Have you ever heard of a “potcake?” These are dogs (often strays) found in the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and other Caribbean islands. The name comes from a traditional meal of peas and rice; the overcooked rice that would stick to the bottom of the pot would be fed to the dogs. Just like other mixed breed dogs, individual dogs can look pretty different, but most have smooth coats, cocked ears, and long faces. When I spent time doing vet work in the Turks & Caicos, I wrote health certificates at Potcake Rescue. I was told that the general mix of a potcake is German Shepherd, English labrador and some type of terrier.
The two weeks I spent on the island I saw a lot of potcakes on the beach, wandering along the sides of the road, hanging out around restaurants, and lived with two of them. They are really good dogs.
Potcake Rescue has a program where visitors staying at local resorts can take a potcake for a beach walk everyday at 11a. They almost always run out of potcake puppies before they run out of volunteers! Often visitors will end up adopting a potcake to take home (which is why I was filling out health certificates and vaccinating the puppies!) or at least act as a courier to transport them to the US.
If you are interested in learning more about these dogs, check out www.potcakeplace.com or find them on Facebook!
Dr. Scarlett
