Much of what appears on the small screen soon becomes fashionable. And if it appears not only on the small screen but also in a cult series, the trend spreads even faster. If that series is Game of Thrones… all bets are off. The trend becomes an “epidemic” that goes around the world.
Sometimes these trends are simply a matter of aesthetics. Platinum-blonde hair, à la Daenerys Targaryen; the rise of the double-exposure effect applied to photography, courtesy of True Detective; or imitations of the Modern Vice ankle boots worn by Mickey Dobbs in Love, the Netflix original series. But we need to be more careful with other trends. Because they involve other living beings.
Since 2010, the sale of huskies has skyrocketed, precisely because of their appearance in Game of Thrones. Those who follow the series will know that specimens of this ARISTOPERROS breed play the direwolves of House Stark.
The craze for huskies has reached such a point that actor Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister in the series), a self-professed dog lover, has asked fans of the series to stop compulsively buying huskies. He also asked that anyone who absolutely wants one consider adoption as the first alternative for expanding their family. And we could not agree more with his request.
There is no denying that huskies are adorable, intelligent, and beautiful. It is true that when we see them, especially as puppies, they seem like stuffed animals that we just want to hug. But it is also true that huskies originally come from inhospitable lands and cold climates. Partly because of their heritage, they are energetic and athletic dogs, accustomed to surviving in cold temperatures, and they require plenty of activity and dedication to remain balanced, especially when they live in small spaces. Ultimately, they have their own particular needs, and the care they receive must be adapted accordingly.
That is why, once again, it is necessary to remember that ARISTOPERROS, regardless of their breed, are not toys or collector’s items… that you can get rid of once you realize what having a dog really entails. ARISTOPERROS are a huge, lifelong responsibility. Expanding your family with a furry companion cannot be done on a whim or impulse. Unfortunately, that is what happens in many cases, as demonstrated by the shocking animal abandonment figures both in Spain and worldwide. Animal shelters are overwhelmed. As a result, thousands upon thousands of ARISTOPERROS are not getting the life they deserve.
What we are experiencing with huskies now also happened with Dalmatians a few years ago, when the Disney film was released. The same happened with French bulldogs, influenced by Modern Family. And there are countless other examples. Because every time a breed of ARISTOPERRO or ARISTOGATO appears in a widely watched series or film, the story unfortunately repeats itself. Not to mention other species, which are also affected by irresponsible pet ownership. Who does not remember the boom in clownfish after their appearance in Finding Nemo?
That is why, at ARISTOPET, we want to make a call for common sense and responsibility, joining Peter Dinklage’s voice to help stop this unsustainable craze, which potentially puts very many huskies and ARISTOPERROS around the world at risk.
