July 21, 2008

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Millions of dogs wind up in shelters each year, but thousands of these canines are literally “black-listed” and despite being loving and caring, they get adopted last.

The reason is due to “black dog syndrome,” and although there are no national statistics on the phenomenon, rescue organizations say it is very real.

Debra Harsh adopted a black greyhound named Gus, and she adores him.

“Gus loves to give kisses, he loves attention,” Harsh said. “He’ll stand and let you pet him and love on him literally for hours.”

But Harsh is an exception. Many black dogs languish in shelters or remain with rescue organizations long after other dogs get adopted.

One reason black dogs are overlooked? Fear.

“They have these dark features and sometimes their eyes are not real bright and shiny,” Judy Sarullo of Pet Rescue by Judy said. “And all the sudden you’ll see these white teeth on a black dog and that can be intimidating, especially on a larger black dog.”

Or, people can’t read expressions on a black dog’s face. Superstition also surrounds the color black. Folklore suggests black dogs are symbols of death or minions of the devil.

In addition, experts say people also prefer brighter colors like white or brown.

“I believe it is subconscious, unawareness even when they see it,” said Theresa Clifton of the Central Brevard Humane Society. “Color draws people’s attention. Black is just very plain.”

But black dog syndrome doesn’t just affect black dogs. It ultimately affects all dogs.

“If we cannot move dogs,” Leslie Woliner of Greyhound Ranch Adoptions said, “then it takes a longer time to help all the other greyhounds that are in the racing industry or on farms.”

But rescue organizations, like the Central Brevard Humane Society, are tackling the problem head on.

“For the black dogs, we would put in blankets or sheets of a lighter color so that you have that contrast of background,” Clifton said. “We have adopt me jackets that we put on them and they’re a nice dark blue with light blue writing and that stands out on their coat really well”, she said.

Judy Sarullo is a little more direct, “I’ll walk them around and I’ll hold them in my arms just so people see, look at this gorgeous little creature, how could you pass it by,” Sarullo said.

Greyhound Ranch Adoptions also uses the power of the internet, and features its black greyhounds on its Web site.

But regardless of the method, the message is the same. Black dogs make terrific companions.

“They’re gorgeous,” Sarullo said. “They’re wonderful animals. They’ve got beautiful eyes, beautiful teeth and they talk from the heart.”

Marsh has found another reason for loving black canines.

“Basic black’s kind of nice,” Marsh said. ”It doesn’t get dirty, it doesn’t show dirt, and they look formal in all occasions.”

And every success story is a step in the right direction.

“That gives us a lot of hope,” Woliner said. “That there are people out there that really will gravitate to the black dogs and see how loving they are and caring, and will adopt more!”

To learn more about helping black dogs, visit Black PearlDogs.com.

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