A Shadow in The Shelter: Tigger’s Story

Many of us in the sheltering world are familiar with the unfortunate phenomena known as “Big Black Dog Syndrome.” It describes the heartbreaking difficulty that big, black dogs in our shelters encounter when trying to attract potential adopters.   The phenomena can also describe the plight of black cats in shelters, as they too are often the last to be adopted, simply because of their color.  From harmful superstitions, to an appearance all too “ordinary”, or to no fault of their own – an inability to photograph well, black dogs and cats face an array of misperceptions and challenges, making it a daily struggle for shelters nationwide to place these wonderful animals in homes.

 

Tigger was a one-year-old, solid black Shepherd/Retriever mix that was surrendered to the Washington Humane Society’s New York Avenue shelter.  Tigger’s family could no longer provide care for him so he was brought into the care of our shelter and there he remained for over 3 months.  Tigger quickly won over the shelter staff and WHS volunteers with his sweet, trainable disposition.  Much to their bewilderment and dismay, Tigger patiently waited at the shelter – no interest, no adoption applications…nothing.   It was heartbreaking for everyone who cared for him to see adopters pass by this great dog, whose chances at adoption were hindered simply because of his appearance.

 

Tigger was an upstanding resident at the shelter, receiving his certification in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program– an accomplishment that is rare for dogs to achieve while they are in the shelter environment. He also frequently accompanied our Humane Educator to local inner-city schools, teaching children respect and care for animals. He was an exemplary dog with an inspiring capacity for learning – just like so many of the shelter animals that we work with.

 

Finally…after about 100 days in the shelter, a nice family came in and spotted this gentle, black shadow-of-a-dog, among all the other fairer dogs. He instantly won them over and so they adopted Tigger, who now happily resides with the family, their other Shepherd mix Dani, and their two cats.  The staff was delighted to hear the news!

 

There are countless other sweet, charming, and intelligent black dogs and cats in our shelters that remain overlooked.  Join us as we celebrate our shadowy friends and learn how to help them.  Whether you’re a shelter employee, a rescue coordinator, a volunteer, an owner of a black dog or cat, or an animal lover, we hope that you can join us…

 

  

The Washington Humane Society presents

“Shadows in the Shelter: A Humane Society Halloween Tale”

Thursday, October 29^th from 7 – 9pm at the Behavior & Learning Center

 

This seminar is guaranteed to be FUN (in the spirit of Halloween, of course!) and informative. We will discuss the symbolism and superstitions that affect the perceptions of black dog and cats and how to dispel the myths, helping those that are sitting patiently in the shelter, to find their new home.

 

*Cost of seminar is $10 -- all money goes to support the programs and

services of WHS.

 

*Pre-registration is required due to limited seating therefore please email us at askthetrainer@washhumane.org to reserve your seat.

 

 

 

Comments

[ravenrigan.livejournal.com]

My two lovely black cats, Macha and Maeve had a similar story. They were in the shelter for six months (with one foster home and one failed adoption) waiting for us.

Me, I couldn't believe my luck when I checked our local website and foud two perfect mature female black cats, one long haired, one shorthiared both with bags of personality looking for a home. Which was EXACTLY what I wanted.

As I'm in the UK I won't be at your celebration, but good luck with it. But part of me is just a little thankful that Black animals are not so popular, because Machsie and Maevie rock my world, and if everyone wanted them they would not have been there for us!

Now to go clean the sandbox, ho hum.....