Journalist Says She Gives Up Puppies When They’re Not Cute Anymore

A writer for the Daily Mail has caught the attention of dog lovers around the world after confessing in an article that she has given up four dogs in four years.

Shona Sibary’s article, published last Friday, describes the writer giving away her Husky-mix, Juno, as her daughter sobbed. She admits, “Over the past four years I have fallen in love with four puppies and, on each occasion, driven miles with hundreds of pounds of cash in my pocket to buy them. Then, months later, I have turned my back on them and given them away.”

She claims the dogs’ behavior problems are the reason for the change of heart. Juno dug up the yard. Ibus, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, was too “aggressive.” Pippa attacked farm animals. And Cookie kept escaping. Sibary is currently left with Clover, a Whippet-Cocker Spaniel mix, but the author warns, “If she continues to leap onto the kitchen counters to steal food I’ll probably get rid of her, too.”

We are hoping it’s really a satirical piece, but Sibary has a history of making brazen statements—recently, she angered parents by claiming that all mothers prefer their sons to their daughters.

As expected, dog lovers have lashed out at the writer. Dogs Trust, an animal-welfare organization in the United Kingdom, even released an official statement about the article. They also bring up the issue of dog importation—Sibary states she drove to other countries to purchase these dogs.

Still, Sibary seems to stand behind her statements.

The takeaway from this? Remember to do your research before getting a puppy. Make sure the breed is the right fit for you and your family. Also, use a responsible breeder, who will help guide you toward the right puppy for you. If your dog has behavior problems later in life, there are plenty of resources to help you resolve them. (A recent study suggests they may even be caused by your personality.) 

Got problems with your dog's behavior? Consider contacting the AKC's GoodDog! Helpline.