DEB’S DOG OF THE WEEK: Black Dog Syndrome – Pearl

If you’ve never heard of Black Dog Syndrome (it’s a phenomenon that is well known to shelters and rescue organizations), it’s the idea that black dogs are much more difficult to find homes for than non-black dogs and they are often among the first dogs to be euthanized. If you think that this is a myth, just take a visit to your local shelter and test yourself to see which dogs you notice first. Chances are it’s the dogs that are lighter in color.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at the two equally horrible intake photos of two dogs at South LA shelter. Which dog pops out at you first? The white one, right?

BENTLEY – ID#A1132925

ID#A1141500

Whether we mean to or not, black dogs get overlooked at the shelter. They are harder to see through kennel gates, they are harder to photograph, they tend to be “bigger” dogs – rottweilers, black lab/mixes, and of course pit bulls! There are also the stereotypes that black dogs are scary or evil and movies have a terrible history of portraying black dogs as mean and vicious. That’s a lot of stigma to have to overcome!

My point in all this is to say…next time you are thinking about adopting a dog, don’t forget about the black dogs. Of course personality should always come first, but if everything else is equal think about bringing the black dog home. Forget any stereotypes and instead, think about the positives…they don’t look as dirty as white dogs, black won’t clash with anything you own, and black is ALWAYS in style!

Pearl is one of the many black dogs that Downtown Dog Rescue has available for adoption. She is originally from South LA shelter (where I’m sure she had a horrible intake picture) and is now lucky enough to get to play with Lori’s whole pack. She is a submissive girl that gets along with all the dogs and even cats. Pearl is only 2 or 3 years old and would be a wonderful addition to any family.