|
|
Black Dogs Face a Hard Choice at Shelter
Don't judge a dog by his color
When Tamara Delaney of Woodville, Wis., volunteered to find a home for a black Labrador Retriever named Jake last year, she had no idea what she was up against. Jake, cared for by a rescue group, had already waited nearly three years for a new home. And he would wait eight more months as Delaney tried to find someone to take in the big Lab. It didn’t matter much that Jake was a sociable dog and in perfect health. Jake’s problem wasn’t his temperament—it was the color of his coat. Jake bore the stigma of the “BBD,” an acronym used to refer to big black dogs, who are frequently passed over for flashier, prettier dogs and wind up, like Jake, waiting for years to be adopted. “Nobody wants a black-coated dog,” rescue workers told Delaney as she tried without success to find a home for Jake. And when Delaney turned to the Internet, she found that shelters across the country were overflowing with black-coated mutts. “Please don’t overlook our black dogs,” rescue groups pleaded on their home pages above pictures of Rottweilers, Chows and Labs sporting bright bandanas. One shelter’s website just came right out with the grim truth: “The general public is not aware of how doomed black dogs are when they are brought to a pound.” The more Delaney learned about the numbers of black dogs in shelters, the more determined she grew to make a difference—one black dog at a time. She started by adopting Jake, the overlooked Lab. But Jake would not be the only black dog in Delaney’s life. Her newly acquired insight into the plight of the BBD inspired her to create a website devoted to them. Last November, Delaney launched www.blackpearldogs.com and named her new site “Contrary to Ordinary: The Black Pearls of the Dog World.” Since its inception, the Black Pearl Dogs website has been visited by more than 7,500 people. “I’m starting to become a middle-person between shelters and rescues, to get their black dogs off death row,” says Delaney, whose inbox fills with email from shelters and rescue groups asking her to post pictures on her website of black dogs who were passed up on the way to the Golden Retrievers. When Amy Chase read about Delaney’s Black Pearl site on an Internet message board this spring, she had a big black dog of her own to worry about. Five months earlier, animal control officers had dropped off Mickie, a Newfoundland mix, at the Ohio County Animal Shelter in Rising Sun, Ind., where Chase works. Looking for ways to make Mickie more interesting to those who visited the shelter, Chase highlighted his Newfie heritage, but nothing seemed to work. To potential adoptors, “He was just another big, black, hairy dog,” recalls Chase. Mickie was scheduled for euthanasia in May, so Chase contacted Delaney, who in turn posted Mickie’s picture on the Black Pearl website. She also cross-posted it on other adoption sites, including Jen Wold’s Gemini Rottweiler and Pit Bull Rescue, where Delaney had found Jake. Before long, Mickie was no longer just another black dog, but the focus of three optimistic women and their commitment to finding him a home. Most black dogs have to rely on shelter staff and volunteers to steer potential adoptors their way. And indeed, many shelters take extra steps to make black dogs more adoptable, according to Kate Pullen, director of animal sheltering issues at the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C. Teaching the dogs tricks, putting placards on kennels highlighting the dog’s personality (“I may just be a black dog, but I know how to balance a biscuit on my nose.”), making sure multiple black dogs aren’t kenneled next to one other—anything to catch the eye and imagination of potential adoptors. “I’ve had to turn away many black dogs because I can’t fill the place up with them,” says Jill Wimmer, shelter manager at PAWS Atlanta, that city’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. “And every one I turned away had a great temperament.” Wimmer knows that she can likely adopt out three dogs in the time it takes to find a home for one BBD. |
This article first appeared in The Bark, Issue 35, Mar/Apr 2006
Photograph by Diane Diederich
| Comments | Post a Comment |
Copyright © 1997-2011 The Bark, Inc. Dog Is My Co-Pilot® is a registered trademark of The Bark, Inc
I just love the statment from Anonymous on Jan. 25 "dogs are just little people in furry coats. Each dog has his/her own personality just like the two legged humans do. If you have never volunteered at a Rescue or a Humane Society you should. They all need as much help as they can get to prevent dogs and cats from being put down. There are just not enough homes for all the pets born. We all need to get as many dogs and cats spayed and neutered as we can. If you cannot volunteer please help spay and neuter pets through your vet or low cost spay neuter programs. The black dogs and cats need the most help as we have all learned. Our 7 dogs are part of our family and are not just pets. I volunteer at Rescue K911 in Alabama and help pay for spay neuter assistance through the LMHS and Wayside Animal Hospital. Please help in your area. The dogs and cats in all colors thank you from the bottom of their little loving hearts.
i have a dog and please help me find it a good home he is white with black spots on him he is medium sized and good around other animals it is a boy and he has not been fixed?
Very sad indeed I have a border collie/lab mix who is mostly black and i just love her. I have never heard of the bbd syndrome, I am such a dog lover it doesn't matter to me, they are after all just little people in fury coats
I just learned of this terrible prejudice today after meeting and falling in love with a friend's 2 "new", beautiful, loving black rescue dogs - who had been in a shelter for a year. I couldn't believe these beautiful dogs had taken so long to be adopted, and I said so. To my shock, she then told me that the shelter worker said that there was a huge prejudice against black dogs, and that many more black dogs than other color dogs never get homes and had to be put down. I thought she must have been misinformed, and it sickens me to learn that it is actually true. To know my friend's loving pets nearly were euthanized due to such stupidity made me- and my family- just feel sick. In fact, I feel quite the opposite: when I went to meet my friend's dogs and saw their beautiful soft black coats and smiles (yes, smiles!), I was totally smitten, and actually my first thought was how much I just LOVE black dogs. My first dog, Judy, was a black poodle/spaniel/"whatever" mix with the most wonderful temperament and loving spirit. Mom never worried when I went out to play as long as I was with Judy, from the time she first "adopted" me at 3 years old, till her death when I was in third grade. (Of course, I was told she'd gone to live on a farm, yet I was devastated and cried for days.) I truly don't understand such inanity - or insanity. We've since had other wonderful dogs: black, white, tan, brown and white, etc., and they have all been dear, beautiful, and loved "ferociously", but none has been more wonderful than my dear Judy. I agree with all the comments I've read here tonight. Black dogs are beautiful.
I adopted a big black dog who at been at the humane society for over one year. He was found by a shelter worker when he was about 3 months old, so one can say he never had a real home.
Well, my big black dog is a gem. He is well adjusted and gets along well with children, dogs and cats. He was a bit reserved at first, but his true personality emerged. He's quite the character!
To all those people who didn't take the time to look at and consider this wonderfuldog: your loss is my gain.
Please consider Big Black Dogs, you may be missing out on something wonderful.
I had a black dog and I had to move to a townhouse that doesn't allow dogs so my parents gave my dog away to the shelter while I was at school..
I'm so scared right now. I don't want him to be put down or anything.
But I don't know which shelter it was that my parents gave him to..they won't tell me...
Natsu, I hope you'll find a great owner..I know I wasn't the greatest.
this is surprising to me - probably because my whole life has been filled with BBDs. and i do mean FILLED.
Im sorry.to hear about this. I had no idea. I have an awesome black lab mix and he has been my partner for about 9 months and I would not traid those for anything. But my Landlord said to me today that I have to get rid of him and my other dog. And I dont know what to do... They told me I have to pay $500 for each dog to keep. My parent wont help me. But I will find a way because I love them and will find a way...
12 years ago I signed up with Golden Gate Labrador Retreiver Rescue.
I filled out my form for a 1 year old, female yellow lab.
2 days later I got a call about a 4 month old, male black lab named Gunner that ws up for adoption.
He has been and still is the joy of my life and I love him to bits.
Gunner is literally the best dog EVER!
I have a black lab mix and would not trade her for all the MULTI-COLORED dogs in the world!!! We adopted her and love her very, very much!!!
I've been through the puppy thing and just recently had to put my 13 year ol black lab down. Black dogs, especially labs, show their beautiful muscle groups and shinny coat. The kids in my neighborhood just loved running up to pet and hug Rosie.
This time I was to by-pass of of the puppy stage and get a 1-2 year old purebred black female that has not had a litter.
I have been blind almost my entire life, so I cannot speak to whether black dogs are pretty or not, but I can say my brother has a black dog and he is the smartest, most lovable dog you could ask for, so whether they are attractive or not shouldn't matter. Picking out a dog is a lot different than picking out a pair of shoes. It's the personality of the dog, not the color that matters. Maybe animal shelters could increase the adoption rate for black dogs by requiring people to don blindfolds before they can view the dogs! Just an idea.
A lot of people are dumb. Usually, no one wants one of these dogs unless it's in the news. I remember Patrick, the miracle dog. Everyone wanted to adopt him b/c of the high profile story. But no one wanted the other dogs that were listed that needed homes. There's thousands of Pitties, black dogs and senior dogs just like him that are being put down everyday that no one wanted. B/C they aren't "celebrity dogs", no one wants them.
-An animal rescuer that adopts the "unwanted" pets
Our family just adopted a beautiful black lab from a high kill animal shelter in N.C. He is our third lab and is making a wonderful addition to our family. How sad the black labs and other BBD's are so often overlooked and are first to be scheduled for euthanasia. Thanks for your help in getting the word out to the general public. Do not overlook and ignore these wonderful pets.
I honestly did not know that black dogs were less wanted... Sort of explains part of the reason why our black pekingese was in a foster home for almost 2 years. Even though she's not big. We never ever thought about what color of dog we wanted, we just wanted a dog with a big personality, and boy we got it! I just found out on an interview with a rescue that black dogs were hard to find homes for... This reminds me a lot of the black slave times.(Why does the color of somebody's skin or coat matter?)
Other than being hard to see at night(We have a bright pink collar on ours and her tags make lots of noise so this isn't too much of a problem) I can't see any differences to having a black dog in relation to a white dog or a tan dog.
I'm just shocked. I had no idea these wonderful black dogs faced this kind of problem. I had a wonderful black lab mix for 16 wonderful years. I wouldn't have traded him for the world. Thank you Delaney for all you are doing to help these black beauties. I will be visiting your site and letting others know also. Thank you for sharing this. www.leftygold.com
We had a tan pit mix and went back to Animal Welfare League here in Chicago to get her a brother. My son fell in love with a friend's black pitt and said he wanted a big black dog. We found my Big Boy! Jet black and shinning like a new pair of patent leather shoes-GORGEOUS! My hubby wanted a brown shephard mix but he and our 1st dog didn't have a good greeting. I had to explain to him that someone without a dog already will adopt that shephard but odds were the black dog would never get adopted. The kennel tech told him how many BBDs get passed over. When we were walking out with the dogs, a woman almost peed her pants when she our new addition! She was shocked we had just adopted that"big black dog." We brought our 70lbs, pitt/lab mix home and have loved every minute with him! He thinks he's a lap dog and I don't mind. He's one big teddy bear who wants nothing but love, and treats. I will add, I have no concerns walking my babies any time day or night- thanks to my BIG BLACK DOG!!!
I recently adopted a mixed black and tan doberman. She is the most loving and social dog I have ever seen. I had no idea black dogs were less "atractive" for adoption. But after walking my dog around town it does not surprise me. My dog is not big and still looks like a 4 month old puppy, but almost everyone assumes first that she is a boy, and second, that she is aggressive; all because she is black.
I have a mixed Black lab . He was a stray and I took him in . I find this report odd because everyone that see's my dog tells me how beautiful he is . He is solid black . He also is the best dog in the entire world
Our dog is a sweet nearly two-year old black dog with a Mohawk along her spine. She had been spending her life prior to her adoption in and out of animal shelters. What I have to say about her and all of the other black dogs out there: adopt them! You will never regret it.
Thanks for getting the word out, I had no idea!
This makes me so sad! I have 2 "bbds", one year old black labs, and they're the best dogs I have ever owned. Theyre playful, loving, and absolutly adorable! Give black dogs a chance people!
I absolutely love my BBD. I am the proud owner of my third Black Lab mix. I have adopted them from our local shelter and one came from a local rescue group. Let's face it Labs are smart, easy to train and are just the most fun dog to be with. The Black ones have the shiniest coats and we always get compliments on how beautiful he is.
So check out the BBD at your local shelter or rescue. You won't be disappointed.
Keep adopting!
Jay
We are the proud owners of a beautiful black and brown puppy.... who will eventually grow into a Beautiful Big Black Dog. He isn't agressive or destructive. On the contrary, he's very affectionate and playful. Most people I know have BBD's. A dogs color has nothing to do with its behaviour, or character... any more than it has with people.
It has to do more with breeding and training than color.
wow, racism rears its ugly head once again. I love my black scotties.
Awah I see many people with Black dogs...Black is a my favorite color (not a color) but you know what I mean...
our family adopted a large black dog 14 years ago, the best decision made by us, he is a handsome big boy, and loved by many of our neighbors!! then 2 1/2 years ago we adopted another black dog, from a local shelter, an amazing boy, with quite the personality!! what exactly gives people such a misconception of black dogs????? to know them is to love them!!
I can't believe it I LOVE my black beauty, it breaks my heart. Thank god someone is doing something to help these gorgeous creatures
I was stunned to learn that big black dogs are hard to find homes for. It's always been the opposite for me: I'm attracted to BBD's. I have one, a non-pure-bred black Lab who was a 'gimme' out of a littler of fourteen pups from a farm down the road. She has a lovely big woof and is part of our 4-footed security system, yet is also quite affectionate. Early on she took on 'Comfort The Natives' as her job description, and always knows when one of us needs a puppy -- even a 90-pound one -- cuddled up on the couch, her big head in a lap, looking up with eyes that ask: "Doe this help?"
I was recently approached by an acquaintance who has a big black mostly German Shepherd rescue dog; she thought she would not be able to keep the dog and exercise him properly due to her knees. In the end, she decided the dog was too special to give up, (he is, I'd have him in a heartbeat) and is resolved to make arrangements that will allow her to keep him, happily for them both.
I have two Black dogs at home and they rock!
We love our BBD (Wilson a 3 yr old retired racing greyhound)! Shelters that have trouble adopting out BBD might want to take more of an active part in matching dogs with adopters. Both of our recently adopted dogs (the other is a beagle) where shown to us as dogs that would compliment our live style from the shelters (ie kid and cat friendly). We made the choice to adopt from local shelters that took the time to learn their dogs' personalities and could help guide the adoption decision. The other shelter in our area could not help guide us to dogs with the right temperament for our family.
I am the proud mama to 7 dogs, 6 are all black, 1 is black and brown.
3 are small black schipperkes, 1 is a med black schipperke/border collie, 3 are large, a lab/chow mix and a lab/great dane mix, both black. The black and brown is a german shephard/basset hound mix. Black dogs rule in my world. I think those beautiful brown ares are like chocolate and I think they have great expression in there eyes. Any one who can't see that has no soul!
I should know, I have a black labrador girl, she is beautiful. She has a black labrador boyfriend, he is beautiful. My last dog was a black labrador boy, he was beautiful. What is wrong with black, I think it is classy and beautiful. Long live black dogs, horses, cats and whatever. Humans can be really stupid at times.
Thank you for raising awareness of wonderful but ignored dogs! In Tampa, Florida, the Hillsborough County Animal Services (HCAS)shelter calls them "Brown Paper Dogs." This refers to mixed breeds of any color which tend to fade into the background as shoppers gravitate towards young puppies and purebreds. We like to say "Find Solid Gold in a Plain Brown Wrapper!" During October Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog, HCAS hosted a successful "Brown Paper Dog Day" to kick off a month long adoption special on BPD's weighing 30 pounds or more. The party featured a "brown paper charm school" dog trainer, one of our County veterinarians, music, a kids coloring table, and donated food from Bob Evans Restaurant. The volunteers were terrific, and the public is responding despite the economy (Florida has been hit particularly hard). A thought: it might be helpful if the media and others would consider alternative ways to refer to public shelters rather than "the pound." The old-fashioned moniker sounds unappetizing to potential adopters and does not flatter the many professionals dedicated to helping animals there. Thanks again to you and all who help make adopting shelter pets cool!
www.BlackDogSecondChance.org
Seems hard to believe, but it's understandable that most people want more flashy dogs. I've never really been much of a lab person myself, as you said their lack of facial expressions and difficulty to read contributes, but if I ever got one i'd opt for one that wasn't white.
I usually go for dogs with black/white or black/brown on their face with vibrant eyes.. Especially Border Collies; though even if he were entirely black I would still love him for his breed rather than his coat color! =)
Most labs have dark eyes, mono-color coat and lack expression, they're almsot like big teddy bears! =P
Some people go for that and others don't.
I have always loved big black dogs and when getting a new puppy I usually migrate toward those cute black furballs! I have owned many black dogs over the years. Right now, between my two daughters and myself, we have 9 dogs: 4 black lab mixes, 1 yellow lab mix, 1 wheaton Scottie, 1 chocolate lab, 1 lab/rot brindle mix, and 1 minature dapple dachsund. The chocolate lab was found dumped on the side of a road, covered in mud. In the past we have been "adopted" by a German Shepherd who showed up on our doorstep one hot August day. We tried to find her owner but couldn't. We had her checked out by our vet and she had heartworms. He also thought she had been abused. We did the heartworm treatment and our Duchess lived out the rest of her life as a loved, pampered, inside dog. I have never understood why anyone wouldn't want a beautiful black dog! or for that matter why anyone wouldn't want a dog period! I can't imagine my life without my 4-legged children!! Oh and by the way, all of our dogs are inside dogs! Some people think we are crazy but we don't care!! (I will add that my daughters don't live with me so there aren't 9 dogs in one house!)
I have had two BBDs in my life and would NEVER overlook one of these gorgeous dogs if I was looking for a pound/shelter dog.
Dad brought home a BBD from the local shelter for Christmas in 1996. Lovingly named Rex, I buried him last October after 13 years of happiness and fond memories.
I didnt know that dogs like Rex and other BBDs are being overlooked and left behind for other dogs in shelters until I found this article. Not fair to them at all.
No one should ever fear a BBD. Once again a bad rep for dogs who are amazing and willing to open themselves unconditionally to love.
Ever since I was born 23 years ago I have had a big black dog in my life. Bingo was our first - a basset/lab mix. He was the sweetest dog, and he'd even run to tell my mom when my sister or I were up from our naps before she would even hear us crying.
After a while we added a second BBD to our family. We visited our local shelter and fell in love with a HUGE 4 year old black lab mix. He leaned against the fence begging to be petted as he looked up at us with his big brown eyes. Alex was with us until I was 12 years old and for the first time in our lives we didn't have canine companion at our home.
Only a few short weeks passed before we knew that we needed to adopt another dog for our family. We set out in search of a puppy this time. We found a farm that rescues puppies and the second I saw Jake I knew he was the one. Jake grew up to be a 100lb black lab who was more full of love than any dog I could have asked for. He's now living with my parents and I've moved out on my own. Jake will turn 12 this winter and he's still going strong.
Now that I live on my own I needed to find a dog for my family. Two months ago I rescued a big black great dane/lab mix. He is incredible - sleeps in my bed, greets me with a smile and a wiggly butt when I get home, and even loves our two cats.
I vow to always adopt big black dogs for my family. They are the best! And they definitely look super cute in bright colorful bandanas/collars - who needs flashy colored fur anyways when you can have a silky smooth black coat!
Anyone who has worked in rescue for more than five minutes understands the BBD syndrome. Black dogs are passed over for many reasons, many are subconscious reasons. Unless the dog is supposed to be black, people simply don't see them. One reason is that their facial expressions are harder to read. We all love to look into those big brown eyes but those eyes surrounded by black fur are less dramatic. Yes BBD's and SBD's are wonderful dogs and we have all had our share and can attest to their terrific attributes. One suggestion for rescue organizations is to have a "black dog only" adoption day once a month. And the black dogs need to be removed from the caged environment and taken to outreach locations. Hopefully the rescue group can partner with a local business and promote the adoption of black dogs. Bless those volunteers and adopters who go the extra mile for these black critters. There is a place in Heaven for them.
Hi,
At our daily doggie newspaper, The Daily Digg, we feature dogs who need homes in our Rescue for You section. We are a community of dog lovers, who want to help all our fellow canine Americans; irregardless of size, color, and temperment : ). The Daily Digg is a fun, free, daily newspaper all about dogs, all the time. Please visit us.
Thanks, and take care,
Sue Bassetmom and Vinny The Daily Digg
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daily-Digg/102062659844526
On the 24th of this month, I visited a local shelter so I could pick one single dog to save. I wanted to adopt a dog that wasn't likely to get chosen but would also be appropriate with my family (I have small dogs that require a dog that would get along with them okay). I wanted to save every dog there but I had to settle for just one. I chose a one year old male black lab. I named him Chance. He had been born at the shelter and had lived there his whole life. The shelter had so many black dogs, some of them being Chance's siblings. I chose him because he jumped so high and looked so excited to see someone by his cage.
Of course, he has a wonderful personality and does very well with my current pets. I am serving as a foster mother for this not-so-little guy, though I won't be surprised if he becomes a permanent addition to the family. This whole thing has really made me realize that I'd like to do this again in the future.
I stumbled upon this site because I was thinking back on this male Beagle who was old enough to be very gray in the face. I thought about maybe I should have saved him instead, wondering if maybe he was less likely to get adopted than Chance would have. This page has definitely reassured me and helped me realize I definitely made the right choice. However, if I am able to go ahead and adopt another to foster, I don't know that I could resist that poor older beagle...And maybe a BBD or two!
Boy I learned something today! I had no idea that this was an issue. I work for a rescue in New Hampshire and do fostering for them. I have not had a black dog as yet, but have own plenty myself.
Thanks for all your good work. If you ever need some help whatever it may be, I'm your gal. I live in the east but more than willing to post, drive, or whatever.
Best wishes,
saryjane
We have 3 black dogs, 2 are big and one is little, but black just the same. I also am involved in rescue and know the pearls of BBD. I foster black dogs as often as I can, because I know they get overlooked so much at shelters. The best way to get a black dog seen is to parade it around the "world" as much as possible. Black dogs are just as sweet, loving, and playful as any other color, and they give kisses too, and love to snuggle, can be cute have facial expressions, perk up thier ears......don't forget about the black furbabies. They need good homes too. Thank you so much for all you do for the blackies. I will always rescue and will always have a black dog or 2! :)
We adopted a BBD two years ago, he has been the most fun, loving dog we have ever owned. He's 85 pounds and will sleep in your lap like a little puppy. He is so much fun! We will always adopt BBD's from the shelter in the future.
I have a wonderful big black dog. The only drawback I see is that her fur sheding really shows on my cream colored carpeting. Maybe all that beige carpeting is the reason people look for lighter colored dogs.
LOL...I've never heard of such! However, since I rescued a BBD myself, which, by the way, I am the fourth home of this rescue dog and her last as I have vowed to keep her no matter what. I will say, she is my third lab...had a yellow and a chocolate, and it never occurred to me to NOT adopt a black one! Her black coat looks better in her red Georgia Bulldog collar than any other lab I have owned..ha! Besides, a black dog can pull off all the funky/neon collar colors and look stylish while doing it. When I first started reading the article, I thought "oh no...dog article is now going to go into race discrimination or something...ugh!" sooo glad to see it didn't go that direction. I will always ♥ my black dog:)!
I guess we must be a strange family; we have THREE black dogs. Two of whom are 'rescue' dogs. We originally adopted a 4 month old Black Lab cross pup (who is now, short, fat, lumpy, grey chinned, and ten years old...), then got a purebred Black Lab pup from a breeder (for companionship for the older fella...unfortunately a few years too late as it turned out...he wasn't interested in playing with the pup at all...) and to resolve THAT problem, last February we adopted a 5 year old female (purebred) Black Lab. The house is crowded with dogs, and it can certainly be a challenge to one's sanity at times, but we wouldn't give one of them up for anything. Black dogs are the best. They must be...Led Zeppelin even made a song about them.
Our big, black Lab, Tommy, is an angel - and a rescue. When we adopted our big boy 9 years ago, our daughter was only 2 1/2 years old. The thought never crossed my mind that she might be terrified of him because of his color. He is a lovee. I will always rescue a Lab - and I have a special place in my heart for Black dogs! By the way, Tommy is kind to all animals and people, most especially his two kitty sisters. :)
In addition to teaching the BBDs tricks to help them get adopted try light/bright colored bandannas. The bandannas make them more approachable to people. We have orange, yellow, and blue 'Adopt Me!' bandannas in various sizes for all the dogs at the shelter. We mostly use them at events but try to keep them on the BBDs when we have potential adopters around. The bandannas are hand made by volunteers and cost lest than 50 cents a piece in the end.