About us.
Really, who doesn't love a puppy? This is where the idea was born. The Bahamas is an amazingly beautiful country, but we have a stray dog problem that fills our rescue shelters to heartbreaking capacity. These local mixed breed dogs are called 'Potcakes' - they are smart, resilient and oh so fun! Why not bring these Potcakes out to meet and greet, play and cuddle? It's good for the puppies, makes people smile and allows us to raise much needed donations for our rescue partners here in Nassau. Many of our pups also find their forever homes after bonding with a guest at The Potcake Party!
BAHA MAR RESORT
Join us at the crown jewel of resorts in Nassau where there is something for everyone, and now there are PUPPIES! Check the scheduled events bulletin, The Compass or with the concierge at the Activities Desk for dates and event times. Here, the Potcake pups bounce and play on the grass, snuggle in the sunshine and steal your heart with their adorable antics. Tons of fun for every age and the photos are a priceless memory of your vacation.
PUPPY YOGA and PILATES
Get ready to downward dog with the dogs! For a fresh twist to your workout just add puppies. Seriously, this is a much needed dose of mental health in addition to your physical health. The classes begin with traditional practice (so you WILL workout) and end up with cuteness overload, snuggles and laughs. Drop us a line to find out where we'll be popping up next and be sure to sign up in advance as spots tend to fill quickly.
Our Events.
PUPPY THERAPY
Holding a puppy can do amazing things for your mental health. Your heart rate and breathing slow and the smile on your face instantly lifts your mood. The positive connection between humans and dogs has existed for more than 15,000 years! Stressful corporate meetings? Exam finals for school? Family drama? Travel worries? Just add puppies and suddenly life just took a turn for the better.
CUSTOM PUPPY EVENTS
For an unforgettable birthday celebration, church event, community fair or school function - bring in the puppies! Whether an educational lesson about caring for a pet or the history of the Potcake is included, or just plain fun with the pups, everyone at your event is sure to enjoy themselves and leave with plenty of keepsake photos.
What is a Potcake?
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The term "Potcake" in Bahamian culture is a nod to the thrifty and resourceful nature of the islanders. After hearty meals of peas and rice, the leftover layer stuck to the bottom of the cooking pots were offered to stray dogs. Over time, these dogs became known as “Potcakes."
NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE
Potcakes are known for their intelligence, loyalty, athleticism and remarkable resilience. From their history as stray street dogs, Potcakes are incredibly adaptable, thanks in part to their hardy stomachs, allowing them to digest a variety of foods. They're easily trainable and form strong bonds with their human companions.
HISTORY AND MYSTERY
Potcakes are a unique blend of various breeds, their lineage tied to the history of the islands. It's believed that the original settlers of the Bahamas, the Arawak people, brought dogs with them from what we know as South America. Later, European ships traversing the Atlantic introduced terriers who were onboard to protect cargo from rodents, while Loyalists fleeing the American Revolutionary War brought Carolina dogs similar to Retrievers. Centuries of this mix combined with ‘survival of the fittest’, due to rough living conditions, result in today’s Royal Bahamian Potcake, as they were officially named in the 1970s. Most sport a charming “Lab-mix” appearance, with cocked ears, a long face, and a smooth short coat. They're typically small to medium-sized, standing at around 24 inches, with a healthy weight of 45-50 pounds.
THE STRAY STRUGGLE
While Potcakes have been cherished by many, they face challenges particularly as strays. Misconceptions regarding spaying and neutering have led to overpopulation and unfortunate cases of abuse. However, local animal charities and spay-neuter programs are working tirelessly to improve the lives of these fantastic dogs.
A SUPERSTAR BREED
The Royal Bahamian Potcake is quickly gaining recognition worldwide, thanks to rescue and adoption efforts to find forever homes for these dogs, both in The Bahamas and abroad - YES! Many Potcakes have become international and now live happy lives in the USA and Canada.
Get Involved.
There are so many different ways to help! Whether you have a little time or a lot, live in Nassau or abroad, check out these opportunities.
Event Volunteer: Join the fun energy of our Potcake Parties! Help monitor the puppies as they enjoy their outing, answer guest questions and take photos of the sweet moments. There are also opportunities to help with admin and selling merch at events.
Puppy Bathing: Do you like to roll up your sleeves and get into it? Join us at the shelter to puppy prep. It's like a spa day for tail-wagging wiggly Potcakes! What a difference a bath makes to these little rescues and you've just done your good deed in less than an hour.
Flight Angel: Are you in Nassau and getting ready to fly to the USA or Canada? One of the most heartwarming experiences awaits. At no expense to you, take a Potcake pup (under 20 pounds and in a provided carrier) on your journey. They ride along under the seat and you are met at your destination by the adopter or rescue organization. We provide everything including all documents required for a little Potcake to start a new life in a happy home.
Interested? Click the volunteer button or send us an email.