Game of Thrones fans are being urged to stop buying dogs that look like direwolves

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas, is a phrase as old as I can remember, but maybe it’s time to introduce another one: a dog is for life, not just because it looks like a direwolf, you idiot.

Yep, a record number of Game Of Thrones fans are going out and buying huskies and other “wolf-like” dogs, because they look like the furry fictional wolves from that show which you’ve probably never heard of. The only thing is, this record number also stretches to the amount of dogs abandoned.

Game Of Thrones first aired in 2011, and in 2010, around ten husky dogs were abandoned, but according to the Blue Cross, this number rose to 81 last year. The connection between the hit show and this unfortunate problem is obvious, because if you’ll remember: people are stupid.

Peter Dinklage, who plays good ole Tyrion, has teamed up with PETA to tackle the issue. He says:

“We understand that due to the direwolves' huge popularity, many folks are going out and buying huskies.

“Not only does this hurt all the deserving homeless dogs waiting for a chance at a good home in shelters, but shelters are also reporting that many of these huskies are being abandoned – as often happens when dogs are bought on impulse, without understanding their needs.

“Please, please, if you're going to bring a dog into your family, make sure that you're prepared for such a tremendous responsibility and remember to always, always, adopt from a shelter.”

Danielle Mason, rehoming centre manager at Southampton Blue Cross, adds:

“Huskies are very beautiful dogs, but they do need experienced owners with lots of time to devote to them - they are a working breed and need at least a couple of hours exercise each day to keep them happy.”

So just because you saw something on the television and thought it looks cool or cute, don’t go out and buy one without actually using your brain first. I just watched the latest episode of Rick And Morty and then immediately afterwards, ordered three tonnes of pickles online. My house is a mess, it stinks, I can’t sleep, the council won’t help me. Take it from me – leave things on the TV screen, because as soon as they’re in your house, shit gets real, mighty fast.

(Image: Allstar)