http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php Copyright 2009, Heather Rosenwald Heather Rosenwald en-US SPHPBLOG 0.5.1 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081028-180921


Each year, 5 million companion animals are euthanised in U.S. animal shelters. At startseeingblackdogs.com we believe that people possess the ingenuity and determination to decrease animal shelter deaths. Every day, committed groups of individuals find solutions to challenging problems in their communities. Finding an alternative to shelter deaths is no different.


Our nation is undeniably full of animal lovers. So why would we accept that we can do no better when it comes to finding a solution to animal shelter deaths? Why would we accept that 5 million annual shelter deaths are an inevitable fact of life?


Surely our desire to protect the companion animals we love so much would compel us to seek new and innovative ways to increase adoptions. Or have we as the public come to accept that we are powerless in the face of this problem?


At startseeingblackdogs.com, we believe that people have the ability to find solutions to reduce shelter killing. What the public may not realize is that there are shelters in operation right now which have successfully reduced their euthanasia rates. By using methods outlined in the No Kill Equation, a number of open admission shelters have found life saving alternatives to euthanising many of the animals in their care.


Isn’t Everyone in Favor of No Kill? Many people may be surprised to know that not everyone involved in animal welfare agrees that shelter deaths can be decreased. A quick search of the web reveals that many people actively argue that reducing shelter deaths is not achievable, or not achievable by the methods outlined by “No Kill” advocates.


We disagree. We believe that reducing shelter deaths is possible and support this effort. It occurs to us that even if an individual is skeptical that “no kill” is possible, why would anyone actively oppose any method that might reduce shelter deaths? More importantly, isn’t it more productive for no kill detractors to offer their own solutions to the shelter death problem rather than simply focusing on discrediting those proposing new ideas?


Most people would agree that 5 million annual companion animal deaths in our nation’s shelters is a tragic thing. The question is are we willing to accept the status quo, or are we open minded and determined enough to seek life saving solutions?


Not all methods for reducing euthanasia rates will be successful, but one fact is for certain: if we do nothing, 5 million companion animals will continue to die every year in our nation’s shelters. We believe this is an unacceptable outcome and one that we have the power, ingenuity and desire to change.


Our Mission at startseeingblackdogs.com:


• To help animal rescue groups and shelters increase the number of black dog adoptions by offering free marketing and PR resources.


• To continually offer new, creative, inspirational and fun ideas for promoting black dogs.


• To educate the public about Black Dog Syndrome and encourage them to choose adoption over purchasing from commercial breeding sources.


Our best to you and your dog(s),


Heather Rosenwald


]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081028-180921 Heather Rosenwald Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:09:21 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081028-180921 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081021-194642


Unless you've been on a media blackout (tempting, I must admit) for the last few weeks, you've probably heard the story of Ratchet, a black mixed breed puppy that was rescued from a pile of rubble by Minnesota Army Specialist Gwen Beberg. After forming an emotional attachment to Ratchet, Beberg took steps to have the dog transported to the United States to live permanently. A petition with 50,000 signatures and the help of Baghdad Pups (part of ASPCA International) greased the wheels for Ratchet to come to the U.S. He landed on Amereican soil today and is on his way to Minnesota soon.


Talk radio airwaves have been buzzing with the Ratchet story. One thing is for certain - there is a desire on the part of some service members to bring animals they’ve adopted in combat zones back to loving homes in the U.S. Although ASPCA International has arranged to transport 63 animals befriended by service members, Ratchet may have caused the biggest media stir to date. This little black dog has held his own in the news with the likes of Obama and McCain – but why?


Baghdad Pups program manager Terri Crisp has one explanation. According to Crisp although active-duty soldiers aren't allowed to adopt animals in the Middle East, hundreds of soldiers there befriend animals to help themselves cope with deployment.


I can think of another reason that Ratchet’s story caught the attention of dog lovers the world over. A vulnerable puppy in a pile of rubble is pretty defenseless. In a compassionate moment, someone stepped in to notice his life, considered it valuable and perhaps even saved it. In return, Ratchet provided her with love, peace and joy just by being the dog that he is. It's a story many of us can relate to. We wanted it to have a happy ending. Thankfully, it has.


The next time you go looking for a dog, we hope that you seek out your own “Ratchet.” We invite you to seek out the overlooked, maybe plain, frequently darker colored dogs who are vulnerable and need us to adopt them too. Their lives may actually depend on it. They will likely not be in a pile of rubble. All the same, they are just as invisible as Racthet was - unless you go looking for them.


Best wishes Ratchet and Gwen,


Heather Rosenwald


]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081021-194642 Heather Rosenwald Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:46:42 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081021-194642 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081020-173539


If you work with a rescue group or shelter, does it take a long time to find new homes for the black dogs in your care? Do their adoption prospects seem bleak compared to other dogs? Is there an assumption that black dogs will be adopted last, that they are too “plain” or that “people just don’t want black dogs?”


Those involved with rescue groups and shelters generally agree that black dogs are often the last to be adopted and consequently they are euthanised in shelters in much larger numbers. People may consider them too “plain”, think they are menacing, or simply don’t notice them because their dark color makes them disappear in their kennels.


Based on this, it would seem that the public is not very interested in adopting our wonderful black dogs. But what if we could do something about it? What if we could reshape the public image of black dogs? What if instead of plain, invisible or menacing black dogs started being seen as unique, loving, smart and loyal? What if they were sought out for adoption rather than constantly overlooked?


The more we invest in the idea that black dogs are less desirable, too “plain” and unwanted by the public, the more we create an environment of lowered expectations. If we assume it will be a real struggle to find homes for our black dogs, chances are that this is exactly what will happen. What if we spent less time thinking about how difficult it will be to get our black dogs adopted, and used that energy to promote them instead?


If you work with an animal rescue group or shelter, we challenge you to ask yourself these “what if?” questions. We welcome you to think more creatively about what you can do to increase black dog adoptions. We invite you “think outside the crate” ™ by exploring the suggestions on our website and trying them for yourself.


If you are considering a new pet for your family, take a second look at the often overlooked, wonderful black dogs (or cats!) at your local rescue group or shelter. That beautiful black dog you may accidently walk right by may be the most wonderful pet you've ever had. I know my two black beauties are.


Our best to you and your dog(s),


Heather Rosenwald

]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081020-173539 Heather Rosenwald Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:35:39 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081020-173539 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081017-180517



At startseeingblackdogs.com we have a soft spot in our hearts for some of the least adopted of all shelter dogs - Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. Not only can dark colored Rottweilers and black Pit Bulls be overlooked for the usual reasons that black shelter dogs are passed over, they also suffer from the social stigma attached to their breeds.


That's why we love the award winning Minnesota rescue group A Rotta Love Plus. Run entirely by volunteers, this foster based rescue has no shelter – instead, rescued dogs live with foster families until they are adopted. Rotta Love Plus also does a phenomenal job educating the public on responsible ownership and the truth about these majestic breeds.


CIRQUE DES CHIENS FUNDRAISER FOR A ROTTA LOVE PLUS
If you live in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area, join us TOMORROW NIGHT for a unique fundraiser in the spirit of cirque du soleil. Join fellow dog-lovers for an evening of cirque-style performance, live music, beer, and wine - all in support of A Rotta Love Plus, Minnesota’s award-winning animal rescue!


When: Saturday October 18th, Doors 7:00 pm, Show 8:00 pm


Where: 1190 James Ave., St. Paul, MN


Music by: Wolves and Ravens; Jim O'Neill and Friends


Special Guests:


Wallace the Pit Bull, 2007 National Disc Dog Champion; Stan the 3D Man; Aerial Performers Elizabeth Skwoit and Kiera Mieko.


See you there. I’ll be the one kissing the pit bulls and bidding on all the silent auction items.


Heather




]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081017-180517 Heather Rosenwald Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:05:17 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081017-180517 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080928-075800



Our friends at Georgia Animal Rescue and Defence Inc. (GARD) do an amazing job for black dogs, including a fantastic video that got our eyes wellin' up. Created by GARD volunteer and webmaster extraordinaire Laura Parrish Lightle, this wonderful video is an educational and moving look at the plight of black mixed-breed shelter dogs. Laura graciously offered to let us post it here.


To see the video, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dyxo1Y-lkg


Wondering if I let a typo slip by? It’s been known to happen, but in this case. GARD purposely spells “defence” with a “c”. If you’ve never heard about GARD, we think you’ll love this wonderful organizations mission: “Georgia Animal Rescue and Defence, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)3 / 509(a)2 licensed animal shelter located in Pembroke, GA and serves Bryan County and outlying areas.


GARD was founded by, and is now directed by Joy Bohannon, JoAnne Bohannon and Philip Rutherford. Having recently relocated here from Vermont, where low-cost spay/neuter clinics have been in existence for years and euthanasia is no longer a necessity in animal population control, we became aware of the outstanding need in this area by the over abundance of feral and homeless domestic animals.


We initiated efforts to feed, vet, and place numerous animals in our immediate locale. Our endeavors have expanded in response to the overwhelming needs of the homeless and neglected, and have necessitated our relocating to a property suited to the establishment of a no-kill shelter which will eventually host a low-cost spay/neuter clinic.”


HUGE high-fives to GARD for seeing an un-met need in Georgia and for the wonderful work they are doing.


Heather Rosenwald


]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080928-075800 Heather Rosenwald Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:58:00 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080928-075800 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080927-165553


Black shelter dogs are once again in the limelight, this time on the Toronto radio program "Animal Voices". I had the pleasure of being interviewed along with my friend Tamara Delany the founder of blackpearldogs.com. Host Lauren Corman spoke with us about the phenomena of black dogs which are often the last to be adopted and are euthanised in shelters in much larger numbers. People may consider them too “plain”, think they are menacing, or simply don’t notice them because their dark color makes them disappear in their kennels. Those involved in animal welfare have dubbed this phenomena "Black Dog Syndrome."


To listen to this interview online, go to: http://www.animalvoices.ca/files/200809 ... eather.mp3


Animal Voices broadcasts locally in Toronto on station CIUT 89.5 FM and worldwide at www.ciut.fm.


Heather Rosenwald

]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080927-165553 Heather Rosenwald Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:55:53 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080927-165553 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080922-192425


If you live in the Twin Cities metro area, join Minneapolis 9th Ward City Council Member Gary Schiff for a very important informational meeting this FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th. Below are details from Gary's Facebook page:


"Over five million unwanted cats and dogs are killed in shelters across the United States every year, including thousands in Minnesota. Join Council Member Gary Schiff on Friday, September 26th to talk about making Minneapolis more animal friendly by following the lead of San Francisco and other cities, by instituting high volume, low cost spay and neuter programs and other no kill policies.


Guest speakers include Minneapolis Animal Control Director Dan Niziolek, Underdog Rescue Director Shannon McKenzie and Mike Fry from Animal Ark.


To learn more about no kill policies, go to: http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/nokillequation.html


Breakfast with Gary takes place from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. the final Friday of every month at Mercado Central, 1515 East Lake St. $5 buys breakfast.


I'll be there, and hope to see some of our loyal readers as well. Even if you can't make it, consider e-mailing Councilman Schiff to commend him for showing leadership on this issue. Go to http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ward9/ to contact Gary today.


Our best to you and your dog(s),

Heather Rosenwald]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080922-192425 Heather Rosenwald Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:24:25 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080922-192425 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080921-190654


Our mission at startseeingblackdogs.com is to offer free PR and marketing resources to rescues and shelters with one goal in mind - to save more lives. Why do this? Shelters and rescue groups that have successfully increased their adoption rates all have one thing in common – they know how to capitalize on free marketing and PR opportunities to promote the dogs in their care.


If you’ve never considered using free marketing and PR to promote your organizations dogs, consider doing it now. The ideas we bring you at startseeingblackdogs.com all have three things in common:


•They cost your organization little or nothing to execute.
•They are easy to implement.
•They are creative, innovative and effective.


If you are involved in animal welfare work, you probably don’t have time to search the web for marketing and PR ideas. At startseeingblackdogs.com we’ve searched the web for you and compiled these resources in one easy “go-to” website. We invite you to explore the ideas on our site and encourage you to use these resources to increase adoptions for your organization.


Will You Try Something New for the Sake of the Dogs?
If you are willing to step out of the same old routine and explore new ways to promote your black dogs, our free PR and marketing tools are here to help. Resources available on our site include:


•Advice from PR professionals on how to get hundreds or thousands of dollars of free PR for your black dogs.


•Easy tips for taking better black dog photos – no more pictures that look like “black blobs” on Petfinder!


•Fun and effective ideas for marketing your black dogs that will increase their visibility and boost adoptions.


•How-to tips for planning successful, energized “black dog adoption” events.


•Simple steps for raising awareness about Black Dog Syndrome on your website.


•Recommendations for making your website more user friendly and attractive to potential adopters.


•Tips on how to recruit the right volunteers to turbo-charge your marketing and PR efforts.


•Advice on how to ensure that your website stands out from “the pack.”


•Proven strategies that fundraising professionals use to increase charitable giving.


•“Best practices” that successful rescues and shelters are using right now to increase adoption rates and save lives.


DO YOU HAVE A BLACK DOG MARKETING SUCCESS STORY YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE? TELL US ABOUT IT. Contact us at info@startseeingblackdogs.com and tell us what you did and how it worked. We'll feature your story with a link to your organization on our website!


LIKE TO ADD A COMMENT? JUST CLICK ON THE BLOG TITLE, SCROLL DOWN, AND TELL US WHAT YOU THINK.


Our best to you and your dog(s),


Heather

]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080921-190654 Heather Rosenwald Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:06:54 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080921-190654 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080913-182151



How valuable are your black dog (and cat) marketing ideas? Ask the folks at Maddie’s Fund, who have awarded 54 million dollars since 1999 to animal welfare “coalitions” including rescue groups and shelters. In addition to increasing adoption rates and saving animal lives, your innovative marketing ideas may qualify your animal welfare organization for a Maddie’s Fund grant.


We were delighted to learn that Maddie’s Fund has a special section for Black Dog and Cat marketing ideas. A special congratulations goes out to local Minnesota rescue group Almost Home Animal Shelter in Mora, who submitted a winning “Big Black and Beautiful” grant proposal to highlight the Big Black Dogs (BBD's) in their care. Almost Home increased their BBD adoptions with an effective, local and FREE marketing campaign in a rural community an hour North of Minneapolis. If they can do it, so can you.


Want to use these ideas to boost your adoption rates? Follow this link to see some fantastic ideas from rescues groups and shelters around the country:
http://www.maddiesfund.org/organization ... t_dog.html


A few words about the remarkable work of Maddie’s Fund:


“The Maddie's Fund® mission is to revolutionize the status and wellbeing of companion animals.

Maddie's Fund®, the Pet Rescue Foundation (www.maddiesfund.org), is a family foundation established in 1999 to help fund the creation of a no-kill nation. The first step is to help create programs that guarantee loving homes for all healthy shelter dogs and cats throughout the country. The next step is to save the sick, injured and poorly behaved pets in animal shelters nationwide.


Maddie's Fund supports collaborative efforts in which entire cities and counties pool their talents and resources to build a safety net of care for the community's dogs and cats. The foundation awards millions of dollars through multi-year grants to animal welfare coalitions to end the killing of healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats community-wide. Funded projects must produce an immediate and measurable increase in adoptions and reduction in shelter deaths to demonstrate progress towards the goal. Starter Grants for gathering shelter statistics and writing business plans are available as precursors to community collaborative grants.”


For more information on Maddie’s Fund, go to:


http://www.maddiesfund.org/index.html


LIKE TO ADD A COMMENT? JUST CLICK ON THE BLOG TITLE, SCROLL DOWN, AND TELL US WHAT YOU THINK.


Our best to you and your dog(s),


Heather Rosenwald





]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080913-182151 Heather Rosenwald Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:21:51 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080913-182151 http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080905-195818



If you are involved with animal rescue, this may sound familiar: you have been alerted that a wonderful dog is in a high risk shelter or animal control and you can’t find a safe foster home or rescue to take them. If this has ever happened to you, you need to know about “Yahoo Groups.”


Most people are familiar with Yahoo as a search engine but are unaware of the free “Yahoo Groups” service. For those working in animal rescue, joining Yahoo Groups can help you reach a nationwide network or rescue organizations and volunteer dog transport networks who work in relays to drive dogs from one part of the country to another. Groups such as the “Dog Rescue Railroad”, “Dogs Needing Homes” and many more are a fantastic way to reach beyond your geographic area. Connect with rescue groups who might be able to assist you in other parts of the country allow you to increase life saving options and build cooperative partnerships. This free service allows you to harness the power of the internet and get your message out through “viral” marketing. You may be amazed who you receive replies from - and it may save a dog’s life.


To register for Yahoo Groups, follow these simple steps:


•Follow this link or paste it in your browser: http://groups.yahoo.com/
•Click on the “New to Groups- Sign up” link. You will be walked through a short registration form. Now you’re ready to register for dog rescue groups.
•In the box under “Find a Yahoo Group” enter the words “dog rescue.”
•Related groups will be listed. Click on the group’s name to get details.
•Click on the “Join this Group” box in the upper right hand corner of the group description page.
•You’ll be prompted to send a request to join the group.
•Once your request has been accepted (generally with in 24-48 hours) you will have access to the group and be able to post messages with details regarding at risk dogs along contact information and even photos which will be shared with all group members.


Note: This is a great job for volunteers. While some people may not have time to help with adoption days or the ability to foster dogs, they may be anxious to volunteer for your organization in other ways. Most everyone has a computer. Many people have the time and enough computer savvy to post details and even photos of dogs in high risk situations from their home computers. Harness the additional power of your volunteers, and you may find a whole new avenue for rescuing dogs in need in your part of the world.


LIKE TO ADD A COMMENT? JUST CLICK ON THE BLOG TITLE, SCROLL DOWN, AND TELL US WHAT YOU THINK.


Heather


]]> http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080905-195818 Heather Rosenwald Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:58:18 GMT http://www.startseeingblackdogs.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080905-195818