While “to be or not to be” ranks as a great philosophical question for the ages – in my world, it is always answered “to be” by unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills. These opportunists are already cranking out Great Dane puppies to answer the demand of those who must have their own Marmaduke. Like Collies,(Lassie) Dalmatians, (Pongo) Chihuahuas, (so many films), and Portuguese Water Dogs, (Bo, the first dog) the Great Dane breed is about to be exploited and likely decimated.

Great Danes, though wonderful, affectionate and loyal, have problems associated with the breed, such as hip dysplasia heart disease, tumors and digestive issues that must be carefully monitored by accountable breeding and attended to by conscientious pet owners.Those that simply breed to supply the demand of a fad exacerbate those weaknesses and bring additional recessive negative traits forward. The result is a slew of sick dogs, unhappy children and a surge in the number of dogs turned into animal shelters.

How about we just enjoy the movie and not create the demand in the first place by saying no to the impulse to have a family Marmaduke. It is much easier to explain to our children why we won’t get the dog in the first place, than to explain why the dog we acquired died or had to be relinquished.

To be responsible or not to be responsible? That is the question.  What do you think!