Second Chance: Lucky Black Kitties

Juniper

So what is the deal with Halloween and black cats? Do you people still think we are the vessels of evil witchcraft or minions of the devil? Seriously? People, this is the 21st century. Can we please get over those superstitions already?  True, black cats have endured a major role for centuries in folklore and mythology, but continuing to perpetuate this mumbo jumbo isn’t helping our cause – to love and be loved. In the immortal words of Groucho Marx, “A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.”

In reality (or lack thereof) there are nearly as many superstitions about black cats as harbingers of bad luck as there are about us bringing good fortune. For example, in Japan black cats are seen as lucky. In Britain, we are often given in token form to brides for good luck, while Scots believe a strange black cat’s arrival to a home signifies prosperity. And, to further illustrate how random and nonsensical these “theories” are, among different cultures around the globe other colors and coat patterns are seen as lucky – or not – as well.

Don’t you people remember the trouble the demonizing of black cats got you during the Middle Ages?  Yeah, that’s right, a massive epidemic of the bubonic plague. The plague came to be labelled the “Black Death” because the hysterical efforts to kill all the “evil” black cats is what led to the explosion of plague-carrying rat population.

As a homeless black cat I must demand that all this silliness ends now. It makes you all look a little dim and it doesn’t help my chances of getting adopted. Consciously or unconsciously because of this delusional thinking black cats tend to be overlooked by adopters at shelters and typically spend more time waiting for adoption than our feline shelter-mates of other hues and patterns.

And what is this about advising shelters not to adopt black cats out on Halloween because there is a chance they will fall victim to cult ritual torture, even death?  Poppycock!  There is no evidence whatsoever to support this urban legend which has become one more challenge black cats at the shelter have to endure in their attempts to find the loving home they too deserve.

(That said, it is a good idea to keep any cat safely indoors Halloween night regardless of coat color because of all the sugar crazed kids running about everywhere.)

Because I am so passionate about finding a home I have talked the shelter “powers-that-be” into offering discounted adoption fees (½ price or two-fers on littermates!) on all black cats starting October 28 through the entire month of November. So come on in and get yer lucky kitty today!

P.S. Ask for me by name – Juniper.  I am a young kitten rescued by Second Chance with my two siblings.  As you may have noticed, just like any feline I tell it like it is, but I am mostly just playful, fun-loving and snuggly. Superstitions aside, I can assure you the day you adopt me will be your lucky day…

Chancey

Hey hold on there Juniper, there isn’t any chitchat about black dogs being bad luck but we  tend to be overlooked at shelters too.  My name is Chancy and I have been waiting for my new home all summer at Second Chance, while all the other dogs have come and gone.

I am an adult, housetrained, very loving and loyal, love to fetch and play, but I am quite mellow after I get a little exercise. In fact I am so awesome and so ready to get my new home, I think my adoption fee should be reduced too.

Hey reader, please call the shelter and ask about me too please!

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online:www.adoptmountainpets.org.