Rise in huskies at local shelters blamed on impulsive 'Game of Thrones' fans

[Demovictory9]

https://m.sfgate.com/news/article/Huskies-are-coming-Rise-in-huskies-at-local-13923490.php

Santa Cruz and Monterey County animal shelters believe the increase in huskies is impulsive purchasing from people buying dogs that look like dire wolves from Game of Thrones. Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter says they’ve seen a record number of huskies.

Media: Kevin Parnell

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Monterey and Santa Cruz County animal shelters said they're seeing an increase in huskies recently and they believe it's because of the popular TV show "Game of Thrones."

"A lot of huskies and husky mixes have been coming in," Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter General Manager Melanie Sobel said.

She said they have six husky or husky mixed dogs and that's the most they've ever seen at one time.

There has been an increase in huskies seen in shelters around the state and country. Many are speculating it's because huskies look like dire wolves from the popular show "Game of Thrones." The show has noticed the uptick and is speaking out against the impulsive purchases of the dogs.

In April, Jerome Flynn, who plays Bronn in the series, did a video with PETA where he said in part, "Animal Shelters around are reporting a surge in the number of abandoned huskies because the casual acquirer, who bought the dogs on a whim, fail to take into consideration the time, patience, and money required to care for the animal."

[PoliticAverse]

1. Wait until dragons start being dropped off. n/t

[fescuerescue]

7. Beat me to

[RoadMan]

2. people are fucking idiots

[democratisphere]

3. And it was this kind of thinking that gave US drumpf.

Watch reality TV, vote for a President. People are nuts!

[lark]

4. Fucking idiots, Huskies are great dogs, but very strong willed.

You have to really establish your authority or they will run right over you. A socialized Husky is a joy though, they are so friendly and funny and talkative. Our neighbor has a purebred Husky and our wonderful old dog was a Husky/Catahoulan mix. He was the best dog we've ever had, so huge but so gentle and sweet. The cats loved him and he was able to tame down our scared to death pound puppy lab mix and show him what it meant to love people and not fear them. I loved coming home when we had him, he'd always, always wait right by the door, barking and howling non-stop as we drove into the garage. He loved our pack howls and it really makes me mad to hear about beautiful, sweet, mischievous Huskies being abandoned.

[MuseRider]

5. Remember the Dalmatian craze?

Every little kid that I knew wanted a Dalmatian after the movie came out. Half of them got one and probably only one or two kept them. People are stupid and treat other creatures as items for their egos and discard them if they disappoint.

[NewJeffCT]

8. Yes, I remember that

sad that people do these sorts of things. I've heard dalmatians can be difficult dogs as well.

[leftyladyfrommo]

6. There is always a fad dog.

Sharpie were the in dog because they had cute wrinkles. They also had bad temperaments and huge health problems.

There were cocker spaniels until bad breeding completely ruined the breed.

Dalmatians, Huskies, goldendoodles, puggles. All the designer dogs out there now.

It costs about $800 a year per dog. And that is with no health problems . Puppies pee and chew. Dogs need to get out and run every day.

Owning a dog is a serious investment.

[hunter]

9. We have an animal shelter husky. They are not easy dogs.

We knew that when we adopted him.

First, huskies are intelligent but they are not always interested in pleasing their people. They are sort of like cats that way. They'll think up lots of ways to cause trouble.

I caught ours on the dinner table once, licking dishes and pushing them over the edge with his nose when he was done.

We took him to dog school and he spent most of the time immovable, melted into the floor. He's not greatly motivated by treats or praise. He knows all the tricks our other dogs do, shaking hands etc., he just doesn't want to do them most of the time. He'll just sit there looking at you while the other dogs are prancing about "Pick me, pick me! I know how to do that!"

These dogs are escape artists, especially when they are bored. They will jump over or dig under most walls and fences.

And boy, do they like to dig. Our back yard is cratered.

But our husky is a big warm talkative teddy bear. Husky's will always let you know what they want. He likes to be around people. Nobody is a stranger. He'll never be a watchdog.

I don't like most dog breeders. Breeding and selling husky puppies to people who don't know what they are getting into is unethical. There are too many of these dogs in the shelters.

[Aristus]

10. Also the Jack Russell terrier craze when 'Frasier' was first-run.

Seriously, people. It's not a hula-hoop. Animals need a lot of care, and people who respond to every little fad are absolutely the wrong people to provide that care.