Friday 26th November, 2021
photo source: petdox.com
Black Friday ... the day (or nowadays the week) of bargains. Or so called bargains, because things are not always what they seem.
But when it comes to dogs and cats ... things are always what they seem. No need for special discounts and bonuses. A black animal is, like any other animal, a bonus in itself.
Don't be put off by the myths. The association of black cats with witchcraft dates back centuries to times of religious extremism and misogyny (though one could say times haven't changed that much!). The association with depression, the widely misnamed 'black dog' doesn't help the reputation of our dear black fellows either. Film and TV often portray black dogs in a bad light, adding to the false belief, held by some, that they are more aggressive. And of course the bigger the dog, the greater the misplaced fear.
Quite apart from historic misconceptions and myths, some practical obstacles make the rehoming of black animals that bit harder. Black animals don't photograph well, so it's harder for a shelter to have them stand out given the cost of professional photography. Because the are more difficult to re-home, because of the misinformation, very sadly black animals are the often first to be euthanised.
But look at the facts. Black dogs and cats are absolutely no different from white, brown, brindle, grey or tan coloured dogs and cats. They are just as loyal, just as loving and just as deserving of love. And there are some great advantages too. Black dogs are stylish, black goes with everything, so whatever the decor, wherever you take them, they will stand out beautifully. Black dogs and cats look cleaner for longer. Both black dogs and black cats can wear any type of collar with grace, and glittery collars look amazing on them. Finally, have you ever tried to find a white or light coloured dog or cat in the snow?
Seriously though, these delightful animals have often been waiting in a shelter for longer than their coloured friends. They have seen them leave their cages, tails wagging or whiskers twitching as they take the first steps to their new families. So please, when considering adoption remember our black friends because ..
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL
and cuddly and loyal and loving and faithful and deserving of your love.
Our Wendi*
This is Wendi, she's four now and has been with us since she was rescued as a tiny puppy. She so deserves a chance of happiness. Find out more about our sweet shy
Wendi, by clicking on her name. The information on her page may have been written a while ago, so for more up to date news please use the contact information on her page and quote her name and reference number.
*Our Wendi is black though she looks brown in the photo, an example of how difficult it is to photograph black animals to show them off at their best!
Say hello to Quinn
Quinn is one of our littlest black dogs - apart from being black, his breed is sadly one that people just don't understand. He's a beautiful cross American Stafford. Staffies are among the sweetest most affectionate dogs on the planet, but have an unfortunate reputation. Quinn needs an owner who understand the breed and will give him the upbringing he needs - at 4 months he's just a puppy so it's the perfect time for this to begin. For further information about
Quinn, please click on his name.
Stanley is ten months old and he's been with us since he was a tiny kitten, in fact all of his short little life.
Stanley is a European shorthair, a very sweet boy who wants nothing more than his own forever home. Who will give this handsome fellow the love he deserves? For more information about our
Stanley, please click on his name.
Kitty is three and a bit years old and has been with us for eight months now. Just look at those eyes and those soft paws. As you can see from her pose, she's really eager to meet you. Don't let her get any older while she waits for her very own loving home. Our cats are well fed, warm, get cuddles and have lots of toys to play with. But there's nothing like your own family to make you feel warm and wanted. For more information about dear
Kitty, please click on her name.
We have more than 30 black, or' mostly black' dogs in the shelter, and 40 cats and kittens. Many of them sadly have been with us a while. Please take a look - I can't cover them all in this post but watch this space. I will be continuing to present these pretty and handsome creatures shortly.