September 16, 2008

Black Dog Syndrome

Photo from Start Seeing Black Dogs

This show explores Black Dog Syndrome (BDS), defined as the "the low adoption and high euthanasia rate of black dogs in shelters." Two prominent BDS activists, Tamara Delaney (founder of Contrary to Ordinary: The Black Pearls of the Dog World) and Heather Rosenwald (founder of Start Seeing Black Dogs) share their insights about the disturbing phenomenon. Speaking together for the first time, Rosenwald and Delaney discuss factors contributing to BDS, effective strategies for change, and the animals who motivate them.

Creative and market-savvy efforts, such as black dog walks and sharp photography techniques, continue to improve the situation for black shelter dogs. Yet, as these two advocates stress, there is still much work to be done.

News links:

Download mp3s of the interview:
lower quality / smaller: part 1 (3.2 MB) and part 2 (2.54 MB)
higher quality / larger: part 1 (9.8 MB) and part 2 (6.94 MB)

Tags: Companion Animals
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As a longtime volunteer CAT rescuer
Submitted by CatWhispurrer (not verified) on Wed, 2008-10-01 03:51.

As a longtime volunteer CAT rescuer, I have found a special affinity with BLACK CATS, and wonder if a BLACK CAT SYNDROME has also been identified. THere is an inordinately HIGH rate of Euthanasia of these wonderfully panther like beauties, likely due to the silly superstition behind "black cats being bad luck". Can anyone tell me how we can change both the BDS and BCS and change these statistics dramatically?Thanks for adopting BLACK DOGS AND BLACK CATS!

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Hi CatWhispurrer,
Submitted by Lauren (not verified) on Wed, 2008-10-01 09:58.

Hi CatWhispurrer,

Thanks for your comment. Yes, indeed, Black Cat Syndrome has been identified. Heather specifically spoke about this issue on the show. You'll be pleased to hear that she is going to be adding a section about black cats and low adoption/high euthanasia rates on her site Start Seeing Black Dogs. For now, I'm guessing much of the information about improving the lot of black dogs is likely applicable for also improving the situation for black cats.

Glad to hear of your work for animals!

Lauren

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