Color these canines adoptable
Officials and staff of the Washington Area Humane Society would prefer if potential pet owners were color blind. Especially when it comes to adopting black animals.
"It is not immediately apparent, but over a period a time a pattern has emerged," said Faye Klein, director of volunteers at the no-kill shelter along Route 136 in Eighty Four. "For no clear-cut reason, black pets languish the longest in shelters nationwide. Light-colored dogs, even those who are not housebroken or who may harbor undesirable behavioral traits, are chosen time and time again over black dogs that have good training and wonderful dispositions."
Klein, who manages the humane society's Web site, said black dogs may appear to be more menacing but said "that is a real misconception."
"Their expressive faces are not as easily read in the often poor light of indoor kennels, and they don't get a second chance to make a good first impression," Klein said. "Black dogs also are difficult to photograph well and as such cannot be featured as flatteringly as lighter dogs with contrasting noses and eyes in print or on a Web site."
Even superstition plays a role in diminishing the adoption rates of black dogs and black cats.
"So often are they overlooked that black dogs on average spend twice as long as their lighter counterparts at our shelter and shelters elsewhere," Klein said.
The Washington Area Humane Society has so many black dogs "of every shape, size and age" that Klein and others at the Eighty Four complex are imploring people considering adoption of a pet there to "take a second, long look at the sweet, affectionate and bright black dogs waiting for loving homes."
For those who "value substance over style," the humane society is preparing for a one weekend only, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26, event in which all adult dogs with black coats will be available for adoption at a "greatly reduced" adoption fee of only $35. This fee, Klein said, will be refundable and cannot be combined with any other offer or rebate.
Among the "too often overlooked" adult shelter black dogs available at the WAHS are Lexus, Missy, Tennessee, Rugrat, Austin, BamBam, Dallas, Tex, Montana, Midnight, Ty and Astro.
"Surely with the enduring chic of the little black dress and the current popularity of Gothic icons, basic black has not lost its luster," Klein said. "With so many distinctive looks and personalities available, we feel you will have no trouble finding the perfect black dog for your family."
Additional information on the "Black Cuties" sale Feb. 25-26, as well as other animals awaiting adoption at WAHS, is available by calling 724-222-PETS (7387) or by visiting the Web site www.washingtonpashelter.org.
