I almost became a mule…
Not a drug mule, a puppy mule.
Royal Bahamian Potcake puppies, to be exact.
Judy, who runs potcake.org, had put a note on an Abaco email forum asking if there was anyone heading to Florida who might be able to accompany (carry the paperwork, get through customs) ten wee potcake puppies. It was almost too exciting – we ARE going to Florida! And I COULD and would, and would love to accompany ten little pups!
It was all arranged with the airline we’re using, who have helped rescue the pups in the past (Cherokee Air) and I imagined smelling new puppy smell, and rubbing tummies and scratching ears and snuffling and snuggling each one of them in turn.
But today we had a concern – my flight would only handle one carrier of about four pups. Six would have to risk being poisoned in their holding location, and ‘cake rescuers were worried and upset. What could we do? I couldn’t sew them into the lining of my HCH jacket!
Well, Locair came through, another airline flying in and out of Marsh Harbour. The said they’d transport the two carriers and ten puppies. And better than that – one of their employees fell in love with one of the pups, and she is adopting! I just love a happy ending.
If anyone is ever interested in one of the most loyal and brilliant breeds of dogs and would like to adopt a puppy, please talk to Judy at potcake.org. There are more than ten who need homes, or nine. She’d be happy to help. One of my patients outside of Toronto picked up her potcake, Chili, about a month ago and the family is in love with her. I am sure it is mutual!
This is what happens when a Chili Potcake sees snow -
Seriously – if you’re thinking of a dog, there are none better, more brilliant, loyal or calm and kind, with a mid-size chassis. Give it a thought.
* none of these photos are mine – the first two are from potcake.org, and the third is from Chili’s mom, since I require photos weekly. 
We practice the most difficult kunst of all. We have five kids between us, hundreds of students and grads, and sometimes we get to travel to teach and to see family on the west coast or Europe. We live in a few places (or will in November) and prefer the one far from the madding crowd.
We’ve been contemplating about bringing a potcake home – do you know if the potcake up in Toronto managed to develop a winter coat? There are lots to choose from on Cat Island and I agree 100% about all of the above qualities. My husband is just concerned that being a “tropical” dog, that their ability to grow a longer coat may have been bred out of them. He is going to check with one of the small animal vets.
Answered my own questions by going on the potcake website. Guess they are adabtable! On our next trip in April, will start our search. A German friend on the island who has never had a pet nor has any children, absolutely loves her potcake.
Hi Cathy,
Sorry – just looked and saw your question!
I can hook you up with Wendy, Chili’s mom. She’d be happy to share stories. Chili’s been home with her and her two young daughters and husband for maybe going on two months. She has a little coat, but she frolicks like crazy in the snow, eats it, rolls in it, has an occasional rabbit poopsicle, just has been having a total blast in the Canadian winter!
I don’t think they’d work in a sled team well (their legs would be WAY up in the air, spinning!) but they are very adaptable. Many a ‘cake has moved to Canada, and they do very well when they are loved. And how could anyone help but love them?
Judy is from Atlanta, and she just brought over one pup as a rescue once, and it has snowballed. She won’t put a ‘cake on a plane to you, but you can pick one up. Wendy used her frequent flyer points to fly into Atlanta, pick up Chili right there at the airport (Judy met her), and fly home, all in the same day. And then we treated Chili for that transition.
Don’t hesitate to consider a potcake! You can adopt one, or wait until one adopts you on Cat!