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Black Dog Syndrome

I received my 'Paw Prints' newsletter from the shelter, Almost Home Foundation where we adopted my dog 1.5 years ago now. The top article was something that I didn't know and wanted to share with you.

Black dogs or black cats are the hardest to get adopted! I couldn't believe it and here is the article:

"That is really all it is. The negative myths that are associated with black cats and dogs have no truth to them yet the stereotypes still persist, which is why black cats and dogs have the highest euthanasia rate in high-kill shelters, but have the lowest adoption rate."

"They watch their lighter-colored foster siblings come and go while they are repeatedly overlooked by adopters. At the adoption shows, the black cats sit patiently in their cages while people pass right by them so they can admire the non-black kitties sitting nearby. The black dogs sit at the end of their leash, wishing someone would inquire about their personalities too."

"And they start to wonder why no one wants them. They try twice as hard to prove their worthiness. This is why black cats and dogs are the biggest love bugs of all. They're just bursting to share their affection with some lucky person! They are exceptionally loyal companions, because they know that their owner gave them a chance when no one else would. They've got charisma and an endless enthusiasm for life, seeing to it that every day counts."

"Due to their tough beginnings, these black pets are loaded with compassion and determination, all the while maintaining a humble outlook. They are very intuitive and always know when their owner needs comforting or a good laugh. True to their giving nature, they'll be first to provide snuggles or entertaining antics. They are amazing black dog syndrome,almost home foundation, gems, but they are completely unaware of it!"

"We currently have dozens of black cats and dogs at Almost Home Foundation. Please give them a chance."

How about it?

Please raise awareness! Get the word out and tell everyone you know about Black Dog or Black Cat Syndrome.

Posted by Lyn Sims ~ Chicago Northwest Suburbs on 10/29/2009 05:29 PM

Comments (24)

pet adoption, almost home foundation, pet friendly realtor

This post has been included in Illinois Information Cook County, IL Information Hoffman Estates, IL Information
Post is included in group: PETS ARE PEOPLE TOO
Post is included in group: Pet Friendly Real Estate
Post is included in group: It's Raining DOGS! Dog Lovers Group
Post is included in group: Almost Anything Goes
Post is included in group: Active Rain Animal Rescue

24 Comments on Black Dog Syndrome

OCT

That is so sad. And yes they do try so hard to impress you when you walk through a shelter. We adopted our Gizmo (a beagle) from a young lady who was ill and could no longer properly take care of him. She said she would have had to send him to a shelter unless someone aopted him. We're so glad we did.

We also adopted Cocoa, our cat, 8 years ago. She actually has lived in our house longer than we have. We had her stay in the house the night before we moved in. She acts like she pays the mortgage:)

I understand the black cat myth. I never heard that it also applied to dogs.

Poor things.....that is sad. We have a dog and 4 cats that all came from a shelter. We also have a turtle that I rescued from our pool skimmer! We love all our animals, no matter what color they happen to be!

Forgot to add the Adoption Show Schedule for the Schaumburg Area.

Janice: Good for you, this summer my dog was barking at a huge turtle that was the size of your hand that someone released & was headed for a local pond.

James: Me either until this newsletter.

Syreeta: Glad you adopted also.

Lyn,

Isn't that a sad state of affairs for our little four legged friends! Thanks for sharing.

All of my dogs are black...........I love black animals, I almost bought a black horse last week.

I have a black lab, black pug and black puggle. I think the black coat is so pretty. Since I often wear black slacks to work, it helps with the shedding on my clothes factor.

I had no idea these were the least adoptable colors of dogs. That is sad. I do agree that a black dog may have some stigma. Big Black Dogs used to always be guard dogs and used in films.

This was a great post, thank you!

Hello Lyn,

How sad......I had no idea that black dogs & cats were difficult to adopt because of their color. We have a black cat that has beautiful amber eyes and long hair. We rescued him when he was a kitten. He is gorgeous! The "Almost Home Foundation" is a wonder place. Thank you for your post! I will certainly spread the word!

Rita

OCT

Melissa...LOL!!

My wife and I adopted our 1st dog, and it was a black Pekingese. It is kind of rare I understand. She was so adorable and sweet.

Lyn...that's an interesting tid bit. I wonder if the type of breed makes the difference.

Melissa: That's for adding that little 'bee' you have!

Rick: I don't hold the sentiment that black dogs are bad luck or anything like that. Old stigma about the black cat crossing your path, but then someone also said it's good luck in another culture. Go figure.

Bill: I suppose Pitt Bulls would look more ominous in black.

Rita: I love them all no matter what color.

OCT

Lyn,

I opened an escrow yesterday with my favorite Escrow Officer at Stewart Title, and she asked if I'd like to "see a photo of her new baby." I thought she was going to tell me about a new grandchild. Instead, she and her husband had adopted an abandoned adult dog. And it's black. All black. I can't wait to tell her about your post; it makes the story all the better.

Mike in Tucson

Oh, ...and what's up with the new header on your blog? Too funny!

NOV

I didn't know that. Most of my rescued dogs have been black and I have two black cats. I dont pick them for color, I pick them for their needs. Wish everyone would look at adopting that way. Too sad.

NOV

Mike: We have Stewart Title here and I don't get over there too much in our area. Glad she adores her little black dog. And my header is from the Schaumburg Sculpture Park which I plan to now change again for fall.

Terry: I don't care what color they are and you must be the same. Thanks for stopping by.

NOV

I've known that ever since I volunteered at the Houston ASPCA shelter back in the mid-1970s. Maybe that's why I've mostly had black dogs and cats. I've only had two non-black dogs and my current cat is a ginger tabby.

NOV

Russel: I personally didn't know that and it seems a shame and I wonder if people realize they unknowingly discriminate. I pick them for their personalities, etc. Zoey is soooo cute.

Lyn,

I had no idea it applied to dogs as well. If I had more room I'd go get one now.

Brian: It's a shame I don't have more room too. Don't forget everyone to adopt a dog or cat and don't buy from a puppy mill!

NOV

Lynn,

I am surprised about dog as it looks like lots of your readers were...black happens to be my favorite color...we have a black cat....one of four cats....and two dogs...you have got to love them...

Lori, doesn't matter to me, they're all cute in so many colors for so many reasons.

NOV

Lyn - Sadly, I have heard this before too. It's just a shame too because these poor creatures had no control of this physical trait and as a result many will languish in shelters for months or like you pointed out, will be euthanized for their color.

I'm so glad hubby and I found our little Joie, who is just the sweetest, most loveable and affectionate darling you can imagine.

Donne, She's so cute either a Brittany or a Springer right? I love those spots and I have a brown (liver) and white one. Looking for a black & white too!

Lyn - He's a Springer Spaniel mix (we think he has a little Cocker in him). I call him "my love bug" because he is just so loveable and loves to give kisses.

We travelled more than 125mi to rescue him because we read that he was going to be put down because he was labeled "unadoptable". He was such a sad and scared little boy when we picked him up. It took weeks before he started to let his guard down with us. Three years later he is a completely different doggy.

We got him after our Jazzy died. While we wanted to get another Springer Spaniel (they are wonderful companions), we actually didn't want another liver and white one; we wanted one that didn't look like Jazzy.

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