I read an interesting article about how many black dogs and cats are passed over by people during the potential adoption process. This leaves a vast majority of these animals left behind in shelters to be euthinanized.

In fact just the other day I was at the local humane office updating my dogs tags and like always, because its too hard not to, I went into to see the cats and dogs. There were a mix of dog colors, but unfortunately, there were far too many black cats up for adoption.

Just what is the stigma behind the cause of this? I decided to look into this a bit more. There is no real explanation or solid facts,however even in this day and age there is still the stigma of black animals portrayed in a demonic and/or supernatural light. Black cats crossing your path is one superstition.

Another reason I found was the belief that black dogs and cats tend to shed more than light dogs and cats. I will stop right here and tell you that I have four dogs..they are all different colors, tan, white, red and black. My tan and red dogs shed waaay more than my black dog does. So..for what its worth that belief has now been debunked in my house.

Another sad fact is that dark animals are hard to see in most shelters that are dimly light. Its harder to read their features and when people  look on rescue sites, for instance Pet Finder , the black animals just do not do well in photo’s. They don’t show enough because most lighting is poor when pictures are taken or they have premature greying. It is also known that black fur turns white earlier in a dog or cat. (I know I have a black Pug, who is only 2.5 years old and she is already greying around her muzzle.)

 Cats are, in fact the hardest to adopt. There is the supertition related to Friday the 13th and so on. Next month is October, which is notoriously seen as black cat month. Its sad really. These animals deserve more than to be catorgized with beliefs, sometimes deep seated.

Shelters across the nation are going to great measure to combat this syndrome. From dressing the animals up in colorful attire when taking their pictures, to have half price adoption days.

So the next time your thinking about adopting, consider a black dog or cat. They are  just as loving, playful and full of personality as the lighter colored dogs and cats.

I know my little black Pug is quite the firecracker and I would not trade her for anything!