A simple and effective way to raise public awareness about the desperate situation facing black shelter dogs is to add a definition of Black Dog Syndrome to your website home page, and to the individual adoption pages for all your black dogs. The public is generally unaware that black dogs are so often passed over for adoption. A simple, powerful statement on your website is a great way to get the message out and to draw attention to the wonderful black dogs in your care.
Once given this information people may make a conscious decision to adopt a black shelter dog the next time they decide to add a companion animal to their family. Below are several definitions of Black Dog Syndrome that we use on our website. Feel free to use one of these or to develop one of your own.
Start Seeing Black Dogs Definition of Black Dog Syndrome:
“Did you know that Black Dogs are generally the last to be adopted and are euthanized 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 these phenomena “Black Dog Syndrome.”
Wikipedia Definition of Black Dog Syndrome:
“According to Wikipedia, Black Dog Syndrome is defined as “the low adoption and high euthanasia rate of black dogs in shelters. Black dogs are often the last to be adopted from shelters.”
Black Dog Card Campaign Statement on Black Dog Syndrome:
“Did you know? Black dogs in shelters are the least likely to be adopted and the most likely to be euthanised. Black cats face similar difficulties in finding loving homes. Black Dogs and Cats are just as loving and rewarding as any other pet. Please consider adopting a black dog or cat.”
To provide your website readers with more information about Black Dog Syndrome, consider adding links to articles published by major news outlets such as MSNBC, TIME Magazine, USA Today and others. For a list of links, go to our “Black Dog Articles” page. Once visitors to your website become aware of the steep odds facing black dogs seeking adoption don’t be surprised if your black dog adoptions increase.