1980s, 1990s, Animal Welfare

animal control, Animal rights, Animal sheltering, Animal Welfare, animals, Cats, dogs, history, in the name of Mercy, No kill, pets, Progress, veganism