Need Volunteers at Barkapalooza on Saturday

[Guest guest]

AFTER YOU LEAFLET AT THE ZOO ON SATURDAY MORNING (10-11:15 AM) FOR JENNY, VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR BLACK DOG BARKAPALOOZA ON SATURDAY, 10/4.Contact: Steve Hurst at 214-207-0045 or Steveghurst

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.