Locals, or “belongers,” as they refer to themselves, on the Caribbean island of Providenciales (Provo for short) in Turks and Caicos, used to take the leftovers caked on their dinner pots, mash them together and toss them to the street to feed the stray dogs. The strays accordingly took on the name: “Potcake Pups.” It is estimated that at a given time there are upwards of 2,000 wild dogs on the island that is only 38 square miles. Many of them were in the past euthanized or worse.
I met David at the Provo airport Sunday as I was ending a glorious weekend at a dear friend’s wedding, blissfully unaware of what’s dishing stateside. The adorable puppy nestled in his arms caught my eye, and as a typical dog-lover, I cooed. David was eager to share his story and I am just as eager to do the same.
- David with his Potcake Pup
David was not a belonger; he was a traveler like myself, with his partner who is a successful attorney on Wall Street. I was surprised to learn that the puppy was not his; he was a rescue who David was transporting to a family that was on the road to meet him at JFK. See, on the last day of David’s first trip to Turks and Caicos a few years ago, he discovered Potcakes Place—a rescue and adoption center on the island—and decided to stop by. He fell in love with the cause and the pups, but like many tourists who stumble on the organization at the tail end of their vacation, he didn’t have the ability to take such a precious carry on. So he was encouraged by Potcake Place to think about it, consult with his family, a vet, and then make the decision whether to adopt. He is now a proud Potcake dad and occasionally returns to the island.
For a charity with no budget, Potcake Place relies on vacationers who volunteer to serve as caring couriers—known as Potcake guardian angels. Families looking to adopt are connected to travelers originating from the same city. Nearly 500 adoptions have been made since 2006. Potcakes waiting for adoption stay with foster families who regularly socialize the dogs with each other and people on the exotic beaches of Provo. If you go, Potcake Place will bring pups up for adoption to your resort for a play date.
After a sensational weekend, I found it hard to imagine heading back to reality. But once I met David, I was ecstatic to witness palpable splendor and selfless service. Us wedding-goers cheers-ed on our last day to making the trip an annual function. If we do, I just might try this next time. There are always dogs waiting on standby, and according to the Potcake Place website, only 11 adoptions have come from Virginia. Let’s step it up RVA!
RVA muttropolis 