PHOENIX -- Hoping to prove that Halloween black-cat superstitions is nothing but outdated folklore, the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA (AAWL/SPCA) is hosting a Halloween myth-buster weekend adoption event at their Pet Match Adoption Center™ located at 40th Street & Washington in Phoenix.
Many animal shelters put a hold on black cat adoptions before Halloween for fear they'll be abused, but AAWL/SPCA doesn’t think it's necessary for the under-adopted animals. Also, in a recent article, the ASPCA hasn’t seen any evidence that indicates that black cats are at greater risk during Halloween.
"It seems highly unlikely that a person with bad intentions will go into a shelter, pay as much as a $50 adoption fee and sit through a thorough adoption counseling session," says AAWL/SPCA’s Operations Director, Shannon Blizzard. “However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on pets during this particular holiday so that they don’t get eat the wrong things or get out of the house . We currently have 10 black, 16 black and white and 3 orange cats up for adoption, all of whom are current on vaccines, have been spayed/neutered and microchipped. The first “Lucky 13” people adopting a cat (of any color) during this weekend event will receive a $10 Petsmart gift card along with the usual adoption package.”
Black dogs and cats typically are adopted less than pets of other colors, which Blizzard says may be because they don't stand out as much in the kennel or because their features aren't as clear in photos.
Of course, black cats also carry the weight of centuries-old superstitions on their backs. It’s said if one crosses your path you'll have bad luck, and they were believed to be the devilish companions of witches in American and European lore. Still, other cultures consider encountering a black cat good luck, particularly if it comes into your home. AAWL/SPCA tends to agree with the latter and is encouraging citizens to come in and adopt a wonderful pet under their adoption special. The Pet Match Adoption Center™ is open Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm and is located at 30 N. 40th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85034.
About Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA
AAWL/SPCA was founded in 1971, and is Arizona’s oldest and largest “no-kill” shelter. The shelter has found homes for over 2,000 animals so far in 2009. They provide adoption, resource and education programs that improved the quality of life for dogs and cats and offer support for pet guardians. AAWL is a private, non-profit shelter with their own Board of Directors. No federal or state funding is received and all revenue is from private donations, Thrift Store revenue and fundraising efforts. Their mission is to provide excellent care, protection and loving compassion for the life of the animals entrusted to us and to take a leadership role in promoting humane values for the benefit of all animals and people. To learn more about how AAWL is working hard to find lifelong, loving homes for every abandoned pet, visit their website at www.AAWL.org .
