THE DETRIMENTAL PHENOMENON
When we were growing up, we were all widely enamoured by the canine star of popular TV show Lassie. Unsurprisingly, many of us pestered our parents for a Collie, hoping for an adorable sidekick. Time and time again, numerous animals featured in movies and TV shows have continued to capture the hearts of viewers leading to impulse purchasing of said animals.
As we've learnt time and time again, buying the pet is NOT akin to grocery shopping. It is a long term commitment requiring numerous lifestyle changes and adjusting of requirements. It requires that you are fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with owning a pet. Unfortunately, this is a lesson seldom learnt as we are once again witnessing a rise in this trend.
Recent headlines have indicated that soaring numbers of ‘wolf breed' dogs are being abandoned in record numbers due to owners being ill prepared to deal with the temperament of this energetic breed. These dogs rose to fame in movies such as Twilight and, more recently in the hugely popular Game of Thrones in which speciallytrained Northern Inuit Dogs, a crossbred relative of the Siberian Husky, are featured as ‘direwolves'.
In an effort to curb this dangerous trend, Jerome Flynn, who plays the Lannisters' bodyguard Bronn in Game of Thrones, starred in a campaign for animal charity PETA, urged the show's fans not to ‘give into temptation' and buy a Husky without extensive research first. ‘While people may have good intentions, acquiring dogs on a whim has dire consequences' the Welsh actor stated in the video. ‘Animal shelters around the world are reporting a surge in the number of abandoned Huskies because the casual acquirer, drawn to the dog's appearance, failed to take into consideration the amount of time, patience, and money required to care for these animals properly. If you have carefully considered bringing a four-legged companion into your family, you can save a life by adopting a dog – or preferably two so they can keep each other company – from your local animal shelter.'
If you're planning to get a dog or a cat simply because you were impressed by how cute or lovable they are, don't. Not unless you have completely thought your decision through and are willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes to accommodate the needs of the animal who will become a part of your family. That tiny Great Dane puppy will grow up to be huge, the meek little Husky puppy will soon be an energetic youngster who will wreak havoc in your home if he is not provided a suitable outlet for all that energy. If you're not willing to forego holidays, incur the pet's many expenses, and devote plenty of time for your pet, you're better off admiring it on TV or on instagram!
If you’re not willing to forego holidays, incur the pet’s many expenses, and devote plenty of time for your pet, you’re better off admiring it on TV or on instagram!