Black dog syndrome

Sampson, one of the black dogs I've had

The little black dress is an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe, but what about the “big black dog”. All across the country, shelters are seeing that black dogs increasingly get passed over. Ask yourself, why is that? The color black is a staple in our society, yet why are all the black dogs over-staying their welcome at shelters all across the county? Some speculate that black dogs are harder to adopt out because people don’t really “notice” them in their cages. Another reason might be the overwhelming number of black dogs in shelters deters people from adopting them. They think to themselves, with all these black dogs there must be something wrong with them. Considering black dogs are the hardest to place and stay at the shelter the longest, that also means that the euthanasia rate for black dogs is high. Shelters are now starting black dog clubs and hosting “black dogs only” adoption events. Shelter workers place bright blankets in the kennels at some shelters to draw attention to black dogs, while others tie bright bandanas around the pups and take them outdoors where people can get a better look at the dog. With this problem finally being brought to the public’s attention, it’s time to ask yourself what you can do to help out the “black dogs” of our society.

One way to help is adopt. I can’t stress this enough. Adoption saves lives and frees up space for other animals. When considering adopting a pet, don’t bypass the black dogs. Ask the shelter workers to take the dog out of the kennel and to take it outside. You can really see how beautiful these animals are out in the sunlight. Plus when taken out of the kennel their personality really shines through. You never know, the black dog that you pass at the shelter could be your perfect pet.

Volunteer your time at shelters for black dogs-get to know the black dogs at your local shelter. Teach them manners, take them for walks and teach them tricks. Make these dogs appeal to potential adopters. If you have a black dog that has manners and knows a few commands, then that could potentially be the perfect dog for a family. On adoption day accessorize these dogs with bright bandanas or get wild and crazy with little bows tied around their necks; just anything that will draw the eye to these dogs.

Foster a black dog-considering shelters are overrun with black dogs, they’re always in need of foster homes for them. When you foster a dog, it gives you one-on-one time with the animal and you can really see how the animal acts in a home environment. For example, you can show how your “black dog” is great with children by taking him to the park to be around kids. The more you know about your black dog, the more you can boast and brag on them at adoption events, which in turn, will appeal to more people. If you think fostering is exactly what you’d be good at, I implore you to foster a black dog. April, another Birmingham Examiner, has written a wonderful article on the benefits of fostering I encourage you to check it out here.

The next time you’re in a shelter or attending an adoption event, look around and see how many black dogs are present. You’ll be surprised and saddened by this fact. So, get to work on adopting, fostering or volunteering to change the life of a “black dog”
 

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