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I came across an interesting article about potcake dogs the other day and I thought I’d share it with all the pro-adoption dog-lovers…

Potcake dogs are mixed breed dogs from the Bahamas, especially Abaco.
They got their name from pot cakes, the crust that forms at the bottom of a pot of peas and rice, which these dogs were traditionally fed on. These dogs are considered, by most, to have good characters.

Though some humans still see these stray dogs as a pest, many are adopted by dog-lovers who welcome them into their families. Rescued potcake dogs are highly regarded in the Bahamas.

Many of the pot cake dogs have become celebrities. The government is bringing out four postage stamps featuring potcake dogs based on the paintings of Bahamian artist Alton Lowe. The potcake dogs that will be featured on the stamps are Turtle, Oreo, Tripod and Amigo.

Amigo is another homeless dog rescue success story. He received a Good Will award from the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF), which was presented to him by the actor Alec Baldwin. He was also used in rescue operations following hurricane Katrina. He died in September 2007 after battling cancer. I think this is a prime example of what any stray dog can become if he is given a loving home.

In South Africa, we have no shortage of homeless dogs. Many people do take in abandoned pups, but many more still buy dogs. Please consider adopting a dog from a shelter or even from it previous human (owners who move and cannot take their pets with usually try to have their pets adopted privately through classified ads before taking them to a shelter.) There is no excuse for letting animals go on being homeless and abused.


Read more about potcake dogs on Abaco Life
Pictures courtesy of: Jim Kerr

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BUYING FROM A BREEDER

If you buy a dog from a breeder you should also be careful so that you’re not supporting puppy mills. Many registered breeders also advertise their litters in classified ads. Go to the facilities before deciding on buying a puppy.

Follow where possible the same criteria as for buying privately. Here are some tips:

• Are the dogs and the puppies registered with your national kennel association?
• Ask the dealer questions about the breed.
• The dealer should also ask you questions, because if they care where
• the puppies are going to they very likely care about their dogs.
• Look at the living conditions of the animals.
• Are they in proper kennels or in cages?
• Do the dogs seem happy?
• Do they respond to their names? Or do you get the feeling they’re just incubators?
• Do an internet search on the breeder beforehand if you can.
• Trust your instinct. If something appears off leave!

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Questions to ask before you decide to buy a dog.

It’s pretty obvious and logical, but I thought I’d still give you some guidelines.

• Do you really want a dog?
• Can you commit to a dog?
• Does some one in your family have a dog allergy?
• Will you take responsibility for the dog? (Remember if you buy a the dog for your kids you’ll probably end up taking care of it anyway)
• Can you afford dog food, veterinary care, training (if you can’t manage by yourself) and grooming (if you don’t have time for it yourself.)
• Will you have time to exercise the dog? You can pay someone to walk it, tough it’s best to do it yourself, as it is a chance to bond with the dog.
• Will you have time to give the dog attention?
• Do you simply want a guard dog or will you love your dog? Do you have time to house train the dog?
• Do you have permission to get a dog from the corporate body (if you live in a complex)?
• Do you have enough space for a dog?
• Are you willing to live with digging in and damage to you garden? Especially for the first year.
• Will your children (wit you have any) adjust to the dog?
• Have you considered who would look after the dog when you travel?
• Will it be an inside or an outside dog?
• Have you chosen the right breed?

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