DONATIONS
We provide a donate page on this site for people wondering how to help our dogs and puppies. Those calls are appreciated greatly. Right now we need Jolly Balls for Horses badly. Yes, you read that correctly, Joly Balls for Horses for the dogs and puppies to play with and toss around. We have a large number of ball crazy dogs and puppies right now and the Jolly Ball is one of the favorite toys in rescue. It is excellent for teaching watch me, fetch, return and release, (or in German acktung, voraus, hier, and aus) and to exercise our four-legged angels. There is a great variety of places offering this toy and at varying prices, $14.99 is the best price we have found on the Internet.
GSRFL, our acronym for German Shepherd Rescue of Central Florida has gone to the Royal Bahamian Potcake.
The Royal Bahamian Potcake is very like the German Shepherd Dog in intelligence and temperament with the exception of no hip dysplasia, less shedding, and a longer life span if they can get off the Islands and be adopted into forever loving homes. The Potcake, also sometimes referred to as the "Island Dog", is a mixed-breed dog found on several Caribbean islands. Its name comes from the congealed rice and pea mixture that local residents traditionally fed stray dogs this staple of its diet: the dried "cake" forms at the bottom of pots used for cooking and reheating.
Although Potcakes display a wide variety of characteristics, they generally share certain physical traits due to their isolated gene pools. Each island's gene pool is slightly different, accounting for the variations between islands. The typical Potcake has a smooth, short coat, little or no undercoat, a long snout, and floppy ears. Colors vary widely, including black, white, yellow and brown. They generally have the same temperaments: laid-back, smart, good with children, other dogs and cats. They usually reach 45-55 pounds when full grown, although some of the smaller potcakes only weigh in around 40.
A Potcake is a dog that many should consider bringing home. They are among the smartest "breed" in existence today, as they are free to mate without interference. They are protective without being violent, and very sensitive to the feelings of their "people". They express guilt when they have done something wrong. They are very obedient and when told "no", it is very unlikely they will cross the line drawn for them. If the line is crossed, which will rarely happen more than once for the same infraction, the guilt on their face and body language will give them away long before the crime is discovered.
An example of a Potcake's discipline is as follows: A potcake can be told "no" with a plate of food in front of him, and you can leave that room, forgetting about that plate, and return 15 minutes later to find that it is untouched. On the rare occasion that one piece may be touched, it will be the expression on his face that will tell the story. Many are actually led to believe that the dog is abused for the guilt he expresses on the off occasion that he does something wrong. They are slow starters and may make mistakes before they are told wrong from right and don't come into themselves until about the age of six months, but by the age of two they will be the love of an owner's life and another breed with be out of the question. They rival top breeds such as border collies and labradors as far as intelligence and have a
mastery of language like no other dog.
They are wonderful with children and other pets, such as cats. The cats are safe unless a potcake is put with other dogs. He then acts with the pack and can be a threat to the family cat that consists of barking in the cat's face until he either faints out of fear or runs for his life. He is a bit of a follower but nothing a stern voice can't snap him out of. As he gets older, he becomes more willing to please and there is nothing he can't rival in the dog world. They are an overall exceptional pet. They are also as easy to maintain as a common housecat. They are quiet and will alert their owner of the need to go out and the need to eat. They are happy with no exercise or heavy activity. They have the ability to learn anything one can explain to them and will "jump through hoops" to please their owners and others. They are prone to mange from their mother's womb, but will outgrow the condition by the time they are 18 to 24 months. It is not contagious and if the animal is comfortable enough, it is unnecessary to put them through the discomfort and cost of multiple dips at the vet's office. They are a hearty breed and need little vet care. They will also outlive most other breeds as they are built well overall even though they appear to be a slight dog. They will completely assimilate into any home offered to them and are this author's number one pick for a family dog. If you have never seen a dog actually smile when it is happy, then take the time to meet a Potcake. The expression in their eyebrows and smile is not to be missed. It is a dog that doesn't seem to be much to look at, but people are drawn to within minutes of their introduction. Nobody forgets meeting a Potcake. Their ability to make friends, with both animal and person, is a pleasure to witness.
History
The ancestry of the potcake dog is shared among dogs from both sets of islands, since many residents of Turks and Caicos were originally from nearby islands and took their dogs with them.[2] Three types may have contributed to development: dogs the Arawak brought with them to the Bahamas; terriers protecting supplies from rodents on ships that arrived in Eleuthera, New Providence, and the Abaco
Islands; and dogs from North Carolina that arrived with Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War period.[2] In addition, many breeds were imported in the 20th century which interbred with the local dogs, so making the mix of breeds in the potcake dynamic.[3]
The type's name is derived from the term "potcake", which refers to the congealed rice and pea mixture at the bottom of a cooking pot that Bahamians have traditionally fed to stray dogs.[2] In Nassau alone, there are an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 stray potcakes.[4] In the late 1970s, the Bahamas named the type the "Royal Bahamian Potcake".[4] As of February 2011, the Bahamas Kennel Club lists it separately from the mixed-breed dog within Group 9 – Non-Registered.[5]
Appearance
Although described as having a "shepherd-mix" look,[6] the potcake dog's appearance varies by island. It may resemble a typical pariah dog or have hound, mastiff, spaniel, terrier, or retriever characteristics.[2] The type typically has cocked ears, a long face, and a smooth coat without undercoat, or less commonly, a "shaggy" or rough coat.[2]The most usual body colour is brown, though others occur, including black, white, red, cream, yellow, and particolour.[2]
On average, a potcake dog will stand approximately 24 inches (61 cm) at the withers. Healthy dogs typically weigh from 45 to 50 pounds (20 to 23 kg), while strays may weigh only 25 pounds (11 kg).[2]
Temperament
According to Jane Parker-Rauw, potcake dogs are intelligent, loyal, calm, and hardy.[6][7] However, they tend to wander if not
properly confined or supervised.[2]
Overpopulation and rescue efforts
The amount of stray potcake dogs on the Turks and Caicos Islands has increased, despite spay-and-neuter programs designed to minimize their numbers.[6] Because the territory is dependent on tourism, officials consider the dogs nuisances, and police have shot and
poisoned them. Most strays have a lifespan of three years or less.[6][7] In the Bahamas, misconceptions about spaying and neutering dissuade residents from altering their pets.[8] According to The Bahamas Advocates for Animal Rights group, there are 11,000 unowned dogs in New Providence. Pedestrians have been attacked by stray potcakes, and one percent of tourists said they found the dogs' condition frightening or were "turned off" by it.[9]
Local organisations adopt out stray potcake dogs to alleviate the overpopulation problem. In 2005, Turks and Caicos-based rescue organization Potcake Place became a registered charity. After running out of families to adopt to on Providenciales, volunteers connected with potential adopters through the rescue's website www.potcakeplace.com and Facebook page.[7] Puppies are vaccinated and sent on airlifts free of charge to adopters.[6] Additionally, several large, no-kill United States shelters accept potcake puppies.[7] The Humane Society of Grand Bahama, located in Freeport, ships them to Florida[6]
Notable dogs
A potcake dog named Amigo is the mascot of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama and the BEKIND Campaign, a collaboration with the HSUS to bring greater attention to animal welfare issues.[10][11]He was also an Ambassador of Hope for homeless animals until his death due to cancer in 2007.[11] Amigo has appeared on MSNBC,Fox News, and CNN, and received the Ambassador of Goodwill and Hollywood Life Breakthrough of the Year 2007 awards.[10][12] In 2009, he was one of four potcake dogs honoured in a series of commemorative stamps.[12]
Potcake dogs Daisy and Dusty, born in Providenciales and owned by Andy LoCascio, are trained to locate fish through scent on the water and distant cries of feeding sea birds. They have been featured on television and in magazines, including Northeast
Boating Magazine.[13]
Musician Lenny Kravitz is often accompanied by Leroy Brown, his potcake dog, while in residence on the island of Eleuthera.
Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potcake_dog#Overpopulation_and_rescue_efforts
Potcakes have also made news on television. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38434562/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals
What is most startling to us is the lack of care these beautiful souls all too frequently receive in the Islands. Life in the Islands for dogs and cats for that matter is not the fun, sun-filled tourist experience. In reality, it is a harsh existence where the animals are frequently abused and neglected. Our desire to help this noble breed comes from one on one experience with them. The Potcakes in our rescue all come from Freeport, Grand Bahamas.
Although Potcakes display a wide variety of characteristics, they generally share certain physical traits due to their isolated gene pools. Each island's gene pool is slightly different, accounting for the variations between islands. The typical Potcake has a smooth, short coat, little or no undercoat, a long snout, and floppy ears. Colors vary widely, including black, white, yellow and brown. They generally have the same temperaments: laid-back, smart, good with children, other dogs and cats. They usually reach 45-55 pounds when full grown, although some of the smaller potcakes only weigh in around 40.
A Potcake is a dog that many should consider bringing home. They are among the smartest "breed" in existence today, as they are free to mate without interference. They are protective without being violent, and very sensitive to the feelings of their "people". They express guilt when they have done something wrong. They are very obedient and when told "no", it is very unlikely they will cross the line drawn for them. If the line is crossed, which will rarely happen more than once for the same infraction, the guilt on their face and body language will give them away long before the crime is discovered.
An example of a Potcake's discipline is as follows: A potcake can be told "no" with a plate of food in front of him, and you can leave that room, forgetting about that plate, and return 15 minutes later to find that it is untouched. On the rare occasion that one piece may be touched, it will be the expression on his face that will tell the story. Many are actually led to believe that the dog is abused for the guilt he expresses on the off occasion that he does something wrong. They are slow starters and may make mistakes before they are told wrong from right and don't come into themselves until about the age of six months, but by the age of two they will be the love of an owner's life and another breed with be out of the question. They rival top breeds such as border collies and labradors as far as intelligence and have a
mastery of language like no other dog.
They are wonderful with children and other pets, such as cats. The cats are safe unless a potcake is put with other dogs. He then acts with the pack and can be a threat to the family cat that consists of barking in the cat's face until he either faints out of fear or runs for his life. He is a bit of a follower but nothing a stern voice can't snap him out of. As he gets older, he becomes more willing to please and there is nothing he can't rival in the dog world. They are an overall exceptional pet. They are also as easy to maintain as a common housecat. They are quiet and will alert their owner of the need to go out and the need to eat. They are happy with no exercise or heavy activity. They have the ability to learn anything one can explain to them and will "jump through hoops" to please their owners and others. They are prone to mange from their mother's womb, but will outgrow the condition by the time they are 18 to 24 months. It is not contagious and if the animal is comfortable enough, it is unnecessary to put them through the discomfort and cost of multiple dips at the vet's office. They are a hearty breed and need little vet care. They will also outlive most other breeds as they are built well overall even though they appear to be a slight dog. They will completely assimilate into any home offered to them and are this author's number one pick for a family dog. If you have never seen a dog actually smile when it is happy, then take the time to meet a Potcake. The expression in their eyebrows and smile is not to be missed. It is a dog that doesn't seem to be much to look at, but people are drawn to within minutes of their introduction. Nobody forgets meeting a Potcake. Their ability to make friends, with both animal and person, is a pleasure to witness.
History
The ancestry of the potcake dog is shared among dogs from both sets of islands, since many residents of Turks and Caicos were originally from nearby islands and took their dogs with them.[2] Three types may have contributed to development: dogs the Arawak brought with them to the Bahamas; terriers protecting supplies from rodents on ships that arrived in Eleuthera, New Providence, and the Abaco
Islands; and dogs from North Carolina that arrived with Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War period.[2] In addition, many breeds were imported in the 20th century which interbred with the local dogs, so making the mix of breeds in the potcake dynamic.[3]
The type's name is derived from the term "potcake", which refers to the congealed rice and pea mixture at the bottom of a cooking pot that Bahamians have traditionally fed to stray dogs.[2] In Nassau alone, there are an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 stray potcakes.[4] In the late 1970s, the Bahamas named the type the "Royal Bahamian Potcake".[4] As of February 2011, the Bahamas Kennel Club lists it separately from the mixed-breed dog within Group 9 – Non-Registered.[5]
Appearance
Although described as having a "shepherd-mix" look,[6] the potcake dog's appearance varies by island. It may resemble a typical pariah dog or have hound, mastiff, spaniel, terrier, or retriever characteristics.[2] The type typically has cocked ears, a long face, and a smooth coat without undercoat, or less commonly, a "shaggy" or rough coat.[2]The most usual body colour is brown, though others occur, including black, white, red, cream, yellow, and particolour.[2]
On average, a potcake dog will stand approximately 24 inches (61 cm) at the withers. Healthy dogs typically weigh from 45 to 50 pounds (20 to 23 kg), while strays may weigh only 25 pounds (11 kg).[2]
Temperament
According to Jane Parker-Rauw, potcake dogs are intelligent, loyal, calm, and hardy.[6][7] However, they tend to wander if not
properly confined or supervised.[2]
Overpopulation and rescue efforts
The amount of stray potcake dogs on the Turks and Caicos Islands has increased, despite spay-and-neuter programs designed to minimize their numbers.[6] Because the territory is dependent on tourism, officials consider the dogs nuisances, and police have shot and
poisoned them. Most strays have a lifespan of three years or less.[6][7] In the Bahamas, misconceptions about spaying and neutering dissuade residents from altering their pets.[8] According to The Bahamas Advocates for Animal Rights group, there are 11,000 unowned dogs in New Providence. Pedestrians have been attacked by stray potcakes, and one percent of tourists said they found the dogs' condition frightening or were "turned off" by it.[9]
Local organisations adopt out stray potcake dogs to alleviate the overpopulation problem. In 2005, Turks and Caicos-based rescue organization Potcake Place became a registered charity. After running out of families to adopt to on Providenciales, volunteers connected with potential adopters through the rescue's website www.potcakeplace.com and Facebook page.[7] Puppies are vaccinated and sent on airlifts free of charge to adopters.[6] Additionally, several large, no-kill United States shelters accept potcake puppies.[7] The Humane Society of Grand Bahama, located in Freeport, ships them to Florida[6]
Notable dogs
A potcake dog named Amigo is the mascot of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama and the BEKIND Campaign, a collaboration with the HSUS to bring greater attention to animal welfare issues.[10][11]He was also an Ambassador of Hope for homeless animals until his death due to cancer in 2007.[11] Amigo has appeared on MSNBC,Fox News, and CNN, and received the Ambassador of Goodwill and Hollywood Life Breakthrough of the Year 2007 awards.[10][12] In 2009, he was one of four potcake dogs honoured in a series of commemorative stamps.[12]
Potcake dogs Daisy and Dusty, born in Providenciales and owned by Andy LoCascio, are trained to locate fish through scent on the water and distant cries of feeding sea birds. They have been featured on television and in magazines, including Northeast
Boating Magazine.[13]
Musician Lenny Kravitz is often accompanied by Leroy Brown, his potcake dog, while in residence on the island of Eleuthera.
Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potcake_dog#Overpopulation_and_rescue_efforts
Potcakes have also made news on television. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38434562/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals
What is most startling to us is the lack of care these beautiful souls all too frequently receive in the Islands. Life in the Islands for dogs and cats for that matter is not the fun, sun-filled tourist experience. In reality, it is a harsh existence where the animals are frequently abused and neglected. Our desire to help this noble breed comes from one on one experience with them. The Potcakes in our rescue all come from Freeport, Grand Bahamas.
Love German Shepherd Dogs, not ready to own one yet, then what about becoming a foster parent to one of our precious dogs or puppies?
Or you own a dog and want a playmate/inside companion just not full time yet. Then we can help you.Fostering a German Shepherd Dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. And it gives a new life to a much deserving animal. So what, you may not be wondering, does it take to be a foster home and what does the rescue do for you while you are fostering.
Our responsibility to you includes:
· Paying for essential vet care
· Providing monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventative
· Providing the foster with up-to-date medical records
· Supporting you with advice on training and behavior issues
· Matching the foster dog to your family and lifestyle whenever possible
· Using all our resources to find the right forever family for your foster charge
Your responsibility to your foster includes:
· Having a fenced yard for your foster to take care of business and play when outside
· Providing high quality food
· Providing the love and structure so important to rescue dogs
· Providing us with photos and update these periodically
· Providing us with a bio on your foster dog
· Letting us know if there are any issues with your foster so any challenge can be nipped in the bud
· Cooperating in enabling prospective adopters to meet or adopt your fosterPlease contact us today at WeLuvGSDs@gsrfl.com if you want to further explore being a foster parent.
Our responsibility to you includes:
· Paying for essential vet care
· Providing monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventative
· Providing the foster with up-to-date medical records
· Supporting you with advice on training and behavior issues
· Matching the foster dog to your family and lifestyle whenever possible
· Using all our resources to find the right forever family for your foster charge
Your responsibility to your foster includes:
· Having a fenced yard for your foster to take care of business and play when outside
· Providing high quality food
· Providing the love and structure so important to rescue dogs
· Providing us with photos and update these periodically
· Providing us with a bio on your foster dog
· Letting us know if there are any issues with your foster so any challenge can be nipped in the bud
· Cooperating in enabling prospective adopters to meet or adopt your fosterPlease contact us today at WeLuvGSDs@gsrfl.com if you want to further explore being a foster parent.
We Are Passionate About Everything german Shepherd dog
Our website will hopefully offer you information that may be thought-provoking, possibly challenge your thinking or make you cry and hopefully make you laugh.
We consider it our privilege and pleasure to be able to help this noble breed. There are only a few breeds that serve mankind as working dogs putting their lives on the line to protect their handlers or partners. Few people seem to understand that only about one percent of all German Shepherd Dogs have the ability to be working dogs for the police and military.
This site will hopefully help you understand the needs of this breed and allow you determine if this is a breed for you. We'll offer our opinions on what is needed to allow a German Shepherd Dog to be happy, healthy and hopefully live a long and joy-filled life. The fact is Rin-Tin-Tin and Lassie don't come to rescue.
The following statistics were compiled from the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey:
And the sad truth is if every breeder that allows a litter of puppies to be born took responsibility for those souls then rescues like this one would be out of business and the kennels at animal control would almost be empty.
We invite you to explore this site to your heart's content.
We consider it our privilege and pleasure to be able to help this noble breed. There are only a few breeds that serve mankind as working dogs putting their lives on the line to protect their handlers or partners. Few people seem to understand that only about one percent of all German Shepherd Dogs have the ability to be working dogs for the police and military.
This site will hopefully help you understand the needs of this breed and allow you determine if this is a breed for you. We'll offer our opinions on what is needed to allow a German Shepherd Dog to be happy, healthy and hopefully live a long and joy-filled life. The fact is Rin-Tin-Tin and Lassie don't come to rescue.
The following statistics were compiled from the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey:
- There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the United States
- Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog
- Most owners (60 percent) own one dog
- Twenty-eight percent of owners own two dogs
- Twelve percent of owners own three or more dogs
- On average, owners have almost two dogs (1.69 percent)
- The proportion of male to female dogs is even
- Twenty-one percent of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter
- On average, dog owners spent $248 on veterinary visits (vaccine, well visits) annually
- Seventy-eight percent of owned dogs are spayed or neutered
And the sad truth is if every breeder that allows a litter of puppies to be born took responsibility for those souls then rescues like this one would be out of business and the kennels at animal control would almost be empty.
We invite you to explore this site to your heart's content.