Hello furry friends!
Warning: This post may pull at your heart strings — especially if you read about any of the animals or watch their videos. Not only is there an overview video about these pets, but each one of them also has a short video about their unqiue characteristics. I want to get them ALL!
Did you know that black animals are less likely to be adopted from animal shelters? Did you also know that there is actually a campaign in the US and Canada which started on August 15th and runs through September 15th to help black critters and their friends find new forever homes?
Archie the Lab mix
Best Friends Animal Society is running a campaign for Champions, showcasing pets they’ve brought into their shelters which are considered “unadoptable” because they are more mature, the wrong color or simply in a shelter that was overfilled. The black pets found on their website (and in their video below) can be adopted right now without any adoption fee.
In case you’ve never heard of Best Friends Animal Shelter (and I never had until earlier today), they are an organization which was started in the late 1980’s in response to the astounding number of animals that were being euthanized at shelters across America. The grassroots organization is supported entirely by member donations and organizes many events, workshops, rescue programs, spay/neuter initiatives and more with humane shelters, clubs, communities and individuals across the US and Canada in a effort educate people and create more responsible pet owners.
Due to their efforts and the efforts of others, the number of animals that are euthanized in America each year has dropped from 17 million to 5 million. That may be a pretty incredible figure and is quite the accomplishment, but 5 million pets is still too many to be killing each year, just because people change their minds or realize they are in over their heads.
Do the right thing. Understand that a pet is truly a great responsibility, especially a dog. Never give pets as gifts and know that kids are not mature enough to fully care for pets until they are in their teens. Volunteer at a shelter and learn more about animals before you decide to bring one home, especially if you’ve never had a pet before. And ALWAYS treat your pet as you would like to be treated.
Are you ready to become a Champion to a loving pet in your area?
Awww…. my first born was a black lab. I love him to pieces. He is getting up there in age. When we are ready to adopt another dog I’m going to look into this organization.
I love the effort that they’ve put into getting these pets adopted. Videos, text clips, photos. It really makes it seem like they are trying to make a difference in the lives of these animals.
Two of my three kitties are black and we love them to death. Black really is beautiful! 🙂
I’ve had several black pets over the years. But there definitely is some stigma around them. The number of people that are intimidated by Ayla is just crazy. I have to wonder if she was a Landseer if it would be the same…or maybe a Great Pyr — although Pyr’s are far more dangerous than a silly Newfie. Oh well, at least they leave us alone 🙂
Hi Ayla,
I work for Best Friends Animal Society and wanted to thank you for promoting Back in Black. Black animals are awesome & have so many different personalities. We have about 1,700 animals at the Sanctuary & more than 130 are black cats and dogs…all cool!This is also a national campaign with over 65 participating rescue groups. You can learn more at backinblack.bestfriends.org. Thanks again Ayla.