Why Black Cats and Black Dogs Are Getting Left Behind in Shelters

Black cats have been demonized for centuries in stories and tales of witches and witchcraft that had nothing to do with cats and everything to do with how easily people can be manipulated by fear of an unknown that never existed. Depending on the era and where the superstition originated, black cats and black dogs were either lucky, unlucky or, in the case of black cats, reincarnated witches or a witch's familiar. Black cats were persecuted for several centuries throughout Europe and in the early years of our country because of these superstitions.

Life in colonial American was hard and uncertain. The people had experienced a series of events that had put them on edge. A fear of Indian attacks, a small pox outbreak, Charles the II revoking the Massachusetts Bay Colony charter and a belief that God was angry with them allowed people to believe accusations of witchcraft made against their neighbors were true. An atmosphere of fear, religious beliefs, politics, economic factors and anxiety produced enough fuel in 1692 to ignite the Salem Witch Trials. Allegations towards someone purported to be a witch were taken seriously and acted upon. The Salem Witch trials only lasted a year, but 37 people accused of being witches were hanged or died in prison and one person was crushed to death for refusing to enter a plea of guilty. No one was burned at the stake in Massachusetts because a conviction of witchcraft was a felony and death by hanging was dictated in felony convictions. But throughout Europe, being burned at the stake was commonplace and cats were burned with their owners. Who knows how many black cats suffered at the hands of misinformed people with superstitions about these supposed little witches in disguise. What would Halloween be without witches and black cats?

Black dogs also have a dark cloud hanging over them because of unfair and unfounded beliefs. Like black cats, they have been associated with evil, bad luck, suspected werewolves and a companion of Death. We see black dogs in movies playing the role of big, scary and aggressive dogs belonging to the bad guys or the mean black dogs that chase Benji. Black cats and black dogs haven't been portrayed well throughout history or in the movies.

People who dedicate their time to rescue organizations and those who work in shelters have a term that's well known among them. It's called "Black Dog Syndrome" and it refers to the difficulty shelters have in trying to find homes for black cats and black dogs. There are theories as to why someone looking for a pet will look right past a black dog or cat. For some, their reasoning is because of their superstition and a belief a black dog or cat is unlucky. Although, in England, having a black cat cross in front of you is considered a lucky encounter. Some people think the animal's black hair would be too noticeable on their clothes and furniture. Not everyone sees a black dog or black cat as lovable and words or phrases like spooky, mean looking, not trustworthy or you can't see the eyes have been used as an excuse to why a dog or cat isn't an acceptable pet. Some rescue organizations think people may not see a black cat or dog because the other colors grab the attention of someone looking for a pet. Plus, the lighting in most shelters isn't the best and it's easy to miss the black dog or black cat sitting in shadows.

Whatever the reasons, black dog syndrome is real and the darker colored pets in shelters are the ones most likely to be left behind. With shelters becoming overrun with abandoned and surrendered pets, the likelihood a black cat or dog will find a home is not as good as other pets who are white or multi-colored. Black dogs and cats are usually the ones that are put down first when space becomes tight.

Groucho Marx once said about superstitions and black cats, "A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere." And a Chinese Proverb says it best, "Black cat or white cat: If it can catch mice, it's a good cat."

The proper attire for a formal dinner is black. Every woman should have a "little black dress" in their closet because it goes with everything and compliments everything. Superstitions about black cats and black dogs are still alive and well even today. The coat color of a dog or cat has nothing to do with personality. Their personality is based on who they are as an individual being and they behave according to how they're trained and how they are treated. The color of their coat is simply that - a color. If their owner teaches them aggression, they will be aggressive. If they are treated with love and respect, they will give back an unconditional love no matter what we look like. Pets aren't judgmental and only want what we all want. The right to live. Save a life and adopt from a shelter and don't let the color of a pet's coat guide your selection.

Ruslana, Black Cat Quotes and Sayings, Mysmelly.com

Salem Witch Trials, salemwitchtrials.com

Black Dog Syndrome, Black Dog Rescue Project