Really, it’s rather hard to believe, but apparently dogs with black coats are the least likely to be adopted from a shelter. I only just found this out myself today. A neighbor of mine had been fostering a beautiful Black Lab/Dane mix, and recently had to return him to the shelter, since they were going to be traveling for six weeks.
“Stallone” had been rescued at the end of 2010 ago from a deplorable hoarding situation. Despite suffering neglect and possible abuse, this dog has a very sweet nature, loves people and other dogs. I was lucky to have met him, before he returned to his rescuers at Valhalla Canine Shelter. His foster mom told me that in the six weeks she’d had him, she had heard him only quietly “woof” twice. He was also very well-behaved, had loved going on off-leash adventures with her, and would always come promptly running back when called.
Stallone has a gorgeous shiny black coat, and a very handsome face to add to the package. I began posting his info to my Facebook page immediately upon learning of his situation. This dog is a gem, I thought. I’m sure someone will see his pictures and read about him and bring him to a good home very quickly.
That was last week. Today I called the shelter to learn if anyone had called to inquire about Stallone. Not one call. That’s when I learned that black-coated dogs are hard to place. For whatever reason, people tend to adopt the fluffy white ones first. Ok, maybe. But what’s so unappealing about a black dog? One of the first dog friends I ever had as a child was a beautiful black lab named Penny, whose coat was so shiny, I swear I could see my reflection in her fur. From the time I met Penny, I bugged my parents for a black lab. (They eventually got me a Beagle, but that’s another story.)
I don’t get it, but I don’t get lots of things, like hoarding animals, mistreating animals, not adopting a pet from a shelter, I could go on and on. Look at that face and tell me how anyone could overlook him? I wish I could take him myself, but I will continue to champion his cause and try to find him the good home that he deserves. If you’d like to help, please pass this on. There are many more photos of Stallone on his blog. That’s right, maybe black-coated dogs aren’t very adoptable, but who says that they can’t blog? (PS. Here’s a link to his info page on Petfinder.com.)
Bette – thanks for sharing about Stallone! I’ll share on Facebook, too!
As you know I have TWO black lab mixes (Lakota & Cheyenne). When a friend saw a picture of Lakota..with her mirror like shining coat…he asked, “Do you wax her? Cuz that coat is SHINEY!” And, words of wisdom from my niece when asked about pet preferences, “I’ve always wanted a black dog.”
So, I don’t get it about black dogs either but I learned a lot when looking for my 2nd black lab – Cheyenne. It’s really bad in the south where they breed black labs for hunting. If they’re not 100% perfect, they get rid of them and keep breeding. And, the slightest thing gets them dumped (touch of white, uneven ear, etc.) The result is lots of black dogs without homes. I found a group that gathers up those black labs and tries to find them homes…they even ship them cross country. If I can find the site again, I’ll get it to you.
Thanks, you find it, let me know. I’ll add it to the post.
That’s why I adopted my black lab Desi, in fact! I blogged about it here years ago:
Black is beautiful, baby!
Desi looks absolutely wonderful, what a great face.
One of the most handsome lab I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Stallone is actually a Lab/Great Dane mix and I’m happy to report that he has found a good home.
I am pleased to read that Stallone found a good home. My son has a Labradane by the name of Nellie and she is the sweetest (black coated) dog I have ever known. Very smart, very loyal, very loving. If I had the room to have a dog, I would definitely be seeking out a black coated Labradane. Nellie knows that she is my favorite dog and it is funny to see this 82 lb dog trying to sit on my lap to be as close to me as possible.