Be a Responsible Parent and DO NOT Go Out and Buy Your Child a GREAT DANE ...
(after they watch the movie, MARMADUKE)!
By Jamie M Downey, Publisher The American Dog Magazine Photo by Heather Green
20th Century Fox productions presents Marmaduke, which hits theaters on June 4th, 2010. Marmaduke is making his film debut, crossing over from the newspaper comic strip that was first drawn by Brad Anderson in 1954 and is still seen today in your Sunday newspaper. As with most movies that feature a real dog as the star, kids will be begging their parents to buy them this "dog of the month."
When 101 Dalmatians and then 102 Dalmatians hit theaters, there was a buying frenzy fueled by irresponsible parents who bought these spotted puppies by the tens of thousands for their kids. After the novelty wore off and the dogs didn't live up to the owners' expectations, or they were too destructive and their care required too much time and money, these dogs were dumped at the pound in droves.
Right now, there are many thousands of adorable Chihuahuas sitting on death row in animal shelters all over the country because of the movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Backyard breeders and puppy mill operators churned out puppies like cars in a factory to supply puppies to demanding families. And now, sadly, the magic has worn off of these pint-sized dogs, and they too are discarded like trash at local animal shelters, to await their death.
Marley and Me, the movie featuring an adorable Labrador getting into all kinds of trouble, caused a surge in parents buying these dogs because their kids had watched the movie and wanted one of their own. But Labs are a ton of work! They need lots of exercise; they like to dig, jump fences, and eat furniture. And now, guess what breed there is a surplus of at your local animal shelter? Yup, labs! These poor dogs have been discarded at pounds all over the country because irresponsible parents didn't do their homework to see how much commitment is required when you get a dog.
Let me say it one more time: DON'T BUY YOUR KID A DOG"”NO MATTER WHAT BREED"”AFTER THEY WATCH A MOVIE ABOUT A DOG
Great Danes can weigh up to 170 pounds or more. They eat a lot of food, take up a lot of space, make giant-size poops, and require lots of attention and love. If you are still seriously considering a Dane, then please check with your local animal shelter or Great Dane Rescue and adopt one. Do your research on this breed to see if this type of dog will fit into your lifestyle. A dog is a commitment for life, and it's your responsibility to take care of the dog and make him a member of the family for his entire life.
