The Corgi and the Tall(ish), Dark and Handsome One

Did you know that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?

And that 25% of dogs in U.S. shelters are purebreds?*

And that black dogs (purebreds and mixes) — especially the larger ones — are often the last to be adopted out? It’s true. They call it “Black Dog Syndrome“. The Bark magazine did a piece on it.

It ain’t right, I tell ya.

Just ask Gracie of North Carolina. She had so many “test runs”, so many potential adopters taking her out of her cage, walking her then putting her back inside, she didn’t expect her big break when Anne and John came in looking for her. Specifically for her! They had seen her face on petfinder.com.

What does any of this have to do with you and Corgis? Let’s see …

Corgis are generally social. Even when some of them are bossing other dogs around or keeping dog park parties in check, Corgis like to let other dogs know they are in the presence of a Corgi, thank you very much.

Corgis don’t discriminate. Like any dog, they see size, stance, body movements, facial expressions. The visuals matter, but generally speaking, dogs see dogs (unless — like Jackson Gatsby Stubbington —  they are inexplicably obsessed with St. Bernards. All big dogs, but especially the Saints).

Corgis believe they’re big dogs, regardless of their size. For them, the playing field with other dogs is level by default. Size, schmize!

So this leaves matters in your hands. Are you thinking of adding another dog to your family? Have you considered an ebony-coated, big hearted, maybe big-boned dog from the shelter? Go to The Shelter Pet Project or petfinder.com and have a look. Odds are there will be a few fine looking black dogs in your area. Maybe even a Corgi mix!

If you brought home a black dog, your Corgi would have someone to boss pal around, talk doggerel with, steal share toys with, make mischief with and patrol the neighborhood with. To say nothing of the poker games. (You have seen the classic dogs playing poker painting, yes?) A lucky someone whose love will remind you every day of the choice you made to look a second time, maybe a third, at that dog in the corner without the showy coat. Waiting.

Hoping to catch your eye.

Hoping for one more chance.

Hoping, because that’s what dogs do. Dogs hope, eternally.

I speak of black dogs and adoptable dogs because I am an unrepentant dog lover. There has never been a time when I didn’t love dogs, wasn’t fascinated by them, wanted to greet every single one I see, make a connection. It’s like coming home, being around a dog. 

You know what I mean.

So I have to talk about dogs in shelters. I have to talk about black dogs getting the short end of the stick. I have to. Will I think less of you if you opt for another Corgi? Some lively, sable coated low rider with laughing eyes? No. The heart wants what it wants. Some of us need a Corgi to make us whole. (Don’t I know it). I’m in no position to judge, am I? Corgis are my special love among loves, but they are all loves, these dogs we’ve created and shaped to our own ends. (Even Pugs).

With dogs, we get more than we give. We are so far in their debt without a chance of repayment, but they forgive us. Because by and large, that’s what dogs do.

They stand ready to forgive, and always they hope.

Eternally.