Dear ,

October 1st is National Black Dog Day, a day set aside to recognize the challenges black dogs face finding forever homes.  The phenomenon is commonly called Black Dog Syndrome, or BDS.  Many factors contribute to Black Dog Syndrome, such as bad luck superstitions about black animals, the difficulty of taking good photos of black dogs, and the natural tendency for the human eye to notice lighter colors.  Generally speaking, humans tend to think black is evil and blondes have more fun.  These inaccurate stereotypes carry over into adoption choices.  As a result, black dogs universally take longer to find adoptive homes than their lighter counterparts. 

Big black dogs (BDD), like black sighthounds, have it even worse.  These dogs must overcome BDS and the popularity of smaller dogs.  Many people feel like a big dog will make more of a mess, be harder to handle, and take up too much space.  Some greyhound groups won't even take them.  In reality, big sighthounds are gentle giants who can curl up in the tiniest of spaces.  And let's be honest, little dogs often challenge their humans with their barky selves.

You can help overcome BDS and BDD!  The next time you adopt, consider taking home a black coated pet and be sensitive to their adoption challenges.  If you already have black dogs, share pictures in social media, with your friends and family, and talk about how black dogs make great pets.  Take a minute to mark October 1, 2016, on your calendar as a day to raise awareness about black dogs.  And most importantly, help the GALT big black dogs like those below get adopted by sharing the pictures of them that we post in social media.  Thank you!
 

Dash.

Atlas.

Money.

Ellie.

 

 

If you have been considering fostering, or know someone who is considering fostering, now would be a great time to jump in! If you can help, please contact Jennifer Vilches at  fostering@galtx.org.

Stella

Crockett

Travis

Houston

Cleon

Dixon

Henri

Vamp

Travis