October 1st is National Black Dog Day.
It's a special day devoted to highlighting the plight
of black dogs in shelters around the country.
Around our place, EVERY day is black dog day
but to put a special note on it since
black dogs are notoriously difficult to re-home,
a warm hearted backward glance might be in order ...
an ode to some lovely mugs & the humans they owned.
an ode to some lovely mugs & the humans they owned.
~ archive photo, photographer unknown ~
~ Mary Miles Minter, 1917 ~
~ from George Eastman House ~
~ Queen Victoria, by W. and D. Downey, Getty Images ~
~ cabinet card from Germany, c. 1915 ~
~ Jet ~
[ 7/21/42 - 10/18/49 ]
Jet was an Alsatian who assisted in the rescue of 150 people
trapped under blitzed buildings. Born in Liverpool, he served with the
Civil Defence Services of London and was awarded the Dickin Medal
and the RSPCA's Medallion of Valor for his rescue efforts.
He trained at the War Dogs School in Gloucester at 9 months in anti-sabotage
work and relocated to London. Cpl. Wardle and Jet were the first handler and dog
to be used in an official capacity in Civil Defence rescue duties.
~ archive photo, Harris-Ewing ~
~ vintage photo, photographer unknown ~
~ Duchess of Fife with daughters, c. 1908 ~
~ Edwardian lady with her dog, French postcard ~
~ girl & her dog, Stockholm, Sweden, by Wilhelm Lundberg, c. 1865 ~
~ Helen Keller, archive photo ~
Whenever it is possible, my dog accompanies me on a walk or ride or sail.
I have had many dog friends - huge mastiffs, soft-eyed spaniels,
wood-wise setters, and honest, homely bull terriers.
At present the lord of my affections is one of these bull terriers. He has
a long pedigree, a crooked tail and the drollest "phiz" in dogdom.
My dog friends seem to understand my limitations, and always
keep close beside me when I am alone. I love their affectionate ways
and the eloquent wag of their tails.
~ Helen Keller
~ Malvina Longfellow by Bassano, 1918
:::
~ our black dog, Quinn ~
... grateful you came home with us, girlie.
You may be a handful
and a training challenge, to say the least,
but you're all heart and smart as a whip.
It's only your fears holding you back ...
same as with the rest of us.
:::
Can't adopt a black dog today?
That's ok ... it can be a big decision.
Here's something easy:
