Update, 11/12/08: Max’s listing is no longer available on Petfinder. Here’s hoping he was adopted - not killed.

Today I specifically want to feature a black dog; because of their color - and the associations and, yes, prejudices and stereotypes that come with it - black dogs can be harder to rehome than their lighter counterparts. The phenomenon is so commonplace that it even has a name - black dog syndrome:

A recent episode of Animal Voices covered a topic new to me, Black Dog Syndrome (BDS). BDS is defined as “the low adoption and high euthanasia rate of black dogs in shelters.” Two activists working on behalf of black dogs in shelters, Tamara Delaney of Contrary to Ordinary: The Black Pearls of the Dog World and Heather Rosenwald of Start Seeing Black Dogs, were featured on the show.

It’s so crazy to me that black dogs get intentionally or subconsciously ignored and abandoned. Here are some of the reasons why:

* The color black is often vilified and associated with evil or bad luck in the US.
* In the media, black dogs are often associated with aggression and menace.
* Facial features of black dogs don’t show up as well on pet adoption websites.
* Black dogs “get lost” in shelters, too–they don’t stand out as much as lighter colored dogs
* Black cats also get a bad rap since they are particularly associated with bad luck and superstition.

Of course, all of these theories are inextricably linked with how people of color are so often viewed–menacing, strange, foreign, bad, unattractive. The show’s host, Lauren Corman, did ask both guests to touch on how ideas of race and racism have made black dogs invisible or undesirable. While they did not personally see this playing out in the communities they worked in, they did agree that this was an issue raised by others in the BDS community.

Follow the links above to find out more about BDS.

If you’re looking to bring a new dog into your life, and would like to give a “special needs” dog a chance but aren’t sure that you’re equipped to deal with a chronic illness or behavioral problem, why not consider adopting a large black dog? Though their appearance certainly shouldn’t be considered a negative, the sad fact is that many large black dogs are passed over, for a variety of reasons. Big black dogs, like senior animals, bonded pairs, and animals with chronic conditions or behavioral issues, are less likely to be adopted - so they need that extra love and attention!

Which brings me to today’s featured adoptable: Max, a big black Labrador Retriever / Shepherd Mix from Heart of America Humane Society in Kansas City, KS.

This handsome boy is Max, a 10 month old Lab/Shepherd mix who weighs about 60 lbs.

Max is still a happy-go-lucky puppy who would be best in a home with older kids with whom he can play with or with an active adult family. He really likes to be active whether he is going on walks, playing tug, fetching tennis balls or just playing with other dogs, even though if you see him at adoptions he is usually just laying in a chair.

Max’s personality is very easygoing and laid back. He is generally out to please his “human” friends. In that regard, Max is house trained, kennel trained, and knows sit, shake and lay down on command.

One thing that you might notice is Max’s ears, with one of them straight up in the air and the other resting at the side of his head. He can stick them both up or have both of them droop. He just prefers one up and one down. If you think that Max would be a nice addition to your family, Come and meet him.

Seriously, who can resist those ears?

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Each Wednesday, the Kansas City Freecycle blog will feature one adoptable animal from a local KC rescue group or animal shelter.

We do this for several reasons:

- To highlight the plight of companion animals in the Kansas City area.

- To remind members of our no-animal policy, and provide an alternative venue for members who wish to adopt an unwanted animal.

- To encourage members to adopt a furry friend.

- To help out out local animal rescue groups and animal shelters, many of which are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

- To illustrate these animals’ unique personalities and characteristics, thus underscoring the fact that they are not objects and should not be “freecycled”.

Click here to view past Featured Adoptables.

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Tagged: kcfreecycle freecycle kansas ks missouri mo kcmo kcks featured adoptables animal adoption animal rescue petfinder pet companion animal bds big black dog big black dog syndrome black dog syndrome dog canine Black Labrador Retriever Shepherd mix mutt Labrador Retriever Max HAHS Heart of America Humane Society prejudice stereotypes racism