But articles at Pet360.com entitled Are Black Cats Really Bad Luck? and Understanding Black Pet Myths note that negative views of black animals have existed for many generations. And data collected from animal shelters indicates that it takes longer for black cats and black dogs to be adopted. Tragically, this can lead to a much greater risk of these animals developing health issues like upper respiratory infections as the length of their stay increases. Even if negative views of black animals are not a factor for a person, he or she may show less interest in these animals because their faces appear less expressive or because it is difficult to get good pictures of black cats and dogs to post on adoption sites.
So have fun with Halloween, but teach your children that black cats and dogs are no more evil than that pumpkin you carved for the front porch! And spend some time with these animals at your local shelter. If you do, you may find a wonderful pet because you gave that black cat or dog the chance to show you their true nature.
