A dog truly is man’s best friend. These kind-hearted animals remain loyal to their hoomans through thick and thin. They are always there to hold your hand.
Their loyalty is not in question here.
It’s ours.
Are you, man, ready to be there for your dog?
Are you ready to hold your dog’s hand when he needs it?
The next story is about Dolly, a rescue dog who really needed a hand.
The dog with unusual habits
From the moment she walked into the shelter, they knew she was a sweet girl.
She was even clean.
So why wasn’t a young dog like Dolly adopted the same day?
Time passed, day after day, and Dolly was still there.
No one knows exactly why, but the good volunteers of Buffalo City Animal Shelter, from Buffalo, New York, were confident that Dolly would soon find her forever home.
As soon as potential adopters are unaware black dog syndrome.
Black dog syndrome? Is that what I think?
Unfortunately yes.
Black dog syndrome is something dark colored dogs live in shelters. People usually jump on these dogs because they are not as pretty as some other colors, or they are considered dangerous. |1|
Of course, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s just a stupid superstition.
All dogs have the same value. All shelter dogs deserve a loving home.
Dolly can count herself lucky. She hasn’t (yet) found a family, but she has found an adoptive mother.
And that’s one step closer to the ideal scenario.
When Katie brought Dolly home, she was a shy, unconfident girl. It didn’t take long for Katie to connect with Dolly and bring out the best in her. Dolly has truly become a confident dog who is loving her new life.
Being so fun and sweet isn’t the only thing Katie has learned about Dolly. Her adoptive mother also learned that Dolly had a unique habit: she insists on holding hands!
Um… I mean the legs!
It all started when Katie wanted to teach Dolly the “paw” command. Dolly loved it so much that she kept raising her paw, asking for attention. It was Dolly’s way of getting extra cuddles from Katie.
“Then if I was sitting down, she would jump on the bed or couch and sit next to me and instantly hold out her paw for me to hold,” Katie said. “She needs my attention and affection so much. She especially likes to do it in the car for some reason.
As soon as Katie starts the car, there’s Dolly, calling shotgun and holding her paw in the air as if asking for emotional support during the ride.
The paw in the hand makes the difference
Black dog syndrome is pervasive in the United States, not just in the United States. City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.
I think it’s finally time to let go of these false beliefs and embrace all dogs, regardless of color, coat type, breed or gender.
Shelter statistics are devastating every year. Compared to other American states, the situation in New York is quite good. Total the savings rate is 90.6%with room for improvement, as always.
However, there are still states like Texas and California, where the savings rate is considerably lower, at 76.7%.
Few dogs like Dolly get a second chance. Few dogs like Dolly have a loving foster mother who would come out to meet their needs and help them find a forever home.
Dolly is truly a lucky girl. She has someone to snuggle with her all the time, bring her treats, and work hard for her future.
More importantly, she has someone to hold her paw.
Think about how many dogs never ask someone to hold their paw!
Will you be the one to reach out and shake hands?
Because a paw in the hand makes the difference today, tomorrow and forever.
Sources:
|1| HJ Svoboda, CL Hoffman. Investigating the role of coat color, age, sex, and breed on outcomes for dogs at two US animal shelters. (2023). DO I
