Wear Black in August? You Betcha!

There is nothing more sophisticated, flattering, and downright sexy than black. It doesn’t matter what the temperature is outside, or inside for that matter – black is always a great choice.

Black goes with everything, brings out the best in anything. Black is sleek and stylish, never out of fashion. It can be formal, it can be casual. The “little black dress” is no accident. Black Tie is intentional. And when it’s black fur you’re talking about, you can add in mystery, intrigue...even a touch of magic. The allure, the sheen, the glow of light dancing off demure black fur is a sight to behold.

Why then, when we so adore the look of black, do so many people shun black cats? Citing ancient myths of yore, fear of witchcraft lore, claiming they are boring compared to those with color – all such silly notions in this day and age. Yet those are the most common reasons people avoid black cats, choosing instead to adopt the fussy calico, the temperamental tortie, the rowdy redhead, even the tame tabby.

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of sharing their life with a black cat knows The Secret. What is it? I can tell you. Black cats rock. This is no hyped sales pitch, although potential adopters often think it is. I consider myself one of the Lucky Ones. My first cat was black. It was completely by accident, but she taught me a valuable lesson; black cats are truly awesome pets.

With a black cat, you find a creature that is not one to toot its own horn. No fancy looks advertising this cat. Quietly, humbly, the black cat is to be appreciated for what it really is, not for its appearance alone. These cats have amazing personalities, funny and warm and loving, without all the fanfare of colors and patterns. Their eyes are that much more mystical, set off by the surrounding ebony. Their movements are that much more dramatic, muscular flexing contrasted by the light. And they offer the most of what people are really looking for in a cat, true companionship.

Yet the black cat faces adversity, whether on the street, in the shelter, or needing a home. Black cats are abused, tortured, “sacrificed” in archaic rituals; they are among the first in line to be euthanized in high-kill shelters; they are last to be chosen by rescue groups and adopters alike.

It’s time to dispel the myths, break the discriminatory attitudes.

Almost Home Foundation, our favorite pet rescue organization, not only salutes black cats, they open their arms, foster homes and resources to them. AHF does not shy away from accepting black cats in need of a home, even though it takes much longer on average for a black cat to be adopted. They take on the challenge, because they know what I know – The Secret. And the month of August they dedicate to these special creatures.

Throughout August, special attention will be placed on the black cat. The spotlight will shine on that luxurious fur, and the word will be spread about how wonderful a black cat really is. If you’ve never had the opportunity to know a black cat, now is the time. Adopt a black cat. If you can’t adopt, foster one.

Join us in celebrating the beauty and charm of the black cat this month. Yes, it’s still summer, but black is back. For good. And for the better.

p.s. – Did you see? Our own fosters, Candy and Gumdrop, are in the video! Hollywood, here they come!!

Fab Feline Friday: Harmony

From Harmony's foster mom -

Harmony is a little girl with a purrfectly- fitting name. She is truly a sweetheart, gentle and easygoing. She loves to be with people, and loves other cats as well, too. Life is beautiful with a little Harmony.

Her life as we know it started out pretty bleak; she was found literally covered in ticks. She was ill, with upper-respiratory disease, eyes so badly infected, they were gooed-shut. She was weak and underweight. But she was lucky – and she knew where to find help.

Harmony showed up on the porch of some adoption volunteers, who naturally scooped her up (once they could win her “cat and mouse” game) and whisked her off for medical help. She recovered completely, gained plenty of weight (but not too much!), and has enjoyed her foster home filled with other kitties hoping for forever homes.

All who meet Harmony fall in love with her! She is strikingly beautiful; her colors are not just those of any tortoiseshell, but truly gorgeous markings. Her sweet nature is the only thing now that oozes from those formerly infected eyes. One look into her eyes, and you’re a goner.

Harmony is healthy, happy and wholesome – and just waiting for her forever home. If you’re interested, please be sure to ask for her! She is waiting for her forever home at Almost Home Foundation

You can find Harmony at Harmony - Petfinder.com

Do the Doo

Sometimes I feel like
A clump of dog-doo
Laying on the sidewalk
That only gets stepped on
And is considered
Nothing but a
Nuisance.

A little ditty I wrote way back in high school, this simple poem expressed my feelings of an awkward youthful age. It also expresses what is universally deemed a problem – dog poop in residential areas. Quite shockingly to many, some apartment complexes in the Northeast have decided to take a new approach to the age-old problem. They’re employing a bit of scientific sleuthing to scout down the perpetrators of this nuisance.

Debbie Violette
Photo credits: AP

And no, they’re not after dogs that go poop. Though what they are after, are the dog’s humans who neglect to clean up after their pooches. It is basic common courtesy, albeit difficult to enforce; if your dog drops a load on common or private property, you immediately scoop it up and dispose of it properly. But not everyone adheres to this policy, and the trail they leave can be annoying to anyone, especially those who don’t have dogs themselves.

Apartment complexes in NH have now begun using DNA testing to sort out those who are not being so nice to their neighbors. With these tests so easily available and affordable, it seems a logical solution. When Debbie Violette, apartment complex manager of the Timberwood Commons in Lebanon, NH, requested DNA tests of all resident dogs, surprisingly, she was not met with resistance. She stated that so far, at least, people have been positive about accommodating this new detail.

Granted, it’s a new idea, and as with all new things only time will tell if it is a successful solution to an age-old problem. Some people view this as too intrusive, restrictive, or forced. But hey – if you’re not guilty of leaving your dog’s droppings around for others to deal with, why would you worry? I say, do the test, prove your innocence.

At a time when so many are punished for the wrongdoings of a few, here’s a chance to single out the bad apples. Dog owners everywhere should be for this idea. Why should the good, respectful ones take the suspicious hesitation - if not outright grief - that should be reserved for the few who aren't?

I think McGruff would love this idea of taking a bite out of crime!

source: The Associated Press