Black Dogs Often Overlooked

Animal overpopulation remains a problem in the Tennessee Valley.

The Humane Educational Society receives more than 1,000 cats and dogs each month and many of those dogs have a difficult time finding a home. The main reason is their color and appearance.

About 700 animals call the Humane Educational Society home. But some of the dogs don't get a second glance.

Holly Baker, "Black dogs are more difficult to adopt because they blend in with the background. All of the other dogs that are brindle or spotted, they catch people's eye."

Holly Baker says most people come in looking for a specific type of dog. The shelter takes in hundreds of animals each month.pet adoptions

Baker notes, "The more animals we get in the more variety we have, therefore people are looking for the unusual and black dogs to most people, especially larger ones, seem average."
Still, employees are optimistic because starting July 1st, they'll take in fewer animals.

Director Guy Bilyeu says, "Every month we've been getting 1500 animals, that won't happen anymore, the city of Chattanooga has built their own shelter, so now we'll be getting in 300 animals, we can adopt out 300 animals."

Bilyeu says easing that load will lead to other changes as well.Pet adoptions

Bilyeu adds, "We're not going to euthanize animals starting July 1. We're also going to have reduced or free adoption for the first week of July. It's called our Clear the Kennel party and we're just asking the public to donate or adopt. If you're a senior you can get a free adoption, you can get a discounted adoption, we're going to cap it at $35."

The shelter is also replacing fencing with bright glass blocks. They hope the new environment will help the dogs stand out and make it easier to find them permanent homes.

To learn more about pet adoptions or if you want to volunteer at the Humane Educational Society, visit http://www.heschatt.com/