Jade Small
Jade Small
October 29, 2024 ·  2 min read

There’s An Island In The Caribbean Where You Can Play With Shelter Dogs

If your idea of paradise includes sand, sea, and some puppy playtime, then Potcake Place in Turks and Caicos is a must-visit. Located in the stunning Providenciales, this volunteer-run center pairs playful puppies with tourists to help socialize the animals before they’re adopted.

Potcake Place was founded by Jane Parker-Rauw, who moved from England to the islands in 1997. During her early days in Turks and Caicos, Parker-Rauw noticed a large number of stray puppies wandering the streets with little to no help. Many locals didn’t know what to do with them, leaving the pups to form packs and fend for themselves. Her concern for these animals eventually led her to create Potcake Place to address the stray issue.

A Day on the Island with Puppies

The center rescues stray puppies from the streets, offering them a safe, comfortable place to stay. Tourists visiting Turks and Caicos have the chance to take these pups out for a walk or simply enjoy some quality time with them on the beach. This interaction helps the puppies become comfortable with people and prepares them for life in a loving home.

Socializing and Training for New Beginnings

Some of the puppies brought into Potcake Place have never had human contact before, and others have experienced tough conditions on the streets. Allowing tourists to interact with them helps reduce the puppies’ fear of people. According to Parker-Rauw, a once-timid pup can quickly transform into a happy, tail-wagging companion ready to greet visitors.

More Than Just Puppy Playtime

This isn’t your typical island excursion, Parker-Rauw emphasizes; it’s a mission for the puppies’ welfare. The experience not only socializes the dogs but also helps them with basic training, like walking on a leash and getting used to routine care. And while you don’t need to adopt a puppy to lend a hand, spending time with these adorable dogs is rewarding for both the tourists and the puppies.

Potcake Place offers a unique way to make your vacation even more memorable, leaving a positive impact on these lovable island residents along the way.

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