[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hat is a potcake? By definition they are a mixed-breed dog type from the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas. The name comes from the congealed rice and pea mixture that local residents traditionally fed dogs. Although appearance varies, potcakes generally have smooth coats, cocked ears, and long faces. If you have travelled through the Bahamas or the Caribbean, you have probably encountered at least one of these dogs. They come in all different colors and sizes and you might have also seen a “Pitcake,” a potcake with some pit bull in it.
Looking to adopt an island dog? There are some great organizations with lots of doggies looking for their FUR ever homes! Puppies, dogs, kittens and cats are readily available and getting the animals to the United States, especially Florida, is fairly easy. If the animal has a home lined up the organizations, through the kindness of pilots and small charter companies, will sort the transportation from the island to the US. Paperwork is also fairly easy. In most cases it just requires vaccinations and documentation (health certificates) and again the organizations can assist with this.
These organizations are always looking for supplies as well, as most run on a very meager budget. They also coordinate vet visits, especially on the out islands, where there are no permanent vet clinics. Approximately four times a year, Dr. Grant from Palmdale Veterinary Hospital in Nassau comes to visit Bimini. The focus of the trips is to spay and neuter in order to keep the dog and cat populations down, but Dr. Grant also administers vaccinations and does checkups. He is always assisted by a local team of volunteers and visits both the north and south islands. The local hotels donate rooms and Island Paws helps fund surgeries and treatment for those who cannot afford it or for strays. It takes an island, and this is really seen as the community comes together to help the animals.
If you are looking to donate or to adopt, these are all great organizations to check out and support.
- Island Paws (Florida- assists dogs & cats in Bimini)
- Grand Bahamas Humane Society
- Bahamas Humane Society (Nassau)
- Abaco Shelter
