Coastal Covet – A Bahamian Potcake

Potcake (Pot·cake) –  The story goes that the burnt rice ‘cake’ at the bottom of the pot was usually thrown out in the yard for the dogs. Hence the dogs took on the name of their diet.

This is LeRoy Brown, a Bahamian ‘Potcake’ pictured alongside owner, musician and occasional Eleuthera resident, Lenny Kravitz. Naturally LeRoy has been selected as the unofficial “spokesdog” for all Potcakes – having graced the September 2011 cover of Delta Sky Magazine, how can he not be? Unbeknownst to me, while LeRoy may not have once suffered as a stray before rubbing paws with the likes of U2, his fellow Potcakes – many born to the streets – are unfortunately increasing at a rate that can not be ignored.

In the past two weeks Operation Potcake – a ten day island-wide spay and neuter campaign – worked around the clock to stagger these numbers. In partnership with the NGO Animal Balance and led by an expert team of volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technicians and nurses from seven countries the campaign began, marking the launch of a five-year humane animal management plan for the islands;  one which has been carried out on islands around the world, including the Galapagos Islands, Samoan Islands and Dominican Republic. Using military M*A*S*H* field hospital tactics five animal clinics were set-up in the most economically challenged areas, home to the highest number of street dogs. In all 2315 dogs were spay and neutered, surpassing an impressive goal of 2,000. Along with the remarkable volunteers of Operation Potcake, Animal Balance, and LeRoy we ask you to donate or adopt – a Bahamian Potcake could be considered the best souvenir after all.

For more information about Operation Potcake, visit here.

P.S. Not located in the islands?  While most airlines forbid pets to fly in the summer months, and some even ban certain ‘snub nosed’ dogs from flying entirely, Saga Boy Air Charter offers comfortable air conditioned cabin pressure in which you and your cage free pet can fly. That’s why Saga Boy Air Charter is the first choice for owners and pets island hopping throughout The Bahamas.

Photo Credit: Aaron Warkov for Delta Sky Magazine