Conquering the Black Stereotype with Style

When I was adopted this past February, I knew that fate brought my family and me together. When I first got to the shelter, I thought: "I'm sure to be adopted quickly, after all I'm well trained, out of the puppy phase, know my manners and excellent with kids." So as nervous and scary as going to the shelter was, I thought my chances of getting out quick were pretty good.

Upon my arrival there were many things that I learned at the shelter. Things I had never considered before. I was black, big, roughly 65 lbs. and sure I was older, but there had to be someone that thought that my features made up a great dog. But to my despair, it wasn't that great. In fact, my characteristics deemed me as "unadoptable" and not what most humans go after in a canine companion. Many potential adopters would at look me and then play with my kennel-mate, a cute, blonde young puppy. I tried to be on my best behavior, but there was something that was drawing the humans away from me. Let me explain.

Many humans are becoming very aware about the importance behind adopting and rescuing dogs versus buying them from breeders, puppy mills and pet stores.  Although it is a great service to "canine-kind" to adopt, there's a somewhat unknown phenomena that exists within the shelter system. Shelter employees and volunteers alike are aware of this phenomenon, but are unable to curb the problem. This quandary is deemed as the Black Dog Syndrome. 

This syndrome is a complex issue that affects most black dogs in the shelter system. There are many factors that make adopting certain dogs difficult, like age, temperament, size or weight, but black dogs are by far the hardest to get adopted and many shelter employees would agree. Although I am cute, cuddly, loving and affectionate, humans associate "fur-color" with temperament and personality, i.e. "black = dark, aggressive, angry, or ugly" and "blonde = sweet, loving, affectionate or happy." This could be further from the truth. Many dogs conquer this stereotype and although there are exceptions to every rule, it seems as though, the Black Dog Syndrome is a challenging conundrum to break.

"The emotions of humans play a huge part in the Black Dog Syndrome related cases - when it comes to a cute, cuddly puppy versus a bigger, but already trained dog, the puppy will win the human over 80% of the time," according to Rachel Aycock, Public Relations Director for the SPCA of Lakeland, Florida.

When searching for the right canine companion for your family, there are many factors that must be considered. For example, you should examine yourself and lifestyle and how adopting a dog plays into the scenario. Do you live in a big house or a small apartment? Do you have children? A fenced in yard? Do you work long hours? Do you have the time and financial capabilities for a pet? These are only a few questions to consider when deciding on a dog for your home. Unfortunately, it is all too common for humans to choose pets based on looks, animal "trends" or whatever aligns humans with a social status. Although there are many considerations regarding a potential adoption, why would a human only care about aesthetic appeal versus personality, temperament or behavior?

"The biggest offenders we see are people who pick puppies because they are cute and cuddly, not thinking about training, time and expense this pet will require or the fact that the puppy may group up to be a big pet," said Laurie Hoffman, the Director of Development and Communication for the Human Society of Greater Miami Adopt-a-Pet.

Although adoption is a huge part of the Syndrome it didn't stop there. As soon as I got to my new home, with my new family, it was obvious that our neighborhood treated us differently. I was different then the other dogs, while the majority was small and white. When we would go on walks, humans would shield their dogs away from me and walk in the grass to not get close. I often wonder do I smell bad or is there something wrong with me? This bothers my Mom a LOT because she wants me to socialize with other dogs and people, but if they try to get away from us, this task of socialization makes it hard. The frustrating part is that I appear to be very friendly, always wagging my tail and excited to say hello to new butts and kiss new humans, but they are afraid of me. 

The Syndrome is not a disguise for "our problem" but rather it is a phenomenon that affects the majority of black dogs in and out of the shelter system. I propose this because there are other dogs in our community who are large, albeit not black, and are not treated as "ferocious beasts." Furthermore, there are many organizations that are working hard to expose the discrimination against black dogs, how it affects the shelter system and the innocent black dogs.  Finally, the pervasiveness of this national problem forces shelters to take on the challenge without much support. In order for the shelter to take on the challenge [and others] they have to use euthanasia to move the "unwanted." This is the devastating part and without my Mom and her ability to adopt me when she did, this may have been my unfortunate fate.

The good folks at Start Seeing Black Dogs and Black Pearl Dogs are committed in educating humans about the Syndrome and trying to erase humans' misconceptions about it. In addition, there are books, and grassroots organizations that are trying to spread the word that black does not mean something dark or negative, but rather it is the PERSONALITY that defines the dog, as is with humans. 

When my parents came into the shelter to adopt me, they were certain of one thing and one thing only: to adopt a dog that really needed them, someone who wasn't so easily "adoptable" and someone with "unfavorable" qualities like being older, black and big. I was sure lucky because that was me. Here at Harley's Mission our goal is to educate humans about responsible pet "ownership," what that means to society and how to make the most humane choices. We strive to eradicate dog stereotypes, by focusing on important problems that necessitate much discussion, like the Black Dog Syndrome. Even though I may be DARK in color, I am BRIGHT in spirit and in heart. As my Mom and I take on the challenge to educate humans about their dogs, we know with combination of a great temperament, disposition and personality, we can teach the world that black dogs are the friendliest of the canines!

DID YOU KNOW?

  Black

Black is associated with power, formality, death, evil, and mystery.

Black is a mysterious color associated with fear and the unknown (black holes). It usually has a negative connotation (blacklist, black humor, 'black death'). (www.color-wheel-pro.com)
  White

White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. (www.color-wheel-pro.com)

Won't you try to erase the stigma of the Black Dog Syndrome?

Pet Shelter Project

*Harley's Friends Edition* Rescue Dogs Come in ALL Shapes and Sizes

Sure, most people think that if you rescue or adopt a dog they are mixed breed or a "mutt." Many dogs are qualified as this, although it is not a negative thing, it is not necessarily the case. Many people choose to have a specific breed because of their size, behavior or temperament. Did you know that there are hundreds of pet rescues that are breed specific? Of course there is not a rescue for every breed (which means you should start one today!) but for the most popular breeds there most certainly are. Here are a few examples: Boxer,  Great Dane, Pit Bull, Yorkie,  or Maltese just to name a few!

There are millions of dogs that need a home right now, that are packed full at your local (or not local) dog rescue or animal shelter. In later posts I will discuss the importance of adopting and rescuing a dog versus buying, but for now, I just want to illustrate that all breeds need rescuing, even very popular breeds. Just take it from our good friend Baxter, who had a not-so-good childhood.

There is no doubt that Baxter isn't adorable, which is why I am sure his previous owners brought this little guy into their home. But as time passed the family was unable to care for him. They neglected him (abused him?) and did not provide him with essential care and love.

POP QUESTION: WHY would anyone accept a dog into your life and home, but not be willing to care, train and love him/her? If anyone has the answer to this question, please e-mail me ASAP.

So sadly, little Baxter was dropped off at a a local dog supply store, where he waited until someone would adopt him. His soon-to-be Mom instantly feel in love with Bax (as his Mom calls him) and decided that it was the right time for her to bring a dog into her home. She decided then and there that she would care for this pooch and make sure that not only his essential needs were met, but that he would be supplied with endless quantities of love. The canine community is so grateful for stories like this. We need to teach people the importance of rescuing dogs, in general. Whether you prefer a specific breed, size or temperament, please consider what you are "getting" yourself into. Dogs tend to live about 10-16 years (depending on the breed, size, health of dog) and must have all essential needs met, including but not limited to training, love, socialization and anything else that will promote a high quality life for your companion.

According to Bax's self-proclaimed "over protective" dog-Mom, he is the happiest little guy who continually brings so much joy and love to his family.

If you have a happy story with a happy ending about your rescue or adopted pooch and would like a feature on Harley's Mission, please e-mail us at HarleysMission@gmail.com

Animal-Assisted Therapy is MORE than just seeing your therapist

Whenever I tell people that my dog Derby and I do Pet therapY they give a perplexed look. The look is followed by numerous questions which leave me clarifying that we are not spending time reclined in a chair discussing my childhood with a therapist; but rather it is Derby that is providing the therapy. I recall watching an episode of an animal series on television when I was a child.  The episode was about a woman and her beloved companion who spent time volunteering in a hospital cheering up patients with a visit from her big fluffy white dog. The story stayed with me over the years. When I adopted Derby from the animal shelter I thought pet therapy would be the perfect volunteer opportunity for us. Derby's gentle nature and love for people made him the ideal candidate.  

Here is Derby with Themla in one of his therapy sessions: 
* Visits with a therapy dog helps heart and lung function by lowering pressures, diminishing release of harmful hormones and decreases anxiety with hospitalized heart failure patients (Cole, 2005).

Pet therapy, also known as Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a type of therapy that involves an animal with specific characteristics becoming a fundamental part of a person's treatment. Animal-assisted therapy is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning of the patient. AAT can be provided on an individual or group basis. 

After passing a preliminary evaluation and several weeks of training Derby and I earned a certification with the Delta Society and began our pet therapy journey. We spent time visiting nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like. Derby shined at pet therapy and people beamed with happiness when we came to visit. His full smile, feathery tail sweeping enthusiastically, and inviting postures made people forget about their pain and discomfort even if only for a short time.

* Presence of a therapy dog can lower behavior distress in children during a physical examination at a doctor’s office and may be useful in a variety of health care settings to decrease procedure induced distress in children (Nagengast, 1997, Hansen, 1999).

We went for regular visits to Claire Bridge Nursing Home and made fast friends with a lovely woman by the name of Thelma. Every Tuesday we would chat with Thelma and watch Martha Stewart Living. She would invite Derby to sit on the bed with her and he graciously accepted. Thelma would stroke Derby's glossy coat as we talked and go to know each other. Thelma kept a jar full of milk bones at her bedside for our Tuesday visits and would always sneak extra goodies to Derby when I wasn't paying attention.

Our visits were very special and seeing how much joy my canine companion brought to the people we visited had me gleaming with pride. It is a beautiful thing to do and something Derby and I highly recommend. If you and your companion animal are considering a pet therapy certification please click  here and here and here for more information.    

* Animal-assisted therapy can effectively reduce the loneliness of residents in long-term care facilities (Banks, 2002).

Derby and I would like to congratulate Harley and Janel on their recent pet therapy certification! Let the healing power of pet therapy begin! 

- Posted by Natalie Milshtein and Derby

INTRODUCING...

Harley and I are pleased to introduce our really good friends: Natalie and Derby. This duo is quite an amazing team. It all started out when Derby was adopted in 2005; when on a volunteer shift at the shelter, Natalie just couldn't bare to see this amazing bundle of joy locked up anymore. And so the journey began...

Natalie and Derby have worked hard to enrich their community about responsible pet ownership, while volunteering and educating anyone that will listen. Their journey does not stop there, Derby is a certified pet therapy dog through Delta Society and is certified as a Canine Good Citizen with AKC, in which they have provided countless therapeutic sessions to both the young and old across Florida. Natalie has worked tirelessly to help animals everywhere, through her choices, lifestyle and everyday habits. She is not just an animal lover, but a true animal hero. Harley and I are so excited for their contribution, we believe that they will be a cornerstone in making our...err...Harley's Mission a great success, while helping canine-kind everywhere!

Request for Commentary & Feedback

Mom and I are dying to know what you think of our blog. Sure I haven't posted much lately, but I've been exhausted! This is due to my frequent extra-LONG walks that Mom has been taking me on, which have been eating up my time lately. Currently, I am barking up some brainstorming with my pack, so stay tuned because I have some surprises in the works...

Till then, what do you think of our blog? Do you have any suggestions, questions or feedback that you would like to offer? Or have a canine story you would like to share...just e-mail us at HarleysMission@gmail.com

Thanks!

WANTED: The talented, untalented and YOU!

Do you Love helping animals? Do you believe that animals need a voice? Or do YOU have what it takes to be a filmmaker? If this describes you [or doesn't] then I have an OFFER for you, that you just can't turn down. 

Materials:

1. Camera

2. Heart

3. Love for animals

PLEASE participate in this nationwide contest to help animals. Judges include Ben Stein, who will choose the best video via YouTube, contest expires 10/22/09!!!

Coping with the loss of a FRIEND

The relationship between us and our non-human companion signifies a profound and dynamic bond that many people may not understand. For many of us, we do not want to even consider the possible loss of such a dear friend. However, it's important to discuss this topic because it illustrates the validity of these relationships and their importance to our family and everyday lives.

There is a very special bond between humans and animals. A bond that is pure, honest and free from politics and prejudices. Humans and animals do not share the same language, ways of learning or rules and therefore it is complicated to communicate. However when we do finally understand each other it truly is beautiful.

To many of us our canine companions are more than just a dog, but they are our best friends, our children, our brother/sister or our everything. Our companion walks with us through life, each day, as we purposively take care of their every need with love and responsibility. Our late Max was just that, he was my best friend and was a profound cornerstone to my childhood and adulthood. It is challenging for us to face the loss of such a beloved companion and friend, but this loss necessitates a conversation about friendship, loss and grief.

When our beloved Max was dying, we were lucky enough to have a vet that was experienced and compassionate and who guided our preceding closure with Max. There is a lot of information on dealing with this topic and the grieving process.

When it was time for us to say good-bye to Max, there were no questions or doubt that this was not the best decision for him and for us. Afterwards, I was incredibly heartbroken, sad and cried endlessly. There will always be an empty space in my heart for Max. Although it was so difficult, we felt that we must get another dog. Many people believe if you get a dog after your former dog passes, you are "replacing" them. But for us, Max could NEVER be replaced, but we needed a dog in our lives to make us feel whole - with or without Max. If Max could have talked or understood I know that he would have wanted to us to adopt another dog to carry on his legacy by adopting another one again and again. With that being said we adopted Harley two weeks after Max's passing. It was fate. 

Although it is always a personal decision about whether you and your family feel you are ready to adopt another dog, there is an additional component to this conversation. It is our responsibility as human beings to care for animals (dictated by religion, spirituality, faith or whatever you believe in). MILLIONS of dogs [and cats] are killed across the nation [and world] due to overpopulation and therefore it is our responsibility to adopt or rescue a dog for the betterment of "canine-kind" and society. These are two ruling factors that governed our decision on when it was acceptable to adopt after Max's passing. Of course this is always a personal decision and must be the right time and right place to extend one's family and heart.

10 TIPS ON COPING WITH PET LOSS
Points to consider when assessing your pet's quality of life:

1. Pain or serious discomfort when walking or moving

2. Drastic loss of appetite

3. Difficulty in breathing

4. Incontinence or other serious problems with urination or defecation

5. Capacity to see and hear properly

6. Unresponsive, unmanageable or dangerous behavior

This posting is dedicated to dearest Brittany. A special girl who always knew what her mother was thinking and had a lifelong friendship with her sister. Brittany will always be in our heart.

WE may not be together

In the way we

used to be

We are still connected by a 

Cord no eye 

can see

So whenever

you need to find me

We're never far apart

If you look 

beyond the horizon

And listen with your heart