“The love of an animal teaches us patience, kindness, and joy in the simplest moments.”
— Unknown
Pet Myths and Media
...explores rumors, superstitions, stereotypes, and pop-culture portrayals of cats & dogs
Pet Myths and Media Video Library
How Stories, Movies, and Misconceptions Shape the Way We See Cats and Dogs
From Hollywood horror tropes to viral internet legends, our culture is filled with stories that quietly shape how we view certain pets and sometimes those stories do more harm than good. The Pet Myths and Media Video Library explores the rumors, superstitions, stereotypes, and pop-culture portrayals that influence how we treat different cat and dog breeds, how shelters struggle to place misunderstood animals, and why some pets become heroes in our minds while others become unfairly feared.
In each video, we break down the origins of common myths, the true science behind them, and the real-world consequences they create. From the “black dog syndrome” adoption crisis to the spooky stereotypes surrounding black cats, from “dangerous” bully breeds to movie characters that changed public opinion overnight, this library uncovers the truth behind the stories we’ve been told for generations.
This page is your guide to understanding how media shapes our perceptions and how informed pet parents can help rewrite the narrative with compassion, knowledge, and advocacy.
Explore the videos, challenge what you thought you knew, and discover how changing the story can change a pet’s life. Don’t forget to check out our full Pet Myths & Media Playlist on YouTube. New videos drop every week!
How Media Has Forever Changed The Way We See Dogs and Cats
Cat Jump Scares | How Hollywood Weaponized the Household Cat in Horror Movies | Pet Myths & Media
How Cats Became Horror’s Cheapest, Scariest Trick. We take a deep dive into the cinematic origin and power of the “cat jump scare.” From Val Lewton’s 1942 Cat People and the legendary “Lewton Bus” to Alien’s Jonesy and modern slasher misdirection.
This video explains why cats are the perfect jump-scare tool biologically, culturally, and psychologically.
7 Pitbull Breeds and Their History | Are They Victims Or Villains? | Pet Myths & Media
7 Pitbull Breeds and Their History | Are They Victims Or Villains? Say the word ‘Pitbull’ and what comes to mind? Dive into the real history behind “Pitbulls” and the seven distinct breeds and bloodlines that share a violent origin but wildly different modern stories.
This 11-minute deep dive explores the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Old Family Red Nose, Colby line, Razor’s Edge, and Monster G, separating myth from fact for dog owners and adopters.
Why Are Black Dogs Always the Villains? | Lets Discuss Hollywood Bias | Pet Myths & Media
Why are black dogs so often cast as villains in movies—and how does that stereotype hurt real animals? This video explores Hollywood’s black dog trope, its roots in folklore (Black Shuck, Barghest, Church Grim), and the real-world impact known as Black Dog Syndrome on dog adoption and shelter outcomes.
Whether its a Pitt bull, Doberman Pinscher or a Rottweiler, culture has dictated an unconscious bias for these animals in adoption shelters.
Why Are Black Cats Evil or Bad Luck? | 8 Shocking Myths Debunked | Halloween Special
Why Are Black Cats Evil or Bad Luck? Unpack centuries of superstition in our myth-busting deep dive: You Won’t Believe the Truth About Black Cats! (Myth #6 is Wild).
Join us as we debunk 8 common myths about witches’ familiars, bad luck, adoption stigma—and reveal what black cats truly symbolize today: elegance, resilience, guardianship, and everyday companionship.
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Together, we’re building a space where grief is understood, knowledge is shared, and love for our pets is celebrated in all its forms.
Our Patreon isn’t just a support page. It’s a growing sanctuary for pet lovers who believe that understanding, honoring, and advocating for animals makes the world a kinder place. When you join, you become part of a heartfelt mission: helping grieving pet parents heal, celebrating the joy of the pets still by our side, and learning how to better understand them every day.
Inside our community, you’ll unlock a world of meaningful extras created with you and your pets in mind:
Belonging & Connection: Add your name (and your pet’s) to our Founding Member Wall, honor companions who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge on our Pet Memorial Tribute Wall, and take part in polls that shape our next videos and advocacy projects.
Learning & Empowerment: Access exclusive Pet Care Mini Guides, short MythBuster videos that debunk common misconceptions, and Ask the Pack Q&A threads where your questions help guide future content.
Emotional Healing & Creativity: Submit letters to our “Letters to Our Pets” series, download Pet Legacy Journal Pages to celebrate cherished memories, and receive monthly Rainbow Bridge Reflections that nurture healing.
Fun Extras & Surprises: Enjoy digital wallpapers, printable art packs, giveaways, and even opportunities to vote on which animal charities receive community donations.