The Black Beauty Project - Sereno, Contessa/Chica and Nino

Why is it that so many people ignore black dogs, and cats too, when they are looking to adopt? Maybe it's some lingering superstition - such as the myth that black cats bringing bad luck and black dogs are associated with death or evil. Of course it's nonsense, but sometimes these mistaken beliefs are lodged deep in the unconscious.

All I can say is please, please - ignore these niggling thoughts if you have them. Black dogs and cats have exactly the same attributes as white, brown, tricolour, tabby, mixed, cream, red or any other natural colour. They are as sweet, as naughty, as timid, as brave, as loyal and as loving as their different coloured companions.

Along with Bodegueros and Podenco's, we have many darling black dogs (and some cats) just waiting for their forever home. Please don't let breed or colour put you off. They are all so deserving of love and that longed for golden basket.

Sereno, Contessa (now Chica) and Nino are all in foster care in the Netherlands. Lucky, Congo, Stevie, Wina and Casimiro's stories are on the next post. They are in Spain, in the Refugio or in foster. Please contact our representatives in those countries for more information and to arrange to visit.

You'll find articles about the myths and fear around black animals on the Internet. Here's one.

           Sereno

Sereno and his sister Sirena were saved and fostered by one of our volunteers when they were tiny puppies. Sereno has never had his very own basket although he's been waiting for three long years. Somehow people don't notice him. He has recently been taken into foster care in the Netherlands and already he's learnt a lot.

He loves hugs, loves his foster family and is happy in the house and the garden. Sereno is still very timid with strangers. We really hope there are owners out there who see what a faithful and loveable character he is, and who will welcome this sensitive dog into a quiet household. Owners who will teach and guide him and help him get over his fear of people. He's so worth it. Just look at the video below - I defy anyone not to fall in love with those adorable eyes and this shy, wonderful dog.

Here's a video of Sereno at his foster home.

                                                     

                  

Contessa, now called Chica.

Diana saw Chica, now Contessa, at the killing station and was determined to save her. This was in 2012. After a couple of years at El Refugio, Chica is now in foster care in Utrecht, the Netherlands. She's a special blend of several varieties - some Mastin Espagnol, a little GSD type and maybe a trace of greyhound. This manifests itself when you see her running in open fields. Despite weighing 40 km she is very speedy.

In the house, Chica is very quiet, sweet and obedient. She enjoys her naps on her pillow, occasionally coming over to you for a pat and cuddle. She prefers good weather, coming from Spain, but if everyone is going out she will soon want to join them as she is really a very sociable and affectionate dog. 

Chica's foster family welcome visits. At present Chica can be placed in families with older children only. She's not good with cats, so better not. She is not a 'barker' - she only barks when she'e alarmed or to protect the house. Chica loves to go crazy and romp and run about outside. When she's loose she will sometimes have some problems with other dogs. The best thing is not to bring her out with a ball or toy as she is quite possessive about her possessions. 

Chica is fine on the lead. But she's alert and aware of dogs that walk past her and with some she will bark. Chica's foster family is working with her to adjust her behaviour towards other dogs. This can be attributed to her lack of confidence and is probably due to poor early socialisation. However this will be improved as she is still very young and is eager to learn and please and do her best. Chica is a beautiful, great, loving and loyal dog. 

Chica's ideal home would be with a consistent, calm well balanced boss, without young children and cats though possibly with a stable dog friend. In a quiet area in the country with a nice garden. 

For more information, photos, videos do send an email. Also you are welcome to make an appointment to come and visit Chica in Utrecht to get to know her better.  

Here is a recent video of Chica/Contessa

     

Nino

This beautiful boy is Nino. He's seven years old and it's high time he had his very own family. And the family who adopts Nino will be lucky indeed. This sweet dog likes long walked in the woods, he likes to run but he listens well. After his walk he lets himself be dried nicely.  He enjoys this very much so never makes a fuss. 

Nino loves to cuddle and children love him and he is good with them. It is however important that he gets lots of rest and that children don't chase after him. We would advise that he be adopted by a family with older children because it's important for Nino to have quiet time alone in his bench or basket. 

When he's outside Nino will chase cats but when they are his housemates he gets on with them really well. No problem. Nino is looking for a sweet boss to share the rest of his life and be himself. The rewards will be immense - a loyal, loving, affectionate dog to add to your family.

Nino is already in foster care in the Netherlands. Come and visit him and see what an admirable and lovely dog he is. 

Click here for the video.