Fans have been buying huskies left and right merely because they look like the Stark house's direwolves — intelligent and wolf-like beasts — and then deserting them upon realizing how much work they really are.
"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," Dinklage said in a statement released by PETA.
Direwolves — mythical creatures twice the size of normal wolves — are associated with the Stark clan's two most popular characters — Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Arya (Maisie Williams). Both of these characters' direwolves are still alive and thriving on the show.
Diehard fans argue that they just want to add a little GoT to their everyday lives. Dinklage cautions would-be pet owners that instead, they'll be adding a lot: huskies require a great deal of attention, exercise and grooming.
"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," Dinklage urged.
According to PETA, movies highlighting dogs, like "101 Damnations," "Beverly Hills," "Chihuahua," "Legally Blonde" and "Men in Black" also increased sales of the featured canines. Sadly, though, those dogs also ended up in shelters instead of loving homes because of irresponsible owners.
