Humane Society of NW Louisiana’s Black Dog October Saturday

The Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana (HSNWLA) is hosting its annual fundraiser, Black Dog October, this Saturday, October 18th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ki Mexico. This popular event is a crucial effort to raise vital funds for the shelter, supporting the care, medical treatment, and rehoming of the many animals in their custody.  

Guests can look forward to a fun, family evening featuring food, drinks, music, and a chance to mingle with fellow dog lovers, all for a great cause. 

The Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana operates completely from donations and fund-raisers, receiving no federal or local government funding.  The shelter’s staff is composed entirely of volunteers, and has no paid staff.  

Kady Maranto, one of the staff told KEEL News on Friday, “It averages about $20,000 per month to take care of all of our dogs.” 

Beyond a simple fundraiser, Black Dog October serves a more poignant purpose: drawing attention to the overlooked plight of black-coated dogs. A widely acknowledged issue in the animal welfare community is "Black Dog Syndrome," a phenomenon where black dogs, regardless of breed, age, or temperament, are statistically slower to be adopted from shelters compared to their lighter-colored counterparts. 

Several theories attempt to explain this color bias. Some suggest it's possibly due to outdated superstitions linking black to bad luck or aggression. Others point to practical issues, noting that black dogs are often harder to photograph well in a kennel setting or for online adoption profiles, making them less visible or appealing to potential adopters browsing from home. 

By naming their event Black Dog October, the HSNWLA actively works to combat this syndrome, celebrating the beauty and loving nature of these animals and encouraging the community to look past coat color to find a wonderful companion.

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Attending the event at Ki Mexico this Saturday not only helps HSNWLA meet its funding needs but also promotes awareness for the beautiful black dogs who wait the longest for a loving home.