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When people hear the words “Black Friday” they generally think of the day following Thanksgiving and the kick off for the holiday shopping season. This is the day many retailers begin to “turn a profit” or are “in the black.” This year, we are hoping people will think of black in an entirely new way: by adopting a black pet!
Update 12/4/12 – Prince has been adopted!
Black pets tend to have a more difficult time being adopted which means they are more likely to be killed in shelters. Also known as black cat or black dog syndrome, we can speculate a few reasons they may be overlooked:
- Black pets are harder to see, especially in kennels. Even worse, if the pet is shy they likely won’t approach the front of the kennel, increasing their chances of going un-noticed by potential adopters.
- Black pets are labeled as “too ordinary” when in fact, they are anything but! Finding a pure-black pet is rare.
- Superstition is often associated with black pets, notably black cats. During the dark ages groups sought out to completely eradicate black cats which were associated with witch craft because of their nocturnal habits. They are in fact century-old survivors and should be celebrated!
Black dogs come in all shapes and sizes!
You can help combat the stigmas surrounding black pets by trying one or all of the following tips:
- Use your photography skills! Better photos can be had by using proper lighting and colorful props. Take dogs on a rigorous walk prior to a photo session, when they pant it will look like they are smiling! Showcase those beautiful eyes by drawing the pets gaze up before snapping a photo. Showing the white of the eye will enhance a black pet’s appearance.
- Take black pets out of their cages to meet potential adopters. This will teach adopters to judge a pet by the content of their character, not by the color of their fur!
- Add a pop of color to a black pet. Neon-colored collars can draw attention to a previously less-noticed black pet. A scarf or bandana calling out for adoption can help as well. The brighter the better! Just make sure the pet is comfortable and safe in their new wardrobe.
- Hold an event to showcase black pets! In Los Angeles, The Pet Care Foundation/Pets 90210 holds an annual event called “Basic Black” which showcases primarily black cats and dogs. This year the event will offer 50% reduced adoption fees at all six Los Angeles City Shelter locations on Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25. You can see all the black pets up for adoption by visiting Our Adopt a Pet page.
- Create your own local event to draw attention to black pets in your shelter or rescue!
- Celebrate existing “holidays” like National Black Cat Day. This year National Black Cat Day is on Saturday, November 17. See what people in your community are doing to celebrate!
Adopt Me!
So this year on Black Friday get the deal of a lifetime by saving the life of a black pet!
