Have you ever been on a warm beach and thought to yourself, “I wish I was surrounded by puppies?” Well, it’s no longer a dream. Potcake Place is a dog rescue based in the beautiful island of Turks & Caicos. Since 2005, they have been trying to help the local Potcake population on the island where the dogs often live with no shelter and illness. Volunteers help care for the dogs, vets treat the dogs as well as spay and neuter, but you can come on down and help socialize them! And if you’re so inclined, you can work with Potcake Place to bring home a pup for yourself!
Potcakes are mutts native to the Caribbean, generally a mix of German Shepards, English Fox Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers. As the shelter describes, “Potcake is the name given to the dogs of the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands. It came about because the locals fed the caked remains of the cooking pot to the dogs. As generations have passed, Potcakes have evolved into a breed which is extremely smart, loyal and loving.”
There is no official shelter on Turks & Caicos, so the unpaid volunteers at Potcake Place are solely responsible for the well-being of dogs on the island. There are typically 50-70 dogs in their care, but they say they can have up to 100 puppies in foster care around the island at any given time. Each year they help around 500 (!!) Potcakes find homes! To adopt, you have to fill out an application, be over 25, and all household members much be in agreement about bringing a dog into the house.
Are you visiting Turks & Caicos, but can’t adopt a pup for yourself? You can also help Potcake Place by flying a pup to their new homes. Shelter volunteers will meet you at the airport with the pup, and the new owner greets you once you touch down at your destination.
In the meantime, I’ll be dreaming of frolicking on a beach with some puppers. Planning your next vacation? Send this link to your friends and family to make sure to put Potcake Place on your itinerary!
Feature image by Puppy Toob
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