Independent agency Hanson Dodge (HD) has found a creative way to combine two of its favorite things — design and dogs — with the launch of its new community initiative, #LeashUp.
Located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, where dogs are as common as creatives, the agency has reimagined everyday pedestrian walk signs to remind owners to leash their pets in public spaces. The installations feature clever graphic twists that turn the familiar walking figure into a subtle — and funny — nod to responsible dog ownership.
Each sign also includes a QR code linking to resources and a social call-to-action, encouraging passersby to share how they “walk their pups responsibly” using the hashtag #LeashUp.
“We wanted to give our neighborhood a gentle, playful reminder — something that fits our personality and our love for dogs,” said a Hanson Dodge spokesperson. “Everyone at HD takes their pets seriously, but we also believe in having fun with the message.”
That love of dogs runs deep inside the agency. Hanson Dodge has long been dog-friendly (and dog-encouraged), with a shared office “dog calendar” so staff know which four-legged coworkers are visiting each day.
Every Monday morning, the all-staff meeting even ends with a rotating slideshow of employees’ dogs. This tradition has become as essential to agency culture as brainstorming and brand strategy.
The #LeashUp installations are now visible throughout Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward — offering a small, lighthearted reminder that being a good neighbor includes keeping your best friend on a leash.
CREDITS:
BRAND: Historic Third Ward Association
AGENCY: Hanson Dodge
- Chief Creative Officer: Mike Roe
- Creative Director: Katherine Schmidt
- Associate Creative Director: Mike Betette
- Art Director: Konrad Losiak
- Producer: Michael Joyce
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Angie Rothen returns to Hanson Dodge
