Actor and star of the mega-popular HBO fantasy/drama Game of Thrones Peter Dinklage is urging fans to stop buying huskies just for the sake of their likeness to the series' direwolves.
Made popular by house Stark, direwolves are beasts that are twice the size of regular wolves, fiercely loyal to their owners and highly intelligent. The popularity of Stark children's "pets" like the red-eyed Ghost and recently returned Nymeria have inspired fans to add some new furry friends to their homes - the only problem is that these huskies and malamutes named Ghost, Grey Wind and Nymeria are finding themselves abandoned in shelters because their owners don't realize just how much work owning a dog entails including large amounts of exercise and grooming.
One of the series stars has teamed up with PETA and is speaking out on behalf of all the wolf-like dogs that are being abandoned in shelters. Peter Dinklage, who plays the witty dwarf Tyrion Lannister, is urging fans to think before buying a new pet and, or course, to adopt instead of shop. Here is his official statement:
"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."
This is not the first time the media has encouraged people to buy dogs and pets inspired by their favorite series and movies. According to THR, 101 Dalmatians, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Legally Blonde and Men in Black have all been linked to spikes in purchases of specific dog breeds that are featured in the franchises and films.
Game of Thrones fans still have a chance to turn the tide on this recent wave of huskie abandonment by making sure their homes are ready for a dog before adding a new furry companion into the family. If Thrones fans also want to have a loyal companion, just like Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Ghost, they can always forgo buying an expensive pure-bred huskies or malamutes and instead adopt from local shelters where approximately 8-12 million animals find themselves each year nationwide.
Next: Who Died in This Week’s Episode of Game of Thrones?
Game of Thrones continues next Sunday @9pm on HBO.
Source: PETA