Photographs of adopted black dogs and cats who might otherwise have been put to sleep.
Black dogs and cats get a raw deal when it comes to being unwanted. Ending up at a shelter is bad news for any animal, but black critters are the least likely to be adopted and if they are lucky enough to be chosen by an adoptee, they will have waited the longest.
I’ve done a bit of research on this and there seem to be four major reasons that black dogs and cats are last on the list for potential adoptees – firstly, they don’t photograph well (I think these images disprove that point) which is tragic if you want to take over Instagram with your new pet (repeatedly smacks forehead against wall), secondly, black dogs can look intimidating and aggressive, thirdly, black cats are superstitiously unlucky (or should that be stupid-stitiously) and lastly, they are a bit plain and boring to look at………
So, because I’m a fan of championing the underdog (and cat), these images are my PR stunt to show that black dogs and cats are far from boring. I have of course used some creative license with the descriptions (aside from Casper who really did try to wear a feather boa) because, like a publicity hungry Kardashian, I’ll do anything to get shelter pets the attention they deserve. I’ve even made a book which you can find here.
My Googling did reveal an interesting tip for shelters looking to encourage people to adopt their ‘boring’ black dogs and cats – place them with dogs and cats who are wearing alternative coloured outfits. Apparently if there’s one black dog amongst a run full of brown dogs, he’s most likely to be selected. Make them stand out. Apparently humans are a bit partial to clever marketing and fancy packaging.
Thankfully the dog and cat moms and dads who brought their precious rescues to the studio for photos selected their creatures based on their super personalities. The exception to this rule (there’s always one) is DOGG. He was picked up at the side of the road, called ‘Dog’ because he was only going to be a foster but then he changed he name to D O GG and refused to leave.
Shelters worldwide often euthanise black dogs and cats more frequently purely because they know they are going to be more difficult to re-home. Some don’t even get a chance to meet their forever family. Heartbreaking.
Changing perceptions amongst potential adopters as well as using clever ‘marketing’ tools to make them stand out seems to be key.
The general public (worldwide) needs to be educated about sterilisation of pets to reduce the number of unwanted critters running around. Many of the stars I snapped were accidental arrivals (don’t tell Truffle) and whilst they are unbelievably loved, another critter will have not been so lucky. It’s a numbers game, one that must be reduced.
Potential dog owners also need encouragement to adopt. There are a whole bunch of misconceptions about shelter dogs and cats. Sometimes they can be difficult, sometimes they take a while to settle, sometimes they require extra TLC and a behaviourist, but mostly they don’t. All shelter pet parents will tell you that the love you get in return is 110% worth it. All the shelter pet parents I talk to who have bought a dog or cat previously tell me that they will never, ever buy a dog again because their rescue has changed their life for the better.
Have you got a black rescue dog or cat who has added immeasurable joy to your life and perhaps relieved you of some furniture or curtains? Tell me about them and include a photo in the comments below.
All the dogs and cats in this series were adopted/rescued and are in loving forever homes and will be featuring in an upcoming exhibition in Johannesburg at Kameraz in April 2020.
Keep an eye on my Facebook page for info or sign up to my newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming events and exhibitions.