Black Dog Express

Former NNHS shelter dog, "Chocolate," is pictured above with his new family.

Black dogs (especially black Labs) are invariably overlooked at shelters across the country. Most people may not be aware of how doomed a black dog is when it arrives as a stray or an owner release. It’s tragic that far too many of these wonderful dogs are euthanized at pounds and shelters each week. “Contrary to Ordinary,” a website dedicated to these animals, suggests that the plight of black dogs is due to what they term the "black dog syndrome." Black dogs, they point out, are nearly invisible as potential adopters seek more colorful pets. They refer to these dogs as “The Black Pearls of the Dog World”.

The NNHS shelter provides sanctuary to many “black pearls” each year. Most are Labs or Lab/Shepherd mixes. As soon as they arrive at the shelter door, the rescue team begins searching for organizations in other parts of the country where these shiny-coated, good-natured dogs are more in demand – just in case they aren’t adopted at our shelter.

Such was the case with Pansy, Tyson, Goliath, Irie, Kool, Josie, Donner, Doodle, Piston, Phoenix, Novella, and Chocolate in February and March this year. All 12 of them were transported to a wonderful rescue near Chicago whose mission is to help the seemingly “invisible” black dogs. With help from volunteer rescue transporters (Judy, Gary, Mary, Don, and Kelley) they were driven on the first leg of their transport to a second chance at life.

Chocolate (above with best friend Bella) had been with us since June 2008. While his estimated age was 4 years, he played like a young pup. Sitting in a shelter cage for 9 months didn’t dampen his spirits. In providing us with an update on our former shelter buddy, rescue writes: “Here is a picture of Wags (Chocolate) with his new sister Bella in the spring snow storm we are having today. Bella is 7 years young since she found Wags. They are best buds. Wags is also a perfect gentleman with their two small children. They just adore him. He must think he died and went to heaven! YEA FOR WAGS! His full name, per the kids, is ‘Wags Luv Peanut Butter Slight’ (the nickname given him by a two- and a four-year old). Thanks for all you have done for him! Know now that he is happy, safe and loving life!!!!”

Josie (now named “Kiera" and pictured above) is a beautiful black Lab who was overlooked at the NNHS shelter. Now, she is the pride and joy of two adorable children, a Beagle, and a cat named Flashbulb. Life is good!

This posting wouldn't be complete without mentioning the two NNHS shelter brothers, Piston and Phoenix. The boys arrived together as pups back in October 2008. We watched them grow into adults. As potential adopters passed them by, they would jump on the cage doors begging for attention (that they rarely got). Phoenix and Piston are pictured below at a doggie day care center shortly after they were transported to Illinois. What a blessing to see these two boys enjoying their new-found freedom ... no leashes, no cages -- just running FREE like other healthy dogs!

Donner (now named Chance and pictured below) hit the jackpot big-time! It’s easy to see how much he thinks of “Brie,” his new little girl. His adoptive family writes the following: “Here are some pictures of our new dog … Chance!! He is BEAUTIFUL! Chance was rescued from Missouri, and we were blessed enough to find him and get to adopt him as our own! We've had him almost a month now. He is about 10 months old. He's great with Brie and Stewie! He listens very well, and trains very quickly so far. He follows us around in our yard, and learned his yard boundaries in just one day!! He LOVES to play ball, eat bones, and run! He naps with Brie beside her bed at nap time; and, during the night, he goes between his bed (which is at the foot of our bed) and Brie's room. He's such a wonderful addition to our family! We hope you enjoy the pics!!”

As Alain Boucheron so eloquently writes on the “Contrary to Ordinary” website:

“To appreciate a diamond, the surface must be pierced to release the dazzling display of color that comes form its heart; but to appreciate the pearl, the eye must simply gaze upon its surface to behold its soft color and peaceful beauty.”