DE SPCA Barks At Stigma Of Adopting Black Dog - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

GEORGETOWN, Del. - There's no statistical evidence, but rescue shelters say there's a stigma for adopting a certain type of pet.

"For some reason, they just seem to fade into the background," said Joanne Murphy, Georgetown SPCA volunteer and development coordinator.

Most refer to it as the "Black Dog Syndrome" or the superstition of owning a black cat. But as these furry friends scratch and sound off for a new owner, rescue shelter workers at the Georgetown SPCA say these pets end up staying longer at their facilities than other colored animals.

"To see people just walk past them because they're black or they're old or they're not exactly the perfect animal is hard," said Murphy.

"People will come in and say, 'I'm looking for a gray Tabby [cat],'" said volunteer Kathleen Sparling. "If they find one with a good personality, they'll slide on the color."

Shelter workers and volunteers ask families looking to adopt to fill out a form and describe their perfect pet. For cat and dog owner Bonnie Card of Selbyville, Del., she says the color doesn't really matter to her.

"It's personality," said Card. "It has to be friendly and full of life."

As the SPCA tries to find a home for black dogs and cats, they use every platform available to show-off their features, including through posters and social media.

"We try to highlight everyday a black cat or a black dog for the month of March and just tell them their stories and put their pictures up," said Murphy.

This month, the Delaware SPCA is offering a promotion on black cats and dogs for $25, which includes immunizations, a microchip and spay/neutering.