Local News
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Shelters battling Black Dog SyndromeSTAFF WRITER
The urban legend of the curse black cats cast upon their onlookers has seemingly passed to the canine breed.
Evidence of the “Black Dog Syndrome” has hit animal shelters across the nation, leaving the dark shaggy breeds unadopted and more often euthanized than their colorful counterparts.
Several theories have been proposed for the aversion to the dark-colored pups, among them the stigma associated with dark breeds due to folklore and negative labels.
The fact they seem ordinary in their kennels in comparison to other shelter dogs, they tend to photograph poorly and are believed to overheat more quickly in the sun, especially during sporting activities. This last theory has roots in dogsled racing which has caused racers to avoid purchasing black dogs, thus making them an undesirable breed.
“I think a lot of it is that they’re just so common,” said Seneca County Dog Warden Kelly Marker. “A lot of people want the oddball dogs, the ones that stick out.”
Marker visited the Web site www.blackpearldogs.com and was shocked when her suspicions were confirmed.
The Web site is a haven for black dog enthusiasts and aims to fight the stigma often linked to them, asking visitors to “Please adopt responsibly based on a personality and lifestyle match.” The name of the Web site refers to the belief that black dogs are the “black pearls of the dog world.”
“A lot of what I’ve learned about it is from the Internet,” said Marker. “It’s really true, rescue groups have a really hard time adopting them out.”
In fact, Marker reported that five out of the eight dogs currently at the shelter are black, and that the majority of interest has been expressed for the dogs of other colors.
The “Black Dog Syndrome” has these dogs reaching the end of the road as their situation has been described as urgent, bringing them dangerously close to euthanasia.
Many of these potential best friends have long lives ahead of them and are ready for a loving home, but their dominant genetic trait that gives them their black coats is keeping them from getting noticed.
Among them are three loyal Labradors, a friendly Newfoundland and an adult chihuahua.
The adoption fee is $15, as well as an additional $15 fee to purchase a dog license.
Dog lovers can resist the “Black Dog Syndrome” by adopting one an endangered pup at the Seneca County Dog Warden shelter. Call 419-448-5097 or visit the shelter weekdays at 8-11 a.m. at 3140 S. Ohio 100 Suite B Tiffin.
All contents © 1996 - 2008
Fostoria Review Times
Ph: (419) 435-6641 • Fax: (419) 435-9073
113 E. Center St. • P.O. Box 947
Fostoria, OH 44830
The Findlay Publishing Company
P.O. Box 609
Findlay, OH 45839-0609
Phone: (419) 422-5151
www.findlaypublishing.com
Please read our privacy guidelines
Ph: (419) 435-6641 • Fax: (419) 435-9073
113 E. Center St. • P.O. Box 947
Fostoria, OH 44830
The Findlay Publishing Company
P.O. Box 609
Findlay, OH 45839-0609
Phone: (419) 422-5151
www.findlaypublishing.com
Please read our privacy guidelines
VIDEO
RT PHOTO GALLERY
Images for Sale
You can purchase photographs from The Review Times through our easy-to-use online system. Get prints, mousepads, T-shirts and more!
U.S. Headlines
- No sign of oil spill after Gulf platform fire (AP)
- Earl threatens East Coast with weekend pounding (AP)
- Feds sue Arizona sheriff in civil rights probe (AP)
- Hamas among intractable issues in Mideast talks (AP)
- Gunman shot as Discovery hostages planned escape (AP)
- Chicago gangs to top cop: You're not playing fair (AP)
World News
- Earl threatens East Coast with a pounding (AP)
- No sign of oil spill after Gulf platform fire (AP)
- Hopeful sign: More talks for Israel, Palestinians (AP)
- Discounts spur surprising Aug. retail sales gains (AP)
- More Dems buck plan to let taxes increase for rich (AP)
- Google, Skype targeted in India security crackdown (AP)
