What is a Potcake?

While doing research for a future blog post, I was very surprised to find that the island of St. Lucia has a pet rescue organization.

In my many trips to the Caribbean it was my impression that while pets are widely tolerated, they are not given much value. For instance, it is not at all unusual to see dogs and cats in restaurants, bars and stores, but most run freely without leash or collar.
But as I looked a little harder, I found the not only does St. Lucia have an animal rescue organization, so does every major and some smaller islands in the Caribbean. In the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas, stray dogs are called potcakes, because there was a time when their main food was the caked-on food at the bottom of a rice or grits pot.

The Humane Society International has a page listing the animal rescue organizations of the Caribbean. There is also an organization called The Greater Good, that helps shelters with donations of free food. When you go to the page about animals, you can click on a link that will spur greater donations.

And don’t forget, any time you purchase a product from Dogcheapsleeps.com, we will donate $10 to the non profit animal welfare organization you designate.
I borrowed this from The Potcake Foundation’s website:

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

2. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

3. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments; but I have only YOU.

4. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

5. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

6. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to.

7. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

8. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.

9. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

10. Let my last memory be of your kind face, gentle voice and of your loving arms holding me.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God’s critters. We do not have to wait for Heaven to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and it has four legs!

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face or a kitty in your lap purring or the soft nicker of a horse as you enter the barn.