October 1st was National Black Dog Day. While it's too bad that a day like that is needed, it's good too, of course, that there are people who bring the problem of black dog adoptions to the forefront.
I just learned about it, and even if I'm a little late, I decided to honor my black dog, Faith. Who, being a dog, is completely unaware that the color of your skin or fur, may determine a whole lot of things in your life.
You were tiny but fierce, unafraid but cautious.
I got up, but how do I get down?
Walking with Daddy.
I think I'll take a break now.
Mommy's favorite picture of me and Samson.
My first Christmas.
My first birthday April 2015 with my uncle Lenard.
My second birthday in 2016 with mommy and Samson. Her friend Tom, who built us our doghouse, took the picture.
My third birthday, 2017. Queen of the Castle, well Samson's table anyway.
Before I knew it, I turned four in April this year.
And here she is, my Girl, my Love, my Little Girl Blue, my Faithie Baby, my black dog Faith. I just found out about National Black Dog Day, which reminded me that being adopted while being a black dog is more difficult than being any other color. I had forgotten that, something akin to what people may experience while driving while black, eating while black, napping while black, selling water while black (and young girl), and so on.
During the Los Angeles riots, Rodney King, who was beaten to within an inch of his life by the policemen who had just been acquitted, asked something so simple, yet so profound:
"Why can't we just get along?"
"Why can't we just get along?"
So, Faith, mommy is eating her veggies, hoping to be around for you for as long as possible. Little Girl Blue, I love you.
I think when we travel and go different places that I see LOTS of people getting along well. I wish that made the news! Love your dogs....so much soul in those big eyes!
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful. How wonderful that you have all her birthday pictures! She looks a bit like MadSnapper's new dog! I knew that black cats are hard to adopt, but didn't know about black dogs. So prejudice exists not only in the human world, so sad.
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten Faith puppy pics and these are have me smiling like crazy. I don't think the color is prejudice, it is they think bad luck like black cats, which is just plain dumb to me. also I realized that when we looked for resuces we always wnet straight for the golden browns, all 4 of our dogs were that color. they show up in rescue, stand out. black dogs are hard to see and hard to photograph. you lucked out of yours and we did to....
ReplyDeleteFaith is a beautiful healthy dog and she doesn't care what color she or the other dogs are. They are all beautiful. I agree with you on too bad a day like that is needed.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Birthday Faith. Wow, you are already 4 years old. Where did the time go? Mommy sure is taking good care of you and I'm sure you are taking good care of Mommy.
Hugs, Julia
I don't think it's racially motivated necessarily. But it brought to my mind all those videos that went viral on social media that I referred to above. Having police called on you while being black and just doing normal things. My mind was drifting when I wrote that, I guess.
ReplyDeleteHi Inger - excellent ... lovely photos of each birthday day ... good to know your Mama is eating her veg - actually I can't think of her doing anything else ... lots of veg and fruits, along with a few treats. Faith is lovely to see, although Samson is king of the castle ... it's great they enjoy each other's company so much and give you so much pleasure. Rodney King is wise ... 'why cannot we just get along?' ... take care and enjoy these cooler days in your beautiful canyon ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThose memories in your photos, lovely. So glad you have a beautiful black dog.
ReplyDeleteYour favorite picture of Faith & Samson is my favorite, too!!
ReplyDeleteI ran an animal shelter and it was true black dogs were hard to find homes for. It wasn't racial but just people wanted dogs that were unique. I always tried to encourage getting a black dog. They are easy to find in the snow and they don't show dirt as easily as the lighter colored ones. Fortunately there were some folks that requested a black one. Faith is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteMy granddaughter has an all black dog. I sent her a Happy National Black Dog Day text. I don't want a black dog because my carpet and furniture are all light colored. No other reason.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful post! every single word rings with truth and wisdom and love.
ReplyDeleteand the pictures! you could post them every day of little Faith and Samson and I wouldn't tire of them!!!
there have been two black dogs in my life and they were wonderful. both were rescued labs.
love sometimes measured in pounds! they never realize they might have grown too big to be lap puppies! LOLOL!