Every year since 2009, Petfinder.com has celebrated Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week to help senior dogs, FIV+ cats, and other often-overlooked pets find their fur-ever homes. The annual event takes place during the third week of September. This year’s Less Adoptable Pet Week is September 16 — 22, 2019.
Handsome Hatchi came to All 4 Paws in Pawleys Island, South Carolina about six months ago. He has big, soulful brown eyes, loves long walks on the beach, and has never met a human he didn’t like.
So why is sweet Hatchi still languishing in the shelter system? Unfortunately, he has three strikes against him. All of them are traits proven to damage a dog’s chances of adoption.
Hatchi is:
- Big
- Black
- A Senior
Why Are Big Dogs Less Adoptable?
The smaller the dog, the more likely they are to be adopted. Many people assume that smaller dogs are calmer, more affectionate, and require less maintenance than their larger cousins. Any veterinarian, groomer, or pet sitter can tell you, small does not always mean easy to handle!
Hatchi (a Lab/Great Dane mix) certainly takes up more physical space than a Chihuahua, but his size has nothing to do with his temperament. He is gentle, eager to please, and knows basic obedience commands.
BONUS: Big dogs like Hatchi have fewer places to hide when it’s time to go to the vet!
Why Are Black Dogs Less Adoptable?
According to research conducted by PetFinder.com, dogs with black coats take nearly four times as long to get adopted than their lighter-colored shelter mates.
“What we’ve learned is that large black dogs, and also black cats, tend to be the last ones to get adopted from shelters,” says Kim Saunders, head of shelter outreach for Petfinder. “As a result, there are more of them in shelters and they are euthanized more because of the lack of space.”
It’s known as “black dog syndrome,” and it may be based on the assumption that black dogs are harder to photograph. Adopters believe they won’t show up as well in pictures, and choose a lighter-colored pooch instead.
But as Hatchi proves, black dogs can be supermodels, too. Just look at those long legs!
Why Are Senior Dogs Less Adoptable?
It is heartbreaking when our beloved pets pass away, so it is no wonder many adopters avoid senior dogs. However, there’s no telling how many years a healthy pooch like Hatchi may have left. Even if he only has a few, wouldn’t it be rewarding to make those final years special?
Hatchi may be older (All 4 Paws thinks he’s eight or nine), but he has enough energy to keep up with pups half his age. He also has the wisdom to know when it’s time to chill out!
Hatchi Is So Much More Than Just A Big, Black Senior Dog
Like all dogs, Hatchi is more than just a collection of stereotypes. He is currently thriving in an active foster home while he awaits his forever family.
He even has a similarly-sized foster sister – here they are walking on the beach!
No dog is perfect, the key is to find the dog that’s perfect for you!
To learn more about Hatchi, visit his PetFinder adoption page. If you’d like to inquire about adopting him, contact All 4 Paws by email at adopt@a4psc.org.
Even if Hatchi isn’t the pooch for you, you can help him find his perfect people by sharing this post!
Toledo, United States.
