- by Daisy Mae Delray
Big Black Dog Syndrome
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The Animal Shelter in Hancock County is having a special the first week in July. From the 6th of July through the 10th you can adopt a dog for $20 or a cat for $10. What a great deal!
If you are looking for a dog or a cat please do not overlook the big black ones, the seniors or pets with special needs. Did you know there is something called the Big Black Dog Syndrome? This applies to cats as well as dogs, so I am going to call it the black animal syndrome. Statistics from Pet Finder.com shows that it takes four times as long to get a black animal adopted. |
Puppy Dog Tales
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I am a mostly black dog who was almost euthanized, so hearing about this got my attention. Big black dogs are consistently the hardest dogs to place – even if they are friendly and healthy and well-trained.
There are a number of reasons for this sad statistic, including the fact there are lots of black dogs, there are so many to choose from, they don’t photograph as well, and they look “ordinary” - whatever that means. To make it worse, a bad depression is often referred to as a visit from the "black dog." Finally, black dogs are often portrayed as the “bad guys” in the movies.
In January 2014, NBC did a piece on black dogs. It appears that big black dogs are starting to get some attention, but there are still too many of them overlooked.
Reason number ten: We don’t clash with your furniture or clothing
Reason number nine: We don’t clash with any collar you might choose either
Reason number eight: Ease of vacuuming! You can quickly spot the areas of most need
Reason number seven: We hide the dirt well
Reason number six: We make an excellent “backdrop” for a second lighter colored dog
Reason number five: Availability! We are available at every shelter and rescue place
Reason number four: No annoying questions about breed. People are content with “BBD
Reason number three: Excellent for night walks. The “bad guys” are afraid of us
Reason number two: Status symbol potential –we are black pearls
Reason number one: WE NEED YOU
Love,
Daisy Mae