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Adoption CountWE ARE HOPING TO HAVE THESE NUMBERS UPDATED SOON STAND BY 427 Adoptions in 33 months!
(since 20 May 2006)
 48 Providenciales
41 New Jersey
33 Ontario
32 Massachusetts
30 New York
28 Florida
26 Pennsylvania
26 Alberta
22 Connecticut
23 Illinois
15 California
11 Virginia
9 Maine
8 Maryland
7 British Columbia
7 Georgia
7 North Carolina
6 Texas
5 South Carolina
5 Michigan
4 Rhode Island
4 Vermont
4 New Hampshire
3 Quebec
3 Ohio
3 Wisconsin
2 North Caicos
2 Iowa
2 Indiana
2 Colorado
2 Louisiana
1 Florence, Italy
1 Minnesota
1 Arkansas
1 Arizona
1 Oregon
1 Tennessee
1 West Virginia
1 Delaware
Spread the Word"I adopted a potcake from South Caicos Island in August 2005. They really are incredible dogs: Annie is so well behaved, and smart! I just can't say enough good things about her-- people approach me on the street to ask what breed of dog she is, and friends ask where they can find a dog like her. I'll direct them to your website! Just wanted to say congratulations on the good work that your organization is doing."
Brothers Reunited"Sean and Provo, two brothers (and absolutely identical twins!) were recently reunited in Boston. They recognized each other immediately, and played together in much the same way as they had as pups! It was an absolutely glorious reunion! When Provo went home, Sean curled up into a ball and cried and cried. He was reassured that he'd be seeing Provo again soon, as we plan to celebrate their first birthdays together in March! It was SO beautiful seeing the brothers together again!"
Boston, Mass.
Puppy Classes"Ty just attended his first puppy kindergarten class. He is about 3 ½ months now. He did GREAT! He has a beautiful puppy sit and did great paying attention to me once the class got started. After only about 15-20 minutes of “class” they got to get off their leads and have some good old fashioned puppy play time. I was so proud of him. I got a little emotional watching him play with all his new friends and be a part of a pack again. It was beautiful! He is a sweetheart and I feel so thankful for him."
Connecticut
Well Behaved Girls"Adorable Blaze and Ashley made the trip to Chicago without a hitch! They slept most of the way and people on the plane didn't even know that they were there until I told them. Both girls are eating very well and love treats and their new chew toys. They enjoy play time in their new backyard and visits with friends. Everyone comments on how sweet and well behaved they are. We really appreciate your amazing work and will keep you posted on their progress!"
Chicago, Illinois
Our Hospice Potcake"Violet enjoyed her first Christmas with us. She helped open some presents. I have taken her to the hospice I work at with me. She comes every day. Our residents just love her and a nurse takes her on rounds with her. Violet's calm ways has brought so much joy to our terminal residents. She senses their limits and adjusts herself accordingly. She loves the gardens and has marked a few special plants as hers. We have a huge staff and I am known to many people as Violet's mom. Everyone has heard of her. She is our hospice dog. My boss has been very supportive of Violet and enjoys having her around. I am very blessed. Having Violet in my life has added so much and I just could not imagine not having her. Thank you again for giving us Violet, she is truly a gift. She naturally attracts people to her. Take care!"
Burlington, Ontario
We have Snow!"We have snow! Ginger is like a kid in a candy store...running thru it, so playful. She is in and out...I need a revolving door! It is hilarious to watch...her coat has really thickened up so I don't think the temperatures will be an issue. So wonderful to watch them when they discover something new...."
Toronto, Ontario
Colder Climes"Ace & Chloe are brother & sister who we adopted in April 2005. They are loving, loyal and wonderful as you would imagine. We have relocated to Vermont (April 2006) and I would like to report that they are adjusting to the colder climate like pros. Two plane rides and long road trips were handled with ease, by these two inseperable siblings. They go to doggie day care if we are working and have continued to acclimate to their New England surroundings making many friends along the way. If there is anything I could offer to help place potcakes in my surrounding area I would be happy to do so. THANK YOU for the work you do!"
Two Potcakes"Kipper's first vet visit here in the States went great. He weighs 18.5 lbs. They all loved him and thought he was doing well. Heidi and Kipper have a few moments of challenge but for the most part are really coming along. I feel very lucky to have both!" Helen, North Carolina.
Patch on Provo"'Blue' is doing very well. He spent the entire day/evening at my side. He seems happy. He is so loving and is always trying to cuddle. He is so sweet natured and I am so thankful that he has joined my family. Roxy doesn't LOOOOOVE him YET...but I can tell she really likes him. Thank you for saving him...I promise he will be happy from here on out!"
Providenciales.
Bay goes Home"Bay has been a hit by everyone who sees her, and I tell them all about the potcakes and your group. She is eating fine and is alert, playful and very adorable. She went to work with me today and everyone loved her. She enjoyed everyone she met and slept most of the day as she is while I'm writing this. We also went to the vet and of course they all love her, then to the pet store where she acquired more fans. Bay was so happy to see Katie and wants to play but Katie keeps her distance for now. Hope to send photos soon. Thank you all so much for my Bay." Tricia, St Simons Island, GA.
New York City"Zena and Foxy are doing FANTASTIC! They had their first walk today in New York City and went to the dog run and met tons of other dogs. They did great. My Pitt-bull, CoCo is a grand dame so they follow her. She's the leader and puts them in their place when necessary. Charlie my mutt Chihuahua likes them OK. But the one who LOVES them is Cleopatra, one of our five cats. She licks them and smells them. Zena and Foxy are beside themselves. They fit right in. Even expect a bit of pampering now, thank you very much."
New York City,
In the Snow"We fell in love with the Potcakes on our first trip to Provo four years ago, but since we live in the mountains of NC (ski resort area) we thought it would be too cold for island dogs. A chance encounter with Heidi (see her own success story) and we found out that many Potcakes go to Canada. What a great chance encounter that turned out to be! Thanks to two very sweet ladies from Pittsburgh who volunteered to be couriers, we now have our puppies. They are learning quickly and are incredibly sweet...I think somehow they know they were saved from a very hard life and they seem so appreciative. They love to wrestle and play and even though Flash has the size advantage, Dellis seems to always come out on top! I’m so glad we adopted them together!" North Carolina.
LA Bound Hound"Thank you for everthing! Swiper, now "Caico", is at his new home doing well. We took him to the vet today and what a small world! His new doctor is responsible for setting up the vet clinic in the Turks and Caicos islands. He loves Caico too! I don't think I've ever loved one creature so much in my life...wish we were still there but we have the best daily reminder! Talk to you soon!" Julie and Marc, Los Angeles.
Flying Colours!"Thank you so much for your help with our adoption of Molly. She made the trip back to Dallas with flying colors! She is now having fun exploring our house, yard and her big yellow lab friend, Charlotte." Dallas, Texas.
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Press Coverage
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Written by Jane
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Thursday, 03 April 2008 |
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POTCAKE PUPPIES ARE STAR PERFORMERS (Of course we already knew that)
"Wanted to share the newsletter from Gracie's trainer, in which she features Gracie as the dog of the month, including a link to Potcake Place. She has been a great supporter of helping to spread the message. Gracie graduates from Puppy Primer class tonight and will continue her training"
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> | Spring 2008 |
| Spring is finally here! Longer walks in the park, naps in the sun and time to chase butterflies...almost. Look for upoming information on our Canine Country Days, exclusively for our clients and their pups. We're also excited to announce new classes. Check out our dog of the month, Gracie, a Potcake! Enjoy the warmer weather and go play ball! Muah! Leigh, Sweets & Tater Lou New Classes! | | Intermediate & Advanced Manners plus Agility for Fun I & II
 Op Barks has new classes forming for dogs of all ages! Puppy, Basic or Intermediate Manners, preparing for Canine Good Citizen to Agility for Fun, we've got you covered. Plus, we're piloting a new "Confidence Building" class in Quakertown for fearful and shy dogs and "Doga- Dog/Handler Yoga" for people and their dogs!!! Philly classes are held on Saturdays and Wednesday evenings. Quakertown classes are held on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays. See full schedules by clicking the links at left. Agility Meet Up! Our next "Philly Dog Agility Meet up" will be Saturday, April 26th at 2 pm. To RSVP or for more information, see the link at left. |
Maintaining Sociability | | tips to maintain cool and confidence
 When is the last time your dog was able to greet a friendly dog on leash? When is the last time your dog played off leash with new/strange dogs? Perhaps your pooch plays just fine with the dogs in your own home or near by, good enough, right? Well, sociability refers to how your dog will react when he or she meets and greets new or strange dogs. And maintaining sociability with other dogs can be tricky, especially if your interactions with dogs are far and few between. Whatever the case, her are some tips to maintain your dogs sociability and ways to identify things that may be problematic before they become chronic. Step 1: There's a dog, now what? Whether you're dog is on leash or not, if you see a dog approaching, praise and reward your dog for looking at the dog and remaining quiet. If your dog has a habit of running the fence line and barking- don't let them. Leash 'em up or call them back to you to prevent this. If they bark a few times then happily sniff through the fence without further drama, then no biggie! |
Dog of the Month...a Potcake? | |
 Name: Gracie Breed/Mix: Potcake Occupation: Full time flirt! Hobbies: Napping and eating dried banannas! Motto: Everybody should try livin' on island time, mon! Gracie is a potcake, named for dogs that are fed what's "caked on the pot" from the islands of Turks and Caicos. Click here to learn more about Potcakes |
HSUS Expo | | Leigh & Liz Presenting at Humane Society of US Conference
 My friend, Liz and I have been busy the past few months preparing to speak at HSUS's Annual Conference in Orlando this May. We'lll be presenting on "Enrichment and Training in the Progressive Animal Shelter", and we're honored and excited to do so. In a nutshell, our job is to help shelter folks understand the importance of enrichment and training, and give them practical ways to implement programs and initiatives at their own shelters. Be on the look out for a new website with more details! Stay tuned! |
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Best,
Leigh, Sweets & Tater Opportunity Barks Inc
Phone: 888-opbarks |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 December 2010 )
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Written by Jane
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Thursday, 03 April 2008 |
 | 04/02/2008 | | Local couple finds puppy love | | By: Brendan Purves , Staff Writer |
Misty Pileggi and her husband Frank, of Lower Salford, were taking a pre-tax-season tropical vacation before Frank's job as an accountant got into the full tax-time swing. The couple traveled to the Caribbean Island of Providenciales, in the Turks and Caicos Islands, to enjoy the clear ocean water, the relaxed local attitude and the refreshing island sun, but they came home from their winter getaway with more than just a suntan. The Pileggis adopted a three-month old puppy, which they brought back to Montgomery County at the end of their trip.
Although the Pileggis were going on vacation to relax before tax season, they were also traveling to bring a care package for Potcake Place, a nonprofit organization that sets up the adoption of local island dogs. During their vacation they had the opportunity to meet some potcakes puppies, and could not help but invite one of the gentle Caribbean dogs into the lives.
"They bring the puppies to your resort," Misty said. "They give you an opportunity to meet them and inevitably fall in love with them."
Potcakes, which are a recognized breed on the Turks and Caicos Islands, are so named because for generations the islanders fed them the caked remains at the bottom of their cooking pots, Misty said.
Misty had done research on Potcake Place, and the plight of the potcakes before the trip was even planed, and when the opportunity to help the dogs arose, she packed leashes, dog toys and treats into her suitcase along with her bathing suit and suntan lotion.
"They are the only guardian angels for the potcakes," Pileggi said about why she wanted to support Potcake Place.
The Pileggis were excited to help out the potcakes, and were even considering couriering one of the easy going dogs back to the United States for an adoption agency, but they did not think that they were ready to bring another pet into their own home, Misty Pileggi said.
In the spring of 2006 the Pileggis lost their 14-year-old American Alaskan Eskimo, Jessica, and their 14-year-old cat, KC, and did not think that it was the right time to get a new pet, Misty said.
The Pileggis had no intension of adopting, but Potcake Place organized a potcake-puppie beach play date at the beginning of their vacation, and after a week of discussion, they decided to adopt one of the playful little pups.
Gracie, the newest member of the Pilleggi family, made the trip back to the United States with another puppy who was being taken to The New Jersey Animal Alliance for adoption.
One would think that taking two dogs into the country would be difficult, but Misty said that Potcake Place made the process very easy.
"It's extremely easy," Pileggi said. "It was really a piece of cake." (No pun intended)
Gracie has been living with the Pileggis for a few months. She will graduate from puppy kindergarten at Opportunity Barks in Quakertown later this week, and although potcakes like Gracie have had rough early lives, Misty says that Gracie is very well behaved, and brings an island calmness to their home.
"She is very mature for her age," Misty said. "She's very calm and serene. She is definitely on island time."
Since its start just under two years ago, Potcake Place has been able to set up 345 adoptions - 19 of which were to homes in Pennsylvania. Misty said she will continue to do everything that she can to help the organization, and encourages others to get involved with helping the potcakes.
"The more we can spread the word about the plight of the potcake pups and the tireless effort to save them, the greater the number of success stories we can achieve and ultimately help more of these special pups find their forever home," she said.
More information about the potcake pups can be found on the Potcake Place Web site www.potcakeplace.com.
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©Montgomery Newspapers 2008 |
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News Channel 5 Bahamian Potcakes |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 21 February 2007 |
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BAHAMA NUISANCES TURN INTO MAN'S BEST FRIEND They live like the wild animals they are. Catching fish, going through garbage, encroaching on human turf with great caution. We're not talking about bears. We're talking about dogs.
Philanthropist Frances Hayward has given a great deal of time and money to causes that help people. As I flew with her to the Bahamas with her rescued dog, Amigo, it was clear where her passion lies.
"When I came to Grand Bahamas, I realized it was my calling to help them."
She is talking about 'potcake puppies' because they scavenge for remains from cooking pots.
In reality they lead terrible and short lives usually less than three years killed by cars or parasites or disease.
"The feral dogs here (there are tens of thousands of them) live like wolves.. there are few pets here..they are unwanted."
But Frances Hayward is a good person to have on your side, ask Amigo, a potcake Frances found and adopted. He is the poster dog for the island's Humane Society's aggressive spay and neutering campaign. Taken to Bahamian schools, he has become a bridge between the feared wild dogs and the loving pets they could become.
"They sustain themselves on dead fish plants lizards and coconut water."
Bill Grimmer is a renowned Canadian animal behaviorist and trainer. He says the potcakes have evolved into a unique and useful breed.
"We want companionship...they want companionship."
An adaptation to island life, says Grimmer, is the way all potcakes do.
Hayward and her people are very mindful that there are dogs in need of homes in the United States. They deliver when there's a call for puppies in South Florida and elsewhere.
http://www.wptv.com/News/020507_BahamaDogs.cfm |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 February 2007 )
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The Today Show 7th March 2007 |
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Potcakes in the New York Post |
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 30 December 2006 |
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Marley went from being all alone on the highway of Providenciales to being a New York star. In being such a smart, loving, loyal companion, he is spreading the word about his cousins in The NEW YORK POST: DOGGIE DAY CAREA PET CAN BE MORE THAN A WOMAN'S BEST FRIENDBy JULIA SZABOPRETTY PUP: Author of "The Beauty Buyble," Paula Conway and Marley, whom she adopted while vacationing in the Caribbean.  December 17, 2006 -- SHE'S an author with three cats, a busy travel-writing career and a new best-selling book, but she still made time to adopt a homeless pup. "I was in Turks & Caicos, and I came home with sunburn and a potcake," explains Paula Conway, co-author of "The Beauty Buyble" (ReganBooks, $19.95). "Potcake" is a Caribbean term used to describe stray mutts, and Conway adopted hers from a group called Potcake Place (potcakeplace.com). With books on the brain, she named the dog Marley, after the canine subject of another popular title, "Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog." A 10-week-old pup is a handful, as Conway learned quickly while trying to accommodate Marley's schedule. "He's always on the move," she says. In fact, his kinetic quality helped Conway reach a goal she'd recently set for herself. "I've lost nearly 40 pounds on Weight Watchers since January," Conway confides. "To be honest, I took September and October off, but having this puppy has kicked me back into gear. His first week here I tossed off two pounds just chasing him around!" In addition to his services as a fitness trainer, Marley also works as a research associate. Conway's home office is piled high with boxes of the beauty products that she diligently tests (her next book, "The Beauty Jungle," is due next year). "He's in the teething stage, so naturally he is chewing all of the boxes," Conway reports. "But that gives me extra incentive to get things opened and on shelves, so I'm testing promptly and clear on what I have." Hard-working Marley has become quite the connoisseur. His tiny paw-pads are wiped with Prince Lorenzo Borghese's Royal Treatment Papaya and Aloe Tender Touches for pets. (Incidentally, Prince Lorenzo, aka TV's "The Bachelor," just adopted his own mutt, Porcini, from the ASPCA.) "Marley loves my Vera Wang perfume," Conway concludes. "He just wants to lick the bottle - there must be doggie [treats] in there!" New York Post |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 February 2007 )
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