Published: April 25, 2008 09:38 pm         

Let’s put black dogs in spotlight

DANVILLE — Even dogs can be the victims of discrimination.

Black dogs, especially, are so overlooked at animal shelters that there’s a name for it: the black dog syndrome.

JoAnn Adams, director of the Humane Society of Danville, said she doesn’t see the problem at the city shelter.

However, volunteers and staff at the Vermilion County Animal Shelter are quick to point out the trend. With 100 dogs right now — both on the adoption floor and “on hold” — the shelter is at capacity.

And many of those dogs — including puppies — are black, Interim Director Pete Smith said.

“It’s hard when people come in — all they see is black,” he said. “It’s hard to distinguish one from another.” A visitor sees three black puppies, for example, and doesn’t know which one to get.

Although the black dogs tend to look somewhat alike, their personalities are distinct, Smith said.

A visitor is encouraged to take a dog to the courtyard outside, where the dog’s personality shows through, he said. A visitor also may bring in his own dog to see if his pet and the shelter dog will get along.

The shelter tries hard not to euthanize any more dogs than necessary. That means sending purebred dogs to rescue groups. The county shelter recently sent two black Labrador retrievers to Lucky Lab Rescue in Lewisville, Ind.; the group specializes in finding homes for black Labs.

The group’s Web site notes the yellow and chocolate Labs get rescued and adopted more often than the black ones.

“Some shelters will automatically euthanize black Labs and some rescue organizations will accept the yellow and chocolate over the black Lab,” the Web site says. “We at Lucky Labs love our yellows and chocolates, but also feel very committed to rescuing black Labs due to their plight.”

Labs are one of the most popular breeds due to their loyal and family-oriented personalities, the site says. Labs are also one of the most over bred breeds and are the No. 1 breed to be found in shelters.

Why do black dogs have a low adoption rate?

Here are some reasons taken from various recent articles:

— Their black coats can make them invisible in poorly lit kennels. Also, black dogs are difficult to photograph, and their pictures on shelters’ Web sites may not portray them in the best light.

At some shelters, workers put brightly colored, eye-catching blankets and toys in the kennels holding black dogs.

— Some speculate black dogs don’t have the right look to catch the eye of potential adopters. Black dogs with some white whiskers might appear older, even when they’re young, for example.

— Some people turn their black dogs in to the shelters because they don’t like the dark fur on their furniture.

— People may subconsciously equate black dogs with doom and death. In British folklore, the black dog is an omen of death. In “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” a big black dog called the Grim stalks Harry. “Beware of Dog” signs often show a big, black dog with its teeth bared.

— It’s difficult to read the expressions of black dogs because there isn’t a lot of contrast between black eyes and a black face. Without defined eyebrows, a playful grin might look like an angry grimace.

— Large dogs with black coats seem especially menacing, even when they’re sweethearts. That includes Lab mixes, shepherds, Rottweilers and pit bulls.

If you love dogs — of any color — stop by either the city or county shelter. And give that black dog a second look.

FYI

— The Web site http://www.blackpearldogs.com takes a look at the plight of black dogs.

— If you want to help a black Labrador, visit the Web site http://www.luckylabrescue.com.

MARK THE DATE

Entries are still being accepted for a benefit pet fashion show, which will start at 2 p.m. Saturday at 406 Sheridan.

The show is being organized by Karen Grider, owner of Cool Moms and Trendy Babies and My Precious Pampered Pet Boutique, and Donna Cash, owner of Pawpourri grooming.

It will be held in the parking lot behind Grider’s and Cash’s business.

Registration fee is $5; spectators are admitted at no charge. Proceeds will go to the Danville Police Department’s K-9 program.

Contact Grider at 213-6143 or stop by the store. Cash can be reached at 474-0030.

HELP ROXIE

In a recent column, I featured three dogs who have been successfully treated for heartworms and who need homes. Happily, two of the three found homes.

Roxie, however, is still up for adoption. She’s a sweet pit bull mix who’s only about 6 months old. She’s being housed at River Road Boarding Kennel near Bismarck because the Vermilion County Animal Shelter is full.

Roxie has unusual markings — a brindle coat with spots, almost like an Australian shepherd.

If you’re interested, contact Diana Bryant at 443-3751. Applicants will be screened.

Contact Mary Wicoff at 477-5161, send an e-mail to mwicoff@dancomnews.com or write to Commercial-News, 17 W. North, Danville, IL 61832.