I just read this article online: Black Dogs Face a Hard Choice at Shelter. It discusses how shelter dogs that happen to be black (at least in the U.S.) have a really hard time getting adopted because so many people don’t want a “BBD” or big black dog. Guesses for this stigma (although this article doesn’t go into this) are that black dogs are too ordinary-looking, are believed to be more aggressive or are associated with depression and bad luck. Winston Churchill referred to his depression as his “black dog” and the use of that term for a troubled mind goes back centuries.
I can’t believe it. Blackness was one of my dog criteria. I wanted a dog that was black so it wouldn’t mess up my dark clothing with its light-colored hairs. Ozzie is perfect for that. And he’s playful, calm, friendly and rarely even barks.
What a damn shame that prejudice against blackness even applies to animals, but it makes me even more proud that we picked Ozzie. So, if you ever get a dog, please consider a shelter dog who’s black.
This also explains why people sometimes see me and Ozzie coming down the sidewalk and say, “Oh, shit!” their eyes widening in fear. And yes, they’re looking at the dog, not at me, okay?