I know that a lot of people think that I am crazy about dogs. I admit that I would have to agree with them. But my obsession for dogs is very minor compared to some other people. Would you like an example?
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I was doing some research in preparation of our special Garage Sale and Black Dog Adoption Day this weekend and I found not just one but TWO websites devoted to black dogs.
What is so important about black dogs? Apparently, there is a nationwide phenomenon that black dogs do not get adopted from animal shelters. Here’s a quote from an animal shelter in Minnesota. "We are guessing that the general public is not aware of how doomed black dogs are when they are brought to a pound because black dogs, particularly black labs or lab mixes, are euthanized at a horrifying rate at many pounds and shelters because people pass them up for lighter colored dogs.
If you are thinking about adopting a dog please don’t overlook black dogs because they are just as loving and wonderful as lighter colored dogs!" I know that some animal shelters even offer free "Black Dog Club" T-shirts to people who adopt their black dogs.
None of these websites say exactly why some people do not adopt black dogs. I guess it is because a lot of these dogs tend to look alike, which makes them easier to overlook. If you spend some time with these dogs, you will be delighted with the personalities that emerge.
I adopted William, a black border collie mix, from the Green Hills Animal Shelter and have never regretted it. Before our shelter opened, I used to organize "Adoption Days" for the homeless dogs in our community. I spent several months trying to find a home for William before he convinced me that he was supposed to come home with me.
As a volunteer for the Green Hills Animal Shelter, I can tell you that we have a wide assortment of black dogs at the shelter right now. The only thing they have in common is their black fur. Some of them are big, some are small. Some are very calm and mellow like Tom, the most gentle black lab mix I’ve ever met. Some are young and excited, like black lab mixes Julie and Jodie. Some are loving but need to learn some basic obedience skills, like Chachi, who appears to be a black lab/boxer mix.
The Black Pearl Dogs website (www.blackpearldogs.com) tells you that you can make a difference, one black dog at a time, through education awareness and action. It urges you to adopt a dog from an animal shelter based on a personality and lifestyle match, not just on looks. There is even a list of reasons to adopt a black dog, which I found amusing.
Top Ten Reasons To Adopt A Black Dog
1. We cannot clash with your furniture or clothing, and some of you actually worry about that.
2. We cannot clash with any collar you might choose either! Ditto for bandanas. Accessorize us!
3. Ease of vacuuming! You can quickly spot the areas of most urgent need.
4. Excellent night walk protection, the "bad guy" won’t see us til it’s too late!
5. We hide dirt well (doesn’t mean we don’t need that bath after a messy play, but your guests won’t be able to see it so quickly).
6. We make an excellent "backdrop" for a second, more colorful dog if you choose to have more than one.7. Availability! We are available now at every shelter you can imagine, in every age bracket, no long waiting lists, no long search!
8. Status symbol potential. Black pearls are the most costly you know….
9. No annoying queries "what kind of dog is that" people are content with "big black dog" and don’t ask!
10. We need you!
The Green Hills Animal Shelter will be hosting a special Flea Market/ Garage Sale/ Bake Sale/ Adoption Day this Saturday, Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plan now to reserve a table to sell your items by making a $10 donation to the shelter. Drop off items for us to sell at our Garage Sale. Stop by to buy cookies, cakes and pies at our Bake Sale. Our Shelter manager has asked me to tell you that there are so many black dogs and orange cats available for adoption that we are going to offer special prices on those animals for this special "Black and Orange" Adoption Day. I hope to see you this Saturday.
The Green Hills Animal Shelter has many dogs and cats available and is open from 1-5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. We are located at 3041 East 10th Street, east of Trenton on Highway 6. For information about the Green Hills Animal Shelter, please call 660-359-2700 or go to our website, greenhillsanimalshelter.org. You can find us on Facebook as well. Donations may be mailed to Green Hills Animal Shelter, 3041 East 10th St., Trenton MO 64683.