From the SPA
By Christine Foster

Black is back

We have several black Lab mixes at the shelter right now who share not only their glossy color but a dogged determination to find perfect homes. You may have heard, however, that black dogs (and cats) are statistically the least likely to attract the “oohs and aaahs” of visitors to shelters.

For me, I don’t get it. Is it because their expressions are somehow harder to read? I don’t see why. Are they harder to see in the shadows of their cages? Surely not. You have to wonder what’s really going on. Maybe very dark animals are just considered less attractive? Harder to photograph? Perhaps… but no other coat color looks as elegant, sleek or glamorous in person. Black cars are considered cool, so why not black dogs and cats? In any case, if you’ve ever thought black wasn’t beautiful, you should come and meet these two, who—with tails thumping—are ready and waiting to change your mind.

Pitaca came in at the beginning of the year with her three sisters, one of whom has already been adopted. They had been dumped at about eight weeks of age and arrived dehydrated and lethargic. It took some steady nursing and a few months to return them to bouncing, buoyant health, and Pitaca is now an adult, though she only weighs about 20 to 25 pounds—the smallest of her litter. She is not small in personality, however. She is alert, courteous and interested in people, though she’s not as comfortable around boisterous dogs or loud noises. She would prefer to be an only dog, or to be with other small, quiet dogs and children. So far, she has never reacted to cats (and she sees plenty), so we think she can probably adapt to being around them, too. She is a sweet, gentle and attentive girl of a very manageable size who would make someone a grateful and loving companion.

Cho-Cho is a Lab mix puppy that arrived this past June with his brother Maximilliano. Luckier than Pitaca’s sisters, they had been fostered for several weeks by the caring people who helped to rescue them. Now about six months old and very bright, Cho-Cho has adapted to the routine of the shelter and is now busy showing his brother the ropes. Remarkably he is also already one of the stars of our weekly training classes. Very focused and eager to please, he is mature beyond his tender age. He listens, he watches, he is great with children, and even though he is still young and playful, we think he could also be taught to be gentle and respectful with toddlers. We seldom recommend pups in a home with young children, but Cho-Cho is so responsive to training, we believe he can do pretty much anything anyone expects of him, including getting on with cats and other animals. We are hoping that whoever adopts Cho-Cho will continue with his training as this is a very receptive and smart pup who thrives on the stimulat
ion and daily “brain food.”

These adorable young dogs and their siblings may not be the first picks because of their color, but happily they don’t know a thing about it. Just look into their eyes—there you will find them as they truly are: black diamonds and black pearls, and treasures every one.

The SPA is located at Los Pinos 7, a right turn off Calzada de la Estación just before the bus station. Visit www.spasanmiguel.org  or call 152-6124 to learn more about us and about how to sponsor or adopt an animal.