For Love of Black Cats (and Dogs)

My Dearest Sweet Friends,
Above, you can see our Dearest Violetta, holding her Dear Purr-Muffin, who answers to "Dapple" most of the time (as in "dappled sunlight). Dapple is here to tell you something. Even though he is black like the night, he is just like any other kitty cat. He loves ear scratchings, cat crunchies and taking a nap in that spot of sunshine on your bed. If he runs across your path, it is just because he is checking if it is time for more crunchies (and he knows that anytime is a good time to have your ears scratched!)

This collage started out as my contribution to one of the collage challenges whose subject this week was "black cats". I wanted to post it there, but decided to only post it here because they are having some fun with the superstitions that still follow black cats like Dapple around and I would prefer to stand on my soapbox in The Tearoom and not dampen anyone's fun.

Have you ever heard of Black Dog/Black Cat Syndrome? I was not aware until a couple of years ago that animal shelters have problems finding forever homes for black dogs and black cats. In addition, some shelters have made it a policy not to let anyone adopt black cats anytime in the month of October, due to abuse and neglect.

Dear Love Muffins like Dapple are just like any other cat and we are so happy he is a family member here at The Tearoom.

My Dear Mr. V and myself have not adopted a Baby of Fur of our very own yet, but someday, when our lives are settled, we will. When we do, we will definitely be looking at Sweet Ones of ALL colors. If you are considering adopting a pet from a shelter, please don't overlook black cats and black dogs.

Thank you to Karen of The Graphics Fairy and Marsha of Tumblefish Studios for the components of this collage.