Meet Gator

Last Sunday while I was walking my dog she pointed out a cat hiding under a car (hounds are really good at that sort of thing) I ignored it since we have a lot of ferals that we feed and we went on our way... half way through our walk my dog kept whining and looking back.. the cat was literally following us. When I stopped, he stopped. I knew he wouldn't come closer, because he hissed at my dog when she tried to approach him. I put her inside and he was there waiting for me. The cat seemed friendly enough, so I took him to the emergency vet (his abdomen was swollen plus the shelter was closed). They took him back and explained that he would be at the animal shelter by Tuesday..

By Tuesday I had found a rescue group to take him in (as most black cats stay in shelters too long past their adoption period resulting in euthanasia). He stayed for the mandatory holding period in case someone was looking for him and came home with me tonight and will be going to his new rescue home tomorrow!

I decided to name him Gator due to a few things.. I'm a University of Florida student, to start.. But mainly because the emergency vet pulled a BB out of his hide. Apparently someone shot him in his abdomen almost under where his hip is with a BB gun. He has a perfectly round hole, that goes just as deep as the skin and stops. A very tough kitty cat, he still trusts people and is healing up nicely..

Wow, thank you for rescuing this kitty, and great job on finding him a place to go!

He is absolutely gorgeous!

Wow, look at that foofy tail!

Yes, black or black/white cats are some of the most commonly euthanized cats at almost any kill shelter. We're overrun with them right now, to the point that some very nice cats are going to have to be put down soon.

Gator is getting all his medical treatment for his wound at Pet Pal Animal Rescue and then going up for adoption!! He should be adopted quickly through them, at Petsmart during the exchange of paperwork (and Pet Pictures with Santa day) three people wanted to take him home!

Woot! Good on you for helping this gorgeous boy!

He's gorgeous! Sadly, black dogs suffer the same fate as black cats. He has some eye-catching qualities with that lovely fur, so that will help him out. I hope they keep him as an indoor only cat. We had a black cat for 18 years. He had one white whisker.

That's a wonderful thing you did.

Newt

Awwww, what a beautiful boy he is! Thank you for being his angel!

Great-looking cat!

Originally Posted by Newt

He's gorgeous! Sadly, black dogs suffer the same fate as black cats. He has some eye-catching qualities with that lovely fur, so that will help him out. I hope they keep him as an indoor only cat. We had a black cat for 18 years. He had one white whisker.

That's a wonderful thing you did.

Newt

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I know we have several black dogs(mostly Labradors) in the rescue group I volunteer for that have been in foster/kennel situations for the past 5+ years. They are "too big" or "too old" and "a boring color".. Chocolate Lab/Pit mix- adopted within 48 hours.. Three Black Labs- one adopted within a year, two still sitting in kennels.. Five Pit Bull/Bulldog dogs- One adopted within three years.. four living at our founders house from the past 9 years.. two died of old age, two still living out their days in the kennels and dog runs.

Originally Posted by ChinaDoll

I know we have several black dogs(mostly Labradors) in the rescue group I volunteer for that have been in foster/kennel situations for the past 5+ years. They are "too big" or "too old" and "a boring color".. Chocolate Lab/Pit mix- adopted within 48 hours.. Three Black Labs- one adopted within a year, two still sitting in kennels.. Five Pit Bull/Bulldog dogs- One adopted within three years.. four living at our founders house from the past 9 years.. two died of old age, two still living out their days in the kennels and dog runs.

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China Doll,

This really hurts my heart to read this, but it's so true. Here's a site that might help your rescue to increase adoptions. Look on the left and click on 'Increase Your Adoptions'. Also under 'Build an Effective Website' look at 'Adding Social Media'. I know that putting these pets on Facebook and making YouTube videos has been helpful.
http://www.animalsheltertips.com/grants.html

These two sites, by the same folks, address how to photograph animals for adoption and how to photograph black coated pets.
http://www.broandtracy.org/phototips/index.shtml
http://www.blackpearldogs.com/photographing.html

I hope that helps!
Newt

OMG!!! Look at that tail!!!!!!!! Thanks to you and your doggy for saving Gator!! He is a sweet looking little thing
I LOVE black cats and have had quite a few in my life. Why are they so commonly PTS? Is it a superstition type of thing?

Originally Posted by Bellaandme

I LOVE black cats and have had quite a few in my life. Why are they so commonly PTS? Is it a superstition type of thing?

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There is something called 'Black Dog and Black Cat Syndrome'. You can read about it here or google it.
http://www.blackpearldogs.com/

Newt