But lately as I look at the black beauty sleeping at my feet I wonder if this “black dog syndrome” really exists.

Are black dogs truly harder to place into homes? Or is “black dog syndrome” another animal sheltering myth? Is it a way for us rescue volunteers to put the blame on the public?

“It’s not our fault he hasn’t been adopted yet,” a shelter volunteer might say. “No one wants a big, black dog.”

Shelters and rescues are not doing black dogs any good by spreading these negative messages.

People want to hear positive messages. Something like, “Did you know our rescue saved 100 black dogs from the pound last year? We have 20 black beauties waiting to be adopted today.”

Positive energy goes a long way.

The problem with “black dog syndrome” is not whether it exists – it very well might. The problem is how shelter and rescue workers don’t even question it.

There are no professional statistics to back up “black dog syndrome.” (If you have some, show me.) Black dog syndrome is nothing more than an urban legend.

Questioning big, black dog syndrome

Do people really seek out lighter-colored dogs? Spotted dogs?

Is the American dream to own a golden retriever or a golden lab?

I don’t think so.

The KC Dog Blog did a nice job questioning this very issue of “black dog syndrome.” It asks: Could it be that it seems like shelters are full of black dogs because there are so many of them in the first place?

We do know, for example, that the Labrador is the most popular breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. It has been the most popular breed for years. Not only that, but black is the most common color for Labs because black is a dominant gene for the breed.

It’s safe to say the black lab is the most popular dog in the United States.

People are obtaining their black labs somewhere. Perhaps rescues and shelters need to work harder to compete with breeders, pet shops and people re-homing their dogs. There is definitely a demand for black labs. We need to step up our game.

How to help black dogs get adopted

For the sake of argument, let’s just assume black dogs are harder to get adopted. If that is the case, then it’s just a reason for rescues and shelters to try harder.

That means making it easier for people to adopt by getting these big, black dogs out into public every day of the week, lowering adoption fees and offering adoptions during convenient hours. Getting rid of the “home visit” would also make adopting more appealing.

Rescues should offer reduced adoption fees on any long-term animals, regardless of color.

They should offer adoption specials on black animals for at least a month each year.

They could also create a fun photo contest with judges to see who can get the best pictures of the black dogs up for adoption. That could be a lot of fun!

A costume contest for black dogs could also make an entertaining fundraiser.

Obstacles for big, black dogs

Photo: 4LuvofDog.org

There are, of course, certain points I just can’t argue.

Black dogs are definitely harder to photograph.

This is not an excuse, though. It just means shelters need to make sure to get better photos of the black dogs. It’s not that hard to get a good pic of a black dog outside with good lighting. I do this every day.

Another factor is that black pets have a distinguished look even if they have just a hint of gray. They look old. Few people want to adopt old dogs. Right, Cosmo?

It certainly does seem like black dogs and cats are overlooked. I’ve known many black dogs locally that waited years to get adopted. There are also black cats in our local shelters that have been waiting for homes just as long.

I chose a “big, black dog” from a local rescue to sponsor, and I hope to sponsor another big, black dog after this sweet boy named Dex gets adopted.

Nearly every shelter, pound or rescue worker I talk to will back up “black dog syndrome” based on her experience that black dogs do get adopted last.

Some shelters will even kill black animals as quickly as they legally are allowed because they “know they won’t be adopted.” Why waste money on a dog that will sit in the shelter for months? It’s better to “euthanize” and open up space for “more adoptable” animals.

That’s just as bad as killing a healthy dog (of any color) based solely on her breed.

My black mutt

Whether big, black dogs are truly harder to get adopted or not, they have a special place in my heart. I love my big, black mutt Ace. Black is beautiful. I am attracted to black dogs and cats. Sleek, black dogs tend to be my favorites. I’m a “black dog person.”

When the time comes for me to adopt another dog, I’m going to have a hard time not adopting a “black lab mix” that looks exactly like Ace.

My “black pearl.” My beautiful boy.

Discuss this issue further on That Mutt’s dog forum.

Sometimes I think I foster dogs for the greater good. It seems like the right thing to do. I love dogs. I certainly tolerate dogs. I know a lot about dogs. There are always more dogs that need temporary homes as they transition to a better life.

On the other hand, I’m pretty sure I foster dogs for selfish reasons. It makes me feel valued. A dog loves me no matter what, even if we just met. Even if I make all kinds of mistakes.

Barkley is one of those dogs. He came with a unique set of “issues.” I want to help him, but helping Barkley is also a way to help myself.

Everyone wants to know “the story” behind every rescue dog. Was he abandoned? Was he a mill dog? From the pound?

And if we don’t know these stories, we create our own.

Barkley could be one of those dogs, too. A dog with a made-up story about how he was abused and abandoned. I could be his hero.

An insecure dog

Barkley has a hard time dealing with stress. On our drive home, he shook the whole time. A lot of dogs will pace in the car or try to climb into the front seat. If I get out, they might bounce from seat to seat or scratch at the window. Barkley just shook, frozen.

At our house, Barkley had to learn how to go up and down the stairs.

When I moved a pillow from the couch to the floor, he wouldn’t go near that pillow.

He has a hard time understanding when it’s safe to walk through our glass patio door and when it is not.

In rare instances, if I move towards him in a certain way with a certain energy, he lashes out. Or sometimes he just crouches really low and urinates.

The poor dog, you might say.

And if I didn’t know Barkley’s story, I too would probably piece together some tale about his troubled past.

Sadly, there are dogs out there being abused. Right now. And there are dogs out there that have experienced violence. There are dogs that are suffering.

Barkley is not one of those dogs.

Most dogs have not been abused, not even insecure dogs like Barkley.

Here’s the real story about this little dog:

Barkley lived in a home with the same person for almost three years. And she probably loved him.

Tragic.

There are no fill in the blanks. This dog has had a good life.

The only sad piece to Barkley’s story could be from the very beginning.

He originally came from a pet shop – Pets R’ Inn at West Acres Mall in Fargo, N.D.

He is a “designer” dog. Half Yorkie. Half Maltese/Lhasa Apso.

That opens up a whole new discussion, I know. And what it highlights is that a dog’s breeding can determine quite a bit. Likewise, the first few weeks of a pup’s life, whether they are nurturing or not, have lasting effects on the dog he will become.

We can’t change that for Barkley. We can only move forward. That’s what he wants. That’s what every dog wants.

What’s the story of this one little dog?

His “story” is a good one. It will end happily. There’s likely an adoption in the works. He has a lot to look forward to.

Out of the 1,073 impounded dogs last year, 62 percent were reclaimed by their owners, 36 percent were taken in by rescue groups and 2 percent (23 dogs) were labeled “unadoptable” by the pounds and therefore euthanized.

To word this another way, Fargo had a 100 percent live release rate for adoptable dogs – a number unheard of in most areas. (For the rest of this post, you can assume I am referring to Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead when I say Fargo.)

Why the success?

Well, these are just a few of my thoughts – strictly opinions here. I’d love to hear your thoughts, no matter where you live.

Fargo has no government-controlled shelter system

Many communities blame their killing stats on a lack of government funding. You don’t need a government-controlled shelter. You need dedicated community members.

Fargo has at least five established rescue/shelter organizations. These groups receive no government funding. They depend on volunteers, fundraising, donations and grants – not tax dollars. Many of the dogs and cats in these groups live in foster homes. Adopt-A-Pet and 4 Luv of Dog Rescue depend entirely on foster homes. The humane society has an actual shelter, as does the new CATS Cradle. Natural Pet Center has rescued cats for adoption at its store.

Fargo is a dog friendly community

All kinds of resources are available here for training, exercising and socializing our dogs. If the goal is to keep as many dogs out of the pounds as possible, these opportunities matter very much.

Dog training

Fargo has at least two affordable obedience training facilities that offer group classes in basic obedience and beyond. A big shout out to Red River North Dog Obedience club where Ace and I have trained for years. Classes there are around $55 total for seven weeks. Red River North is a nonprofit organization and makes a big difference for the dogs.

Fargo also has several professional trainers who do house visits, and Pawsitive Vybe offers individual and group training on anything from interaction to tricks.

Dog boarding, pet sitting and dog daycare

There are at least seven boarding kennels and dog daycares in Fargo. These facilities are very affordable. Ace can stay at Sheyenne River Kennels for just $21 per night. A day of daycare at Chasing Tails is just $15. We also have at least six established pet sitters such as myself (Run That Mutt). If you need to head out of town, you have many options for your pets.

Dog exercise

For exercise, we have my dog running service through Run That Mutt and a few others who offer dog walking. Fargo has three public, off-leash dog parks and on-leash dogs are welcome at dozens of little parks scattered throughout the city. There are plenty of spots to take your dog swimming in the summer if you choose. The area is rural enough that many of us get away with allowing our dogs off leash, especially out in the country or in quiet parks.

Fargo has a low-cost spay/neuter clinic

Minn-Kota PAAWS makes a huge difference not only to our community but to the region. The mission of PAAWS is to spay and neuter barn, feral, stray and companion animals. You can’t just hound people to get their pets fixed. Most people would prefer to spay/neuter their animals, but they might not have the money to do so or the transportation to get there. My mutt Ace was neutered at PAAWS before I adopted him.

Microchip clinics

The F-M Humane Society offers microchip clinics several times per year where people can show up and have their pets microchipped on site for just $30 per pet. I’ve been meaning to get my cat Scout microchipped, and this is definitely something I should take advantage of.

Affordable pet supplies

4 Luv of Dog Rescue offers the Kibble Kitchen that distributes dog food on an as-needed basis to those who apply. Anyone who needs some extra help paying for dog food can apply here.

Jazzy & Mumbos Thrift Store in West Fargo accepts donations for pet owners in need such as kennels, bowls, leashes and unopened pet food. It also accepts items for the humans such as gently used clothing or furniture.

Safe Paws program

Safe Paws assists those who need help with their pets in order to leave an abusive situation. Sometimes people are afraid to leave a physically abusive spouse because there is nowhere for their pets to go. Safe Paws offers a network of temporary foster homes for these pets. The program is a collaboration between the F-M Humane Society, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, YWCA of Cass Clay and a local veterinary clinic. More info here.

What are some other reasons Fargo (or any other community) is so successful getting impounded dogs into homes? Let me know in the comments!

Now, on a heavier note:

Fargo can do better.

Twenty-three dogs were euthanized in our local pounds in 2011.

These dogs were labeled “unadoptable” for various reasons by the pound workers. Some had been hit by cars and were too injured to help, according to the humane society. The humane society did not make these decisions; it simply reported the statistics from the pounds. A few were labeled as too aggressive around humans and were killed.

What is considered too aggressive? How are these dogs evaluated?

These are questions I would like to ask the city pound workers, and I’m guessing this evaluation system could be greatly improved. The rescues themselves depend on these evaluations from the pounds, and from what I have seen these evaluations are not always accurate.

If the kill rate for “adoptable” dogs is literally zero, then it’s safe to say we have the resources available to help at least a few of these less adoptable dogs.

What about the cats?

The cat situation here is very sad. In 2011, 48 percent of the impounded cats were killed, according to the pound stats reported by Adopt-A-Pet. Just over half made it out of the pounds alive.

When you look at dogs and cats combined, about 23 percent were killed and 77 percent were saved in 2011. That’s not good. Ninety percent would be good.

I am really excited about the new CATS Cradle shelter, as well as the existing cat rescues and shelters all working together to come up with a plan to save more cats. There is a lot of potential, and I know the 2012 numbers will be dramatically different than past numbers.

There is a lot of work to be done for our cats. I have some concerns and ideas myself, but I would really love to hear your ideas. Please share them in the comments.

No Kill Conference

You may be interested in attending the No Kill Advocacy Center’s No Kill Conference Aug. 10-11 in Washington, D.C. I expect this conference to fill up within the next few weeks, so if you are interested you should sign up soon. And let me know if you are going! (I haven’t made my decision yet!)

No-kill communities

Everyone has her own idea of what “no kill” actually means. Unfortunately that’s what turns people off from the phrase. To me, “no kill” means killing no healthy, adoptable dogs or cats. Euthanizing an animal that is suffering is different than killing a healthy animal due to a “lack of resources.”

I do not believe in finding sanctuaries for dangerously aggressive dogs to live out their lives. I do not believe in hospice care for sick or injured dogs that are suffering.

I want to point out this list of recognized no-kill communities in the United States. Many people believe it is not realistic or possible for a community to become 100 percent no kill. Well, there are at least 26 communities that have done it so far. Duluth, Minn., is one community that became no kill in 2010. The city of Duluth found a home for every adoptable cat and dog in 2010. I believe Fargo will be on this list as well in coming years.

How do you define “no kill”? Based on your definition, is it possible?

There is a lot of negativity around someone who decides to re-home an animal.

“Pets are for life.”

“Why would someone with a pitbull move to a place where pitbulls are not allowed?”

We are quick to judge when we know very little.

My mutt Ace is just one example of a dog who was re-homed.

Ace’s previous owner got him on a whim as a puppy. I think we’ve all heard that story before. She cared for him, gave him shelter and access to veterinary care. She taught him to go to the bathroom outside and to hang out by himself in a kennel. He got to grow up around another dog and also a cat.

His first owner did many things right, and she probably loved him.

But Ace’s first owner knew Ace wasn’t getting the attention or the time he needed in her home. He was probably also a financial burden.

Should she have kept him anyway?

I’m glad she didn’t, because now I have the dog of my life.

Sure, I could’ve found some other dog. And Ace would’ve been just fine living out his life with his first owner. He would do well in most homes. But things are definitely better this way.

Ace’s previous owner is a good person, and I hope she has opened her heart and home to another dog since parting with “Junior.”

What if the dog bites?

My parents – two of the world’s biggest dog lovers – gave up their American water spaniel when I was about 3. They took Abby to the vet to be put down after a biting incident.

Sure, my parents probably did not train or socialize Abby properly. They definitely did not do their research before getting a puppy the way they did.

Did that mean they should keep the dog no matter what?

They didn’t think so.

Did it mean they should never have a dog?

Thankfully, no. They went out and got another puppy a few months later. They’ve had multiple spoiled, happy dogs ever since.

Foster dog Barkley

People have already said things to me about foster dog Barkley’s previous owner.

“Someone gave up on him after just two years?”

“But he’s a Yorkie!”

This is the first time I have taken in a foster dog directly from the original owner. This is very different for me than taking a dog from a pound where I don’t know the dog’s story. It’s easy to put blame on a person you have never met.

I could tell that Barkley’s original owner is a good, caring person.

Sometimes a dog gets to be too much, and it’s nobody’s fault.

In this case, the owner was putting herself and a family member before her dog. This is not something everyone has the courage to do. It’s difficult to give up a dog. It’s difficult to contact a rescue organization and admit you can’t fix a dog, a dog you have raised on your own.

I am dedicated to working with Barkley to help him build confidence and to help him cope with stress. He may be a cute, little Yorkie mix, but he is still a dog.

I don’t hold judgement against his previous owner for raising Barkley a certain way or for obtaining a puppy the way she did. I don’t blame her for letting him go. I hope she is at peace with her decision and that she will get another dog someday.

In the meantime, Barkley will wait for an experienced owner with no children to adopt him. A home with other pets would be just fine. He is a happy, friendly guy 99 percent of the time, but some situations scare him, and he needs some help.

I don’t mean to make Barkley sound like a bad dog. There is no such thing as a bad dog. I always want to remain positive when it comes to my foster dogs, but I also want to be real and honest.

Simply, Barkley is just a dog.

Have you ever given up a dog?

Barkley is a 2-year-old Yorkie/Lhasa Apso/Maltese mix. More info about him coming soon, but he has been a good little guy so far.

I’m not trying to take away any credit from Barkley. I believe he really is a good dog, but part of the reason he has been so good is because I haven’t given him any opportunities to be “bad.”

When I welcome a new dog to our home, no matter what anyone tells me, I always assume the same:

1. The dog is not housebroken.

2. The dog is not good with dogs or cats.

I make all kinds of other assumptions, too. I always assume the dog will chew things he shouldn’t and that he’ll be possessive of food and toys. I assume he’ll cry when alone and that he’ll bark at other dogs on walks. I assume he has had no obedience training.

When I get a new foster dog, sometimes I won’t know anything about him other than what he looks like. In Barkley’s case, I got to meet his previous owner and she gave me lots of information about him. This was very helpful, but I still can’t assume he will act the same way at my house as he did at her house.

To help a new dog be on his best behavior, prevention can go a long way.

Potty training a dog – a few reminders

1. Just because a dog is housebroken in one home does not mean he is housebroken in another.

Dogs are contextual. It’s kind of like how I might not recognize my dentist if I run into him at the grocery store. He’s out of context.

2. Dogs don’t always ask to go outside or show that they need to go.

Some dog owners assume that a new dog will go to the door and whine when he has to go potty or that he will paw, pace or bark. I’ve had dozens of dogs in my home. Most do not ask to go out (or maybe I’m not getting the message). Do yourself and the dog a favor and head outside at least every two hours.

3. Male and female dogs could mark in your house.

Keep all new dogs on a leash and near you for a few days so you can supervise. Marking is not the same as having an accident. I’m not sure we humans know exactly what dogs communicate through marking, but we do know it sends a message to the other animals in the environment – I’m here! I think of it as a Facebook update.

4. If the dog peed outside right away but hasn’t pooped yet, just assume he still has to go!

Take him back outside every 15 minutes or so until he goes or head out for a walk to give him enough time to go. I notice a lot of smaller dogs will poop in the house unless you take them on at least a 20-minute walk.

5. Unless the dog is in his kennel, take him outside at least every two hours.

That way you will prevent accidents. It’s totally reasonable to expect a new dog not to have any accidents at all – as long as you are doing a good job getting him out often enough!

6. If the dog is not in his kennel, he should be under your direct supervision.

I recommend keeping the dog leashed at all times for at least the first three days.

7. Remember not to get mad if the dog does have an accident.

You don’t want the dog to be afraid to pee in front of the crazy lady who yells. Just get him out more often and reward him when he does what you want.

8. Slowly increase the dog’s freedom over time.

9. Go for lots of walks so the dog has plenty of opportunities to relieve himself outside.

Preventing dog fights – common sense

Barkley seems like a friendly guy, and I was not worried about any fights between him and my mutt Ace. Still, I know it’s best to take precautions. Here are some basics so all goes smoothly between your new dog and your other dog.

1. Don’t allow direct eye contact between the dogs when they first meet.

Try to keep one dog turned to the side or just move your own body in between them as needed.

2. Distract one or both dogs if there is any tension.

When dogs are tense, they are more likely to growl or snap. Sometimes a dog will tense up and then decide to do a friendly play bow, but I still like to ease the tension to keep the excitement levels low. I noticed Ace getting a little tense when Barkley was super excited, so I made sure to ease that tension by giving Ace a butt scratch and some friendly pats on his side. I also blocked Barkley from jumping all over Ace. He loves Ace!

3. Don’t allow the dogs to get too excited.

Playful excitement isn’t necessarily bad, but it can easily escalate from play fighting and chasing to an actual fight. I prevent this by allowing basically no playing in the house. No rough housing. No chasing games. No tug of war. No wrestling. Instead, I encourage the dogs to hang out quietly on their beds. Of course, we play from time to time indoors but I keep the energy levels controlled and I initiate the play.

4. Keep the new dog on a leash at all times.

Barkley has his leash on whenever he is not in his kennel. That way I can keep him near me at all times and also pull him back if he is bothering Ace or my cats. Sometimes a baby gate can also work well for creating a barrier between the dogs that still allows them to interact a bit. It’s still important to supervise the dogs whenever they are not in their kennels.

5. Trust your cat’s judgement of the dog.

My cats are used to dogs, and they can read a dog’s body language better than I can. I trust their judgement. They were not fazed at all when they met Barkley. They immediately claimed his blanket and checked out his kennel and toys. They had no need to jump to higher ground or to run and hide. They hung out at his level and didn’t even leave the room. If, on the other hand, my cats were tense, extra vocal or hanging out on furniture higher than the dog, I would know to take extra precautions.

6. Don’t get upset if your own dog growls at the new dog if it is an appropriate correction. 

Ace is generally laid-back and submissive, and I trust him around other dogs. It’s rare that he will snap or growl, but when he does it is usually appropriate. I do my best to keep Barkley in line and pull him away whenever he is getting too excited for Ace. But at one point in the last few days, Ace growled at Barkley to tell him he’d had enough pestering. Dogs communicate by growling, and there was nothing wrong with Ace telling Barkley to knock it off.

7. Pick up all toys and bowls so there is no resource guarding.

It’s possible for a dog to guard anything he sees as valuable. Most often a dog will guard toys, bones, food, other dogs or his owner. But a dog could guard pretty much anything like his bed, his kennel, a blanket, the couch, a certain room or even his water dish. Make it easier on yourself and pick up anything you can that either dog might decide to guard. Feed the dogs in separate rooms or in their kennels until you know there is no food aggression.

When the new dog is in his crate, that’s the perfect time to provide both dogs with special treats and chew toys. Some of Ace’s favorites are Nylabones, Kongs and  bully sticks.

What tips do you have for potty training an adult dog or preventing confrontations between the dogs?

Introducing Barkley!

But if you’re like me, you love dogs and you wanted to do even more. So you became more involved. You gave even more energy.

If you spend enough time with any animal shelter or any rescue group, you are going to find flaws. Heck, if you look at anything close enough, you are going to find flaws.

So what do you do when you find out your beloved rescue organization is not so perfect?

Do you continue to donate? Do you offer a solution? Do you move on and support another group?

I ask because these are tough questions for me, too.

The flaws in a dog rescue group could be anything.

Maybe the group’s leadership is unorganized. Maybe the adoption process gets bottlenecked. Maybe there is little communication between the volunteers and the potential adopters. Maybe there is no consistent screening process for determining aggression in dogs.

Maybe the dogs who need the most help are warehoused in boarding kennels with minimal training, socialization and exercise. Maybe you make a donation, and eight months later the group still hasn’t cashed your check. Maybe the group deletes genuine, constructive criticism from its Facebook fan page.

These are examples I see in some of the rescue groups in my town, but they are problems that exist everywhere.

I choose to believe that most rescue organizations are doing more good than bad, but I also believe they could all do much better.

The excuse is always the same.

We don’t have enough time/money/support/volunteers/space/______.

“We don’t have enough” is an excuse, and it’s putting the blame on the community rather than the group’s lack of action.

You don’t have enough time? Recruit a dedicated volunteer to take on more leadership.

You don’t have enough volunteers? Ask for help with specific projects.

People want to help. They just need to know how.

I support all the established rescue organizations in my community in one way or another, but I do not agree with everything they do. This has been a challenge for me, sometimes leading me to question whether or not to support certain groups.

If you see a problem, take action!

Complaining does not do anything to help the dogs and cats. Blaming someone else doesn’t help, either.

So my suggestion to you, frustrated volunteer, is to take action.

Reach out to someone in charge, acknowledge the problem (without blame) and offer a solution.

Acknowledging a problem is not helpful unless you offer a solution.

If the leadership gives you resistance, try again. And then try a third time, pitching your idea to someone else in the group. Find a few other volunteers who agree with you, and come up with a plan of action together.

Don’t get hostile. Be open and respectful, and plan on some kind of compromise.

Remember that most rescue groups are led by volunteers who have a passion for animals, but they do not necessarily have business experience. They probably have full-time jobs and families. And like you, they also feel under appreciated for their time, financial contributions and ideas.

After multiple attempts, if there is still resistance, then maybe it is time to move on. There will always be another rescue group or shelter out there that will welcome your ideas and will gladly accept your time, creativity and talent (and of course, your cash).

I don’t recommend a major “falling out” if you decide to no longer support a certain group. The overall goal here is to help the dogs, even if one rescue group does not agree with a decision made by another. Cutting off all communication with a group is not going to help the dogs.

On the other hand, if the group is lying to the public, abusing dogs or killing dogs for no reason, then of course you need to speak out even if that means destroying a friendly relationship.

If you have a specific example about a time you disagreed with a rescue’s decision or policy, I’d love to hear about your experience. What did you do about it?

What ideas do you have for compromising with a local dog rescue organization?

Discuss this issue further on That Mutt’s new dog discussion forum.

Here is Ace on a walk with one of his best friends, Buddy!

It’s the time of year when you hear constant cries of “pets aren’t gifts,” and people call for shelters and rescues to refuse to adopt out animals during the holiday season. (You hear these same kinds of cries regarding black cats around Halloween.)

My first problem with this idea is that it doesn’t take into account other reasons people might want to adopt a pet. We brought our beagle home from the shelter less than one week before Thanksgiving. We were getting her because we had just lost one dog and our other dog was missing his friend terribly (he wasn’t exactly alone in this). If we had lost our Aussie one week later, should we have been prevented from adopting until after the holiday season?

But even forgetting those situations, I actually believe that pets can make wonderful gifts; that the gift of a new family member really brings home the meaning of the season. Under the right circumstances, what difference does it make if the new puppy comes at Christmas time or any other time of year?

A puppy as a surprise Christmas gift for a child

I know a couple that is giving their daughters a puppy for Christmas. It will be a total surprise.

Per their father:

[T]he girls have no idea. They know there is no way in hell I’m getting them a filthy animal that will pee and poop all over my house where I sleep and eat. No freakin way!!! Actually, that’s not completely true. I did tell them that if they can find a dog to babysit for a whole month, and they walk it, feed it, and clean up after it every single day that I’d think about it. They’ve been arguing for a few months about the unfairness of it all, since they can’t find a way to get a dog for a month, but I’ve been telling them that if they really wanted one, they’d figure something out.

They have been walking the neighbors’ lab, and they babysat a really sweet old dachshund for four days last month.

Obviously, their father is a bit of a curmudgeon (the best kind), and has asked that his daughters (both pre-teens) work to show them that they want and are willing to care for a new pet. He’s actually really excited about taking them to meet their new puppy on Christmas morning.

Now I know that people out there are yelling at their computer screens – you can’t trust kids to take care of the pet! If that’s your pet care plan, don’t get the pet! And I can tell you, the parents of this family know that, too.

Yes, their daughters are working very hard to show they are responsible enough for a dog, but the family also knows that puppies are a lot of work, and the girls will be in school. Luckily, Mom is a mostly stay at home mom, and she is quite prepared to be the one taking the puppy out every couple of hours as they work on potty training.

Mom and Dad both know this will be a lot of work and the majority of it will fall on their shoulders. They’ve already snuck out to buy a dog bowl, collar and leash, and Nature’s Miracle. They’re making sure their cat has a way to escape the dog.

In essence, they are doing all the right things. They are ready and excited to bring a new family member into their home.

The fact that they get to surprise their daughters – on Christmas morning, no less – is just an added bonus. And I can promise you, this is a Christmas those girls will never forget. It might even be the one they call the best Christmas ever. How can you argue with that?

Now, you might argue with me, that’s not what we’re talking about. In this case, both adults are in on the giving. A gift for the children is not the kind of gift we’re against. It’s when one adult surprises another adult with a pet that’s the problem.

I’ll counter that with this story, What? We Got a New Puppy?!?!? from Life and My Finances.

Puppies as surprise gifts from one adult to another

This is a personal finance blog, so the story is told in a different fashion from how you might read it in the pet blog world, but that doesn’t change that it’s a great story.

Basically, the wife has wanted her own puppy all her life. Husband wants a puppy, too, but as a personal finance kind of guy, had the ground rules of they needed to be able to afford it. Well, they just bought a house, and the house needs some work done, so no puppy until after the house is completed.

They’ve been talking about a dog for a long time. They both know they want one. They are both prepared for one. Wife just thinks it will be a few more months. This allows the husband to find the perfect puppy and bring her home to his wife as an early Christmas present. She’s surprised. They are both thrilled as can be with their new family member.

As he says himself, “Don’t be afraid to make those memories.”

This is going to be one of the most memorable Christmases they have as a couple, filled with the joy and laughter a puppy brings. And again, I ask, how can you argue with that?

Yes, it’s possible there’s a young woman out there who has been dating a young guy for a few months, a guy who talks about how much he loved his childhood Lab. And maybe she thinks to herself – I bet a puppy would be a great Christmas gift for him. I agree, that’s not a good situation, but she could get him that puppy for his birthday, and no one would know.

It’s the job of the people screening adoption applications to prevent that kind of behavior. Putting a moratorium on holiday adoptions doesn’t solve the problem, and it prevents the magical memories being made in the previous two stories.

Pets really can be gifts – in fact, I think they are the best gifts of all, no matter what the season.

Have you ever decided to get a puppy during the holidays for yourself or a family member?

Pictured is Erin’s beagle Junebug.

She seems to know which dogs I might consider, and that sometimes I just need to be asked and I’ll take one in.

This time, she told me she just wanted to run a dog by me.

“Barkley” is a 2.5-year-old neutered Yorkie mix, she said. According to his current owner, he is a resource guarder and not good with cats. He also has some housebreaking issues.

Sounds like a charmer

Now, anyone who knows dogs knows these kinds of issues can typically be taken care of with some simple rules, a crate and a routine. Usually it’s a lack of leadership on the owner’s part and no fault of the dog’s. In this case, the current owner even admits she does not have the time or the energy to work with the dog. Instead, she wants to find him a good home.

When I am asked to foster a dog, my first response is always the same. It is my default response: “I will give it some thought.”

In this case, it wasn’t even 24 hours before I sent a second email:

” … I’d be willing to give it a try with him starting Jan. 2.”

So there you have it.

“Barkley” will be here after the New Year.

I can tell by his picture (below) that he rules the house where he lives now! Is that towel on the chair just for him?

I can’t wait for the opportunity to teach Barkley how to be a dog.

I am also a bit worried that someone named him “Bark-ley.”

Stay tuned …

Barkley is not officially with the rescue organization yet, but if you are interested in adopting him, you can start by filling out the pre-adoption application with 4 Luv of Dog Rescue. Once you are approved, the cost to adopt a neutered dog from the rescue is $150.

If you have any questions about Barkley or the adoption process, send an email to Lindsay@ThatMutt.com.

I don’t like how it puts dogs at the same level as foster children.

It’s a beautiful thing to foster a child. I couldn’t do it.

When I hear the word “foster” or “adopt” out of context somewhere – like the phrase “adopt a highway” or “foster parent” – I automatically think of dogs. That seems wrong.

I know it’s because of my involvement with dogs, my line of work and my volunteering experience.

Still, I wonder what real foster parents think of dog fostering. And I wonder what the older generations think.

I don’t use the term “foster dog” around my 85- and 84-year-old grandparents. They know what the term means, I’m sure, but I am a little embarrassed to use it around them.

My grandparents grew up in a time when dogs lived outside. Dogs didn’t go to dog daycares. They ran around the neighborhood or the farm during the day or mabe they stayed tied up in a yard.

Dogs didn’t eat organic, grain-free dog food. They ate table scraps, leftover bones and fat and maybe some standard kibble.

You didn’t “rescue” a dog. You “got” a dog or bought a dog or took home a dog. You might’ve “saved” him from the pound or “taken in” a stray, but you didn’t foster him.

So when I’m talking to my grandparents or anyone who isn’t involved in animal “rescue,” I don’t use the phrase foster dog.

Instead I say, “I”m taking care of him until he gets adopted.” Or, “His last owner died/doesn’t want him/can’t afford him so we’re helping him find a home.”

Animal fostering is not the same as fostering a child.

I don’t want that kind of credit.

Fostering a dog takes nowhere near the same kind of commitment, sacrifices or selflessness as fostering a child.

Fostering a dog is less of a risk, less of an emotional experiences and less rewarding.

I’m speaking in general terms, of course, and from personal experience. I can’t say what fostering a dog means to anyone else, and I have never fostered a human child.

We need to keep ourselves in check, though.

With the words we choose to use, we are unintentionally giving animals characteristics they do not have.

I don’t “foster” dogs so they will be forever grateful. I want my foster dogs to move on with their lives and forget about me. And I think they do.

Are dogs truly grateful? Appreciative? Do they really understand?

Do they remember us for the rest of their lives? Are they forever thankful to their “rescuers”? Or to their “foster moms”?

No. I don’t think so.

Foster children are.

I don’t believe black dogs are any more difficult to get adopted than dogs of other colors, but I do know of a few black dogs waiting for homes.

I wanted to come up with a way to shine some light on one of these special black dogs. Sometimes a guy just needs a little help to get noticed.

So, ThatMutt.com is sponsoring a portion of the adoption donation fee for one black dog.

That means you can adopt this sweet boy for a reduced adoption donation fee!

Meet Dex!

Photo by Randi Heller

Dex is possibly a black lab/cocker spaniel mix, but he can be whatever kind of mix you want him to be! He is 1 to 2 years old and up for adoption with 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Fargo. I chose to sponsor a portion of his adoption donation fee because he is one of the black dogs who has been with the rescue the longest.

Dex is a wonderful dog, and I hope that a little extra attention will help guide the right person his way.

Based on what I’ve heard from other volunteers, Dex is a very gentle dog. He sounds a bit like my dog Ace because he allows other dogs to pester him. He never gets upset about anything. What a good boy! He loves kids, and he likes attention from everyone (I hear he’s a good snuggler).

Dex is living at North Dakota State University as part of the school’s veterinary technician program. He gets to live there for free and receive lots of attention from the students. He doesn’t think this is a bad setup, but it’s not a good long-term solution for any dog.

Poor Dex has some anxiety issues when left alone, so he needs someone who is able to help him build his confidence. With time, he will learn that it’s no big deal to stay home alone for a few hours.

If you would like to adopt Dex, the first step is to fill out a pre-adoption application with 4 Luv of Dog. You can also check out this schedule of Meet the Dogs events, although Dex may not make it to every single event. In order to adopt a dog from the rescue, you will need to provide three personal references and pass a home visit with a rescue volunteer. The rescue will adopt out dogs beyond North Dakota and Minnesota to the right adopter.

4 Luv of Dog Rescue’s adoption donation fee for a neutered dog is normally $150, but you can adopt Dex at a reduced cost.

Not only is his adoption donation fee reduced, but Dex is already neutered and up to date with vaccinations.

I will provide more information about Dex from time to time until he gets adopted. Then I will choose another black dog to sponsor. It’s one small way to get some attention on the dogs up for adoption and hopefully allow the rescue to save more dogs.

You can help by spreading the word about this great black dog Dex and this adoption special!

For more information about Dex, visit his profile on the rescue’s web site or feel free to email me at Lindsay@ThatMutt.com.

Dex would really like to find his own person to love. Wouldn’t that be the best Christmas present?

Do you believe black dogs are more difficult to get adopted? Discuss the issue in That Mutt’s new dog forum!