Although the anniversary of the "Summer of Love" comes to a close, here in Minnesota we still have an action packed schedule of dog friendly events in store! Join your dog obsessed neighbors for “Woofstock” this Saturday, September 19th. Events including a Wash-a-thon and coffee tasting at Sebastian Joe’s, a four legged scavenger hunt and of course the annual “Pooches Promenade” can’t be missed. Festivities start at 10:00 a.m., so don’t be late!


For more Woofstock details, go to Sidewalk Dog http://tiny.cc/CQgAe . Haven’t signed up for Sidewalk Dog’s free e-mail publication Dog E-Dish? If you are a dog parent you need to fetch this, pronto! Go to http://sidewalkdog.com/subscribe to subscribe to this must-have publication.


About the Dog E-Dish:
“Our mission is simple: To build community through the common bond with dogs.
For years, strong urban communities have been connected by sidewalks bringing together pedestrians and businesses. Today, on those same sidewalks, it is our dogs that are connecting us to one another.
Each month, and sometimes in between, you’ll receive The Dog eDish – a newsletter that connects you to the people and places that love you AND your dog. So sign up today and begin a whole new life with the pack intact.”

Our Black Dog pack will see you at Woofstock! Peace to your pack,

Heather Rosenwald

Photo: "Blackjack" by Ara Witmer, artfordogs.com


If one of the "underdogs" of the animal shelter world is the mixed-breed black dog, then black American Pit Bull Terriers are the ultimate underdogs. Sadly, over the last several decades “Pit Bulls” have gone from being the family pet of choice to facing wide spread breed discrimination. Damaging myths, exploitive owners and breeders and a media culture that is only too willing to escalate fears have created a hostile environment for this wonderful breed.

To counter the negative breed perceptions several rescue organizations such as BAD RAP, Best Friends Animal Society, Animal Farm Foundation, A Rotta Love Plus, Downtown Dog Rescue and others who champion Pit Bulls and “bully breeds” are working to change the distorted image of these wonderful dogs.

At the same time public bias fueled by myths and misinformation remains high. American Pit Bull Terriers or those with “Pit Bull-like characteristics” are targeted for euthanasia at alarming rates. Deadly and damaging myths result in an untold number of shelter deaths every year for Pit Bulls Terriers as well as dogs believed possess “bully breed” characteristics.

To learn more and get involved in championing Pit Bull Terriers and "bully breeds", see our new page "Black Pit Bulls - The Ultimate Underdogs"
http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/ind ... ;Itemid=36 and use the links to get involved!

Peace to your pack,
Heather Rosenwald

Want to help out with your local animal rescue group or shelter but don’t know how? Maybe your lifestyle doesn’t allow you to foster a pet. Maybe your work schedule or family obligations prevent you from helping at an adoption day. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t help local homeless animals in other ways. Take a look at these YouTube videos which aim to raise awareness about Black Dog Syndrome, get attention for a Retriever rescue group and (in a wonderfully humorous and touching way) counter breed discrimination.


If you have the time and just a little bit of know-how, here is your chance to unleash your inner Frances Ford Coppola. Consider creating a YouTube video which your local rescue or shelter can use can on their website, send to supporters, include in their fundraising appeals, link on their Facebook or MySpace page and yes, post on YouTube for extra exposure. You’ll be reaching a huge online audience that may include potential adopters, new foster families, volunteers and donors. So contact your local rescue group, break out the laptop and get ready for “two paws up” from the homeless animals who you’ll be helping!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dyxo1Y-lkg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CacGpCQX ... re=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtGT2apOlKw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKZ3SaR4FUw


Peace to your pack,


Heather Rosenwald
Founder, startseeingblackdogs.com

If your rescue group or shelter organization is serious about increasing adoptions, stop and ask yourself – are you making the most out of the free P.R. opportunities in your community? If the answer is no, this excellent guide to getting P.R. to increase your adoptions from Maddie’s Fund is a must-read:


http://www.maddies.org/Resource_Library ... y_101.html


Maddie’s Fund, the Pet Rescue Foundation, is a family foundation established in 1999 to help fund the creation of a no-kill nation. Since its inception, Maddie's Fund has awarded animal welfare organizations and universities $71.6 million to save dog and cat lives.


Peace to your pack-


Heather Rosenwald
Founder, startseeingblackdogs.com



Heather Rosenwald


*FOLLOW US ON TWITTER – SeeingBlackDogs
*FOLLOW US ON Facebook – Start Seeing Black Dogs

Many people I meet are unaware that black shelter dogs are often overlooked by potential adopters. Opinions vary about why this happens -- see our web page on "Black Dog Syndrome" -- black dogs are more challenging to photograph, people think they look alike and they also tend to "disappear" in the shadows of often dark shelters. No matter the reason, most in the animal welfare world agree that darker colored dogs may get passed over by families looking to add a pet to their lives. This great YouTube video is a wonderful way to raise awareness about "Black Dog Syndrome."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dyxo1Y-lkg



For ideas on how to make black dogs stand out in a shelter environment or at an adoption day, our website provides a few ideas that can get you going. Once people realize that mixed-breed black shelter dogs are truly “underdogs", they often deliberately seek them out the next time they are looking for an animal to adopt. Help us spread the word and save more lives!


Peace to your pack,


Heather Rosenwald


*FOLLOW US ON TWITTER – SeeingBlackDogs
*FOLLOW US ON Facebook – Start Seeing Black Dogs