Isle of Dogs
When you mention the Turks and Caicos Islands to someone the first things that likely come to mind are the white sand beaches or the crystal clear turquoise waters or maybe the rum punch; and nobody would fault you because all three are generally good reasons to visit the TCI.
However, without a doubt, one of the best reasons of all to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands is spending a morning with one of the residents of Potcake Place. Odd name, I know. But, what is a 'Potcake'? 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.
Potcake Place is a 100% no-kill dog rescue shelter located in Salt Mills Plaza on Providenciales just across the street from one the most beautiful beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands and likely one of the most beautiful on the planet; Grace Bay Beach. Founded by British expat Jane Parker-Rauw and run by her and her team of all volunteer workers, Potcake Place is one of the most dedicated rescues I have encountered. I personally don't know of any other Caribbean islands where you can show up on vacation, visit the town center shopping plaza and take a puppy out to the beach with you for the day. Then again, I haven't visited every island in the Caribbean...yet.
Between new litters of puppies being perpetually dropped off at the shelter on what seems like a near-daily basis and the dogs in foster care around the Island, Potcake Place has anywhere between 100-200 dogs in their care at any given time. And they all need to find their forever home.
We had the privilege of working with Jane and her team to shoot photos of some of the adoptable pups on our last trip to TCI and plan to make it a regular part of our future visits to the islands. All the pups are so happy to be out on the beach and so friendly that it was difficult for us not to smuggle them all home in our luggage.
Pups at the Potcake Place are adopted out to visitors of the TCI from all over the world and the shelter helps you through the entire adoption and transport process. For more information, to adopt a Potcake of your own, or to make a donation have a look at www.potcakeplace.com and when you're planning your trip to Turks and Caicos, which after reading this I expect will be sooner than later, make it a point to stop by the Potcake Place and, at the very least, take one of the pups out to the beach for the morning, or for the next 12-15 years or so. Just remember; show up early! ;-)
Sofia
Saylor
Saylor
Shakira
Shakira
Sabrina
Sabrina
