One of my favorite dogs is a black lab named Judge. He is owned by a good friend and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Judge is very large, very black and very regal. He is completely devoted to Stephanie and in my opinion, would give his life to save her. He has good house manners, travels well and is loved by many.

Judge is lucky because he has a loving and safe home. Sadly, this is not the case for many black dogs, especially black labs. Until I began volunteering at the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter, I, along with the general public was not aware of how doomed black dogs are when they are brought in. Black dogs, particularly black labs or lab mixes, are euthanized more than any other color of dog because people pass them up for lighter colored dogs. As I researched this phenomenon I saw that it is a nationwide problem.

For whatever the reason, black dogs are almost always the last to adopt out. Whether it's because they don't photograph as well, or people think they look meaner, these ordinary black faces get lost in a sea of faces clamoring for attention. But black dogs are just as sweet on the inside and are also strikingly beautiful on the outside with their shiny black coats.

So today, very simply, I ask you to consider this. If you are thinking about adopting a dog please don't overlook black dogs because they are just as loving & wonderful as lighter colored dogs! In fact the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter will have its Mobile Adoption Unit at Teskey’s next Saturday, February 16th from noon to 3:30 and I’m sure we’ll have some black beauties on board.

“To appreciate a diamond, the surface must be pierced to release the dazzling display of color that can come from its heart; but to appreciate the pearl, the eye must simply gaze upon its surface to behold its soft color and peaceful beauty". ~Alain Boucheron~

Top Ten Reasons To Adopt A Black Dog*

1. We cannot clash with your furniture or clothing, and some of you actually worry about that.

2. We cannot clash with any collar you might choose either! Ditto for bandanas. Accessorize us!

3. Ease of vacuuming! You can quickly spot the areas of most urgent need.

4. Excellent night walk protection, the "bad guy" won't see us til it's too late!

5. We hide dirt well (doesn't mean we don't need that bath after a messy play, but your guests won't be able to see it so quickly).

6. We make an excellent "backdrop" for a second, more colorful dog if you choose to have more than one.

7. Availability! We are available now at every shelter you can imagine, in every age bracket, no long waiting lists, no long search!

8. Status symbol potential. Black pearls are the most costly you know....

9. No annoying queries "what kind of dog is that" people are content with "big black dog" and don't ask!

10. We need you!

*heartlandhumanemo.homestead.com/