10/4/08 FESTIVE BLACK DOG BARKAPALOOZA CELEBRATES BLACK DOGS! Cross Post Widely, Please

[Guest guest]

 

 

 

FESTIVE “BLACK DOG BARKAPALOOZA” ON SAT., OCT. 4,

 

FEATURES ADOPTABLE DOGS, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES, GIVEAWAYS AND MORE

 

 

DALLAS—In celebration of “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month,” Animal Guardians of America will host a Black Dog Barkapalooza Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PetSmart, 12100 Inwood Road, just north of Forest Lane in Dallas .

 

The festive fall event, which is sponsored by PetSmart Charities, will feature 35-40 BBDs—or Big Black Dogs—available for adoption. In addition, a magician/balloon artist, face painter and clown will be on hand to entertain children, and there will be free popcorn, goody bags and humane activity books for kids. Raffle prizes include an autographed copy of The Dog Bible by noted author and radio host Tracie Hotchner and a gift certificate for boarding in a luxury penthouse at Toothacres Pet Care Center .

 

“It’s a well-established fact that black-coated dogs are the most difficult to adopt,” said Annette Lambert, president of Animal Guardians, a no-kill animal rescue organization. “The phenomenon even has a name: Black Dog Syndrome.

 

“The purpose of our Black Dog Barkapalooza is to highlight their plight and show people what great dogs they really are,” said Lambert.

Theories abound as to why BBDs and black dogs in general are the most difficult to adopt. A black dog in a stainless steel cage in a shelter is hard to see. It’s also difficult to feature black dogs on pet-adoption websites or in newspaper ads since their eyes tend to blend in with their black coats in the photos. A little white hair on the chin can make a young black dog look like a senior. And in books, movies and TV shows, black dogs are often portrayed as vicious and threatening.

 

At Animal Guardians, “black dogs make up 40% of our adoptable dogs,” said Lambert. “Black Dog Syndrome is very real for us. Some of these dogs have been with us longer than any of the others. We love them and make sure they receive food, shelter, play time and what attention we can give them. But what they really need is a safe, loving forever home.”

 

“It’s a double whammy for these dogs,” said Jonnie England , director of animal advocacy for the Metroplex Animal Coalition. “Large dogs are always more difficult to adopt—especially in urban areas. The perception is that they need more space, big yards and a lot more exercise. Plus, there are superstitions and negative connotations associated with the color black.

 

“The reality is, however, that big dogs have bigger hearts and more love to give,” added England . “And black is simply a color that has nothing to do with an animal’s personality, behavior, trainability, loyalty or intelligence.”

 

Among the BBDs who will be available for adoption at the Black Dog Barkapalooza are Mia, a 3-year-old Lab mix who’s sweet-natured, very playful and eager to please; Ruby, a 5-year-old Rottweiler/border collie mix who’s inquisitive, has lots of personality and loves going on long walks; Jillian, a 1 ½-year-old Lab-Australian shepherd mix who’s smart, is good with other dogs and loves belly rubs; and Chip, a 2-year-old Lab mix who’s obedient and loyal and “has a joyful spirit,” said Lambert. The adoption fee is $150, and all dogs are spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations and negative for heartworms.

 

The Black Dog Barkapalooza is free and open to the public. For more information, call event coordinator Steve Hurst at 214-207-0045 or PetSmart at 972-239-3554, or visit www.AnimalGuardians.com.

 

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PHOTO CUTLINES:

 

(1) (2) 3)

 

(1) Annette Lambert, president of Animal Guardians of America, shows off Jillian, one of the Big Black Dogs, or BBDs, who will be available for adoption at the Black Dog Barkapalooza Sat., Oct. 4. The festive fall event will feature more than 35 adoptable dogs along with free children’s activities, refreshments and giveaways. (Photo: Dan Sellers)

 

(2) Ruby (left) and Chip are two of the Big Black Dogs, or BBDs, who will be available for adoption at Animal Guardians of America’s Black Dog Barkapalooza Sat., Oct. 4. The festive fall event will feature more than 35 adoptable dogs along with free children’s activities, refreshments and giveaways. (Photo: Dan Sellers)

 

(3) Mia, a 3-year-old Lab mix, is one of the Big Black Dogs, or BBDs, who will be available for adoption at Animal Guardians of America’s Black Dog Barkapalooza Sat., Oct. 4. The festive fall event will feature more than 35 adoptable dogs along with free children’s activities, refreshments and giveaways. (Photo: Dan Sellers)

 

 

Media Contact: Steve Hurst

Cell: 214-207-0045

stevehurst

 

 

The mission of Animal Guardians of America is to rescue stray, abandoned and neglected dogs; bring about their recovery as healthy companions; and promote care and compassion for all animals. The nonprofit volunteer group is committed to enriching the lives of dogs who may be without shelter, food, care or love—regardless of age, natural beauty or condition—and finding them temporary and permanent homes. Animal Guardians takes dogs that no one wants and turns them into dogs that everyone wants.

 

 

 

Media Assistance: Jonnie England of Animal Advocacy and Communications

Metroplex Animal Coalition

Cell 214-395-9142