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Celebrate National Black Dog Day on October 1 and honor the many lovable black dogs out there! This day was created to help raise awareness of the fact that black dogs are often overlooked in shelters when people are looking for a pet to adopt. We want to celebrate these pups, who deserve just as much love and attention as any other color dog.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of National Black Dog Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Animal advocate and pet lifestyle expert, Colleen Paige, inaugurated National Black Dog Day to raise awareness about the higher rate at which black dogs are overlooked in shelters, initiating a much-needed conversation about 'black dog syndrome.'</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Major Adoption Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>Shelters across the United States began holding special adoption events on October 1st, intensifying efforts to find homes for black dogs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reaching Global Audiences</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Black Dog Day message started gaining international attention, and rescue organizations around the world began to acknowledge the day, broadening its impact.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increased Adoption and Reduced Euthanasia Rates</div><div class='timeline-text'>Efforts by animal rights activists and the wider recognition of National Black Dog Day contributed to a modest but significant increase in the adoption of black dogs and a reduction in euthanasia rates.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Celebrations Due to Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, animal shelters turned to virtual events and social media campaigns on National Black Dog Day to encourage adoption and raise awareness about black dogs in shelters.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Adopt a black dog</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>You can make a difference in the life of a black dog by adopting one from your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Not only will you be celebrating National Black Dog Day, but you'll get a new furry family member.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take your black dog for a walk</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take your pup on an extra long walk to celebrate National Black Dog Day. You can explore new areas, meet other people and their dogs, and spend time bonding with your pup while getting some exercise.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a black dog cafe</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you're feeling adventurous, find a “black dog cafe” where only black dogs are served up as the main course! These unique restaurants have become popular around the world, so search online to see if there is one near you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a tribute video</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make a video featuring your own black pup or adoptable black dogs from your local shelter. Post the video online and share it with friends and family to spread awareness about adopting black dogs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a cause</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Consider donating to an organization that helps homeless or abandoned black dogs, such as an animal rescue group or humane society. You can also donate food, toys, or blankets to those in need.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness of black dog cruelty</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The day serves as a platform to raise awareness of the rampant abuse and neglect of black dogs in shelters. By understanding why these animals are overlooked, we can take steps to ensure that all shelter dogs receive the love and attention they deserve.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages people to adopt black dogs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Black Dog Day urges people to consider adopting one of these beautiful animals rather than shopping for a pedigree pup at a pet store. While there is nothing wrong with shopping for purebreds, it is important to also recognize the need for homes for shelter animals who may not get the same attention as their more expensive peers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes positive energy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Adopting a pet from a shelter can bring so much joy, happiness, and positive energy into your life! Not only will you be providing a loving home for a deserving animal, but you’ll also become part of an amazing community of advocates who are devoted to helping animals in need.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Black Dogs are not actually a specific breed</h3><p class='facts-content'>Black Dog is not a breed specification but refers to any dog with a predominantly black coat. This could include breeds from Labradors and Rottweilers to Poodles and Scottish Terriers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Back Dog Syndrome is misunderstood</h3><p class='facts-content'>The existence of Black Dog Syndrome, where black dogs in shelters are adopted less frequently than lighter-colored ones, is disputed. Despite this, the narrative persists and brings attention to their plight.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Folklore and superstitions surround black dogs</h3><p class='facts-content'>Black dogs appear in numerous folklore tales and superstitions globally. To some, they bring bad luck, while others revere them for their nobility and courage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Genetics come into play for black coated dogs</h3><p class='facts-content'>The color of a dog's coat, including the deep black hue, is determined by two pigments: eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red or yellow). A dog's genetic code determines how these pigments are distributed.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some black dogs change color with age</h3><p class='facts-content'>Just like humans, some breeds of black dogs can turn 'gray' or 'white' with age due to a decrease in melanin.</p></div></div>
National Black Dog Day is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, National Black Dog Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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