The Kohn Foundation - Bahamian Animal Rescue Committee

Bahamian Animal Rescue Committee

History of the Bahamian Animal Rescue Committee:

The Bahamian Animal Rescue Committee (B.A.R.C.) was formed in April, 2005 to assist the Humane Society of Grand Bahama in their ongoing efforts in West End concerning animal population control, spay and neuter programs, and disease mitigation. The situation with wild dogs and cats has worsened since the hurricanes devastated the village in 2004. There are many more puppies and kittens in the village, resulting in a large homeless population.

The majority of the dogs are of mixed breed, named “Potcakes” (which is a recognized BREED in the Bahamas) after the popular peas and rice dish that sticks to the bottom of the pot. The leftover peas and rice is often fed to the dogs; hence the name they have been given. These dogs are extremely intelligent and easily-trained, and they make the most grateful and loyal companions.

The facts concerning the adoption rates of dogs and cats are very discouraging. About 100-200 dogs are collected each month, with only 5-10% adopted. Sadly, the Humane Society of Grand Bahama is NOT a "no-kill" shelter, so the survival of even healthy animals is minimal.

Thanks to several generous supporters, the HSGB moved into a brand new facility in June 2008. The new shelter is situated on 2.5 acres, with 88 indoor dog kennels, 24 outside pens, and 2 cat rooms, plus ample exercise fields for the dogs. The buildings are built to code and beyond to ensure safety during any hurricanes. There is also a small surgery suite, an exam room, a proper lobby, laundry room, and separate food room. Gone are the days when two tiny rooms encompassed all of those things! Unfortunately, with the downturn in the economy in 2008, the number of animals coming into the shelter have increased. In 2010, 1647 dogs and cats were taken in by HSGB.

The new facility has also meant a substantial increase in operating costs. Necessities such as electricity, water and staffing have increased dramatically. The local adoption rate has increased, slightly, to a mere 15% of total intake. Donations and fundraising proceeds have decreased as a result of the depressed economy.

A shelter veterinarian, whose salary is being funded by a private individual for the first two years, came on board in February 2011. This will enable the HSGB to perform almost triple the current number of spays and neuters previously done in a years time, in addition to providing better medical care for shelter animals, and ultimately bringing in more revenue for the shelter.

The adoption fees for pets of the Humane Society of Grand Bahamas are only $75.00 for dogs and $50.00 for cats. These fees include one vaccination, basic deworming, and sterilization. The cost of the health certificate ($10.00 required by U.S. Customs) and rabies vaccination for animals older than 3 months ($15.00 - not required in the Bahamas) is added for U.S. adopters.

ADOPT A POTCAKE: at http://www.humanesocietygb.org Be one of the first in the U.S. to have creatively adopted a street dog from another country! You will not be disappointed. You can save the life and make a difference in the future of one dog, of your own family, and of the Grand Bahamas.

POTCAKE PALS: Meet our potcake friends, who have been adopted by families across the United States.

Name: Jazzi
Location: Long Island, New York
Date: March 2009

Name: Che
Adopted: June 2007
Location: Orlando, Florida

Name: Finn
Adopted: March 2007
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: India and Capri
Adopted: 2005 and 2006
Location: Derry, New Hampshire

Name: Kiki
Adopted: April 2007
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Name: Kobi
Adopted: April 2007
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Name: Samson
Adopted: 2006
Location: Canada

Name: Shelbe
Adopted: June 2006
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: Teddy
Adopted: February 2007
Location: Tampa, Florida

Name: Toby
Adopted: March 2007
Location: Titusville, Florida

Name: Callie
Adopted: November 2002
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: Cassie
Adopted: December 2004
Location: Long Island, New York

Name: Happy
Adopted: Spring 2004
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: Ice
Adopted: Spring 2004
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: Lucaya
Adopted: January 2005
Location: Northampton, Massachusetts

Name: Mohhamed Moses ("Momo")
Adopted: January 2005
Location: Long Island, NY

Name: Minerva ("Minnie")
Adopted: January 2005
Location: Long Island, NY

Name: Ruby
Adopted: October 2005
Location: Jupiter, Florida

Name: Simon
Adopted: July 2005
Location: Evergreen, Colorado

Name: Trooper
Adopted: Summer 2005
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: Scamp
Adopted: July 2005
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida

Name: Silver
Adopted: September 2005
Location: Melbourne Beach, Florida

Name: Marvin (previously known as George)
Adopted:
Location:

Name: Tippy
Adopted: December 2005
Location: Stuart, Florida

Name: Kali
Adopted: December 2005
Location: Connecticut

Name: Tikka
Adopted: October 2006
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: Hana
Adopted: November 2006
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Name: Ruby II
Adopted: October 2006
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: Shelbe
Adopted: June 2006
Location: Denver, Colorado

Name: Simba (left) & Snoopy (right)
Adopted: June 2006
Location: Miami, Florida

Name: Stoly Dog
Adopted: May 2006
Location: Miami, Florida

We can’t thank you enough for bringing little Renie to our home. Renie – named for Hurricane Irene. She is the most fantastic dog. She is my fifth rescue dog and although they are all special Renie is something else. So smart, so adaptable. 58 hours in our home, she can sit on command, is doing really well with housebreaking, loves the cats and has a best friend in Jessie. Her curiosity is boundless, two days and she walks like a champ on the leash – the world is hers!!!!

We own a general store on the shores of Lake Michigan and have a picnic area for the guests alongside the store, guess where Renie likes it best – you got it, begging at the tables and she is such a lady about it – guess that was the Bahama training!!

Thank you again for all you do! Today a family was at the store, met Renie and are on their way to the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society tomorrow for a potcake dog.

I will spread the word – there are great Golden Retrievers, the dog of choice in Good Hart on the beach – but none can compare to a potcake – she will outshine them all!!

I’ll keep you posted on her progress and life in Good Hart. Watch for Renie on our Face book page – Good Hart General Store.

Carolyn, Jessie and Renie

Dear Grand Bahamas Humane Society staff,

I wanted to sit and write a thank you letter to let you know how much I appreciated your help in getting the puppy, Sandy, I found on the beach back to Tennessee. She easily adjusted and it took her all of 5 minutes to acclimate herself with the other 2 dogs and cats. She is such an amazing dog and everyday I feel blessed to have such an intelligent and sweet dog. And while my vet originally thought she would only be roughly forty pounds has now entered the 70 pound mark. I have no idea when she will stop growing.

Without your help I would have never been able to bring my little piece of Bahamas sunshine back with me. You had less than 24 hours to get her ready and you did an amazing job. I just wanted to say thanks and still to this day whenever we are at the dog park, hiking, or on vacation and people admire and ask about her, I have always told them about the great people at Humane Society shelter in Freeport. I always add in how painless it was to bring her back with the help of you guys and encourage them to visit the island along with stopping in to choose their own ray of sunshine to take home. I have attached a few photos to show what an amazing dog she has become.

Thank you, Michele L. Davenport Knoxville, TN

Lexi, adopted May 13, 2011

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

We absolutely love her, Best Wishes Ellen!!!!!

Joe & Gloria

Hi Tip,

A number of weeks ago I contacted you about adopting one of your dogs and we were lucky enough to find out that 15 dogs had just arrived in Denver. I just want to follow up with you and let you know how very happy we are to have our new best friend, Bozley, in our family. Bozley, known by you as "Nary", is the most wonderful dog!! He has the sweetest disposition and the best behavior! We always wish that we could ask him about his puppy days and learn about his background. Somewhere along the way he has been treated very well and we are SO very happy to have him. He seems very well adjusted and we think he likes us too!

Thank you for all that you did for him and thank you for sending him to us by way of the Front Range German Shepard Rescue!!

Here are some pictures of Bozely (Nary).

Sharon Webb

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