From Petfinder.com
Black Dog Syndrome
This article first appeared on the Petfinder blog.
While working at the Washington Humane Society (WHS) in Washington, DC, I was thrilled when I found out that King, a large and handsome black Labrador mix was finally adopted after spending many months at WHS. King had been at the shelter for so long, everyone knew and loved him.
King is a black adoptable dog at Washington Humane Society.
King, like so many other black dogs in shelters, spent more time waiting for his new home than his lighter-colored kennelmates. In the sheltering world this is known as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS). When I left WHS to pursue graduate work in anthropology at The George Washington University I conducted research into BDS.
BDS is observed by shelters and rescue groups throughout America and affects black dogs, as well as cats. It is possible that there may simply be more black pets in the shelter and rescue population. However reports from across the country seem to illustrate the problem, and multiple national organizations have long recognized BDS as an issue that adversely affects the adoption rates of black pets.
What is Black Dog Syndrome?
In a survey, Petfinder member shelter and rescue groups reported that most pets are listed for 12.5 weeks on Petfinder, whereas, less-adoptable pets (such as black, senior, and special needs pets) spend almost four times as long on Petfinder. (See what else the survey showed on our Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week page!)
In a survey, Petfinder member shelter and rescue groups reported that most pets are listed for 12.5 weeks on Petfinder, whereas, less-adoptable pets (such as black, senior, and special needs pets) spend almost four times as long on Petfinder. (See what else the survey showed on our Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week page!)
Through my research I learned that Black Dog Syndrome may be caused by a combination of:
- Size
- Unclear facial features
- Dimly lit kennels
- The “genericness” of black pets
- Negative portrayals of black pets in books, movies and other popular media
- A big, frightening black dog can be seen in The Hound of the Baskervilles, the Harry Potter series, both movie versions of The Omen, and even on the common “Beware of Dog” sign.
- Black cats are readily associated with witches, superstition, and bad luck.
What you can do
Whether or not you’re currently looking to adopt, you can do a lot to help pets who suffer from BDS!
- Display your love of black pets proudly to demonstrate that there is nothing wrong with them. Share ourBlack Fur Badge on your website (see it below)!
- Encourage friends to look past their first impressions of a black pet.
- Tell people about BDS! It’s generally an unconscious prejudice and most people will move past it once they’re aware.
- Remind people that their parents were right: personality is more important than appearance. It’s just as true for pets as for people!
FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out https://www.petfinder.com
Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted.
Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will?
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Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life. I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
https://www.coinstar.com/kioskfinder?element=Charity&parmName=HumaneSocietyofUS
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life. I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."
“Some secrets should remain that way.”
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