I saw in the paper the other day that black dogs are the last to be
adopted into caring homes. I can't and won't speculate on that, but it
mystifies me, as I've been "lucky" to have a black cat for nine years,
and I took in a stray black Lab-mix early in May who is perhaps 9-10
months old now.

He looks like a two-thirds-sized Lab with ears like Ross Perot or the Flying Nun's Hat. I named him Trotter because at 10 pounds, his gait was more like a horse than a dog. He's lovable, faithful, intelligent, sweet, playful, and stout as can be (we wrestle, and I don't have to worry about hurting him).

He mourns and protests when I leave for 45 minutes, and when I drive up the hill, he knows the sound of the ancient Oldsmobile's engine, and gallops (Trots) from the front porch to the back fence gate. He makes me feel five years younger.

Yeah, sometimes he stinks (my fault), and he has a habit of grooming himself, almost on cue, when I sit down to eat. But I'd love him if he was purple.

My aging black cat and Trotter are, to me, as pure as the blackness of the void, and highlighted by a million silvery spots, like stars in our part of the galaxy. I wouldn't trade either of them for some fancy thoroughbred "froofy" anything, or a big studdly protector. My mixed-breeds are my kids, family, and they are spoiled rotten, even when I economize for myself.

So go to McKamey and adopt a black critter. Remember to consider the bigger, homely ones, as they're less likely to be saved, but will love you forever.

John R. Smickle
Chattanooga
jsbottomfeeder@juno.com

* * *

Mr. Smickle,
In response to your article, and especially your last five words, I could not agree with you more. Within the past year or so, I have taken in a German shepherd and a pit bull, both as strays. The shepherd was about a year old when he showed up (took him to the vet, and he put his age at around one year based on his teeth), and the pit bull was around three months.

I have grown up with dogs literally my entire life, however, these two dogs are the only ones I have taken in as strays, and I haven't regretted my decision to do so a single time. If treated right, all dogs will love you, but there is something noticeably different about dogs that have been rescued. When King (the German shepherd) showed up, he was grossly malnourished and dehydrated. My niece was visiting at the time, and she threw him a ball and he ran after it for a few feet before collapsing. I gave him some food and water (which he hungrily devoured) and he never left the front porch for the next couple of days. I knew then that he was my dog.

Now, he is the most loyal dog I have ever seen or known. As soon as I get home from class every day, I let him in the house and he makes a B-line for my bed every single time. As soon as I pick up my car keys, he goes straight to the door and lays down, waiting with a smile on his face for me to open the door for him (he absolutely loves car rides).

Smokey (the pit bull) is equally as lovable. I've taught her to give me a "high five" and a kiss (She will lick me to death on command). She has also befriended the cat (Rocky), as the two of them play with each other all the time, with Rocky taking swipes at Smokey while she tries to dodge them and counter-attack by licking Rocky to death, and neither of them have ever been hurt by the other. It is unbelievably entertaining to watch a pit bull and a cat play together (many people have a hard time believing this, so if anyone is interested, email me if you would like to see a video of the two playing together).

While King is the most loyal dog I have ever seen, Smokey is equally as sweet. She never bites, and loves to play and snuggle. I have spoiled these dogs from day one, and in return, they have spoiled me with love and affection. Because of the way these two dogs have turned out, I will never again buy a dog from a breeder; I will always get my dogs by adopting them, as these dogs truly are a different "breed."

As Mr. Smickle said, these dogs aren't just dogs, they're part of my family. I encourage people to adopt a dog if the chance presents itself. If you show them love, they'll return the favor 10-fold. There isn't a day go by that King and Smokey fail to show me their appreciation for taking them off the streets and giving them a loving home.

Dallas Cole
Chattanooga
Dallas-Cole@hotmail.com