My Best Christmas Present ever. Part Three

We at Baark! have been asking the question;  What is your best Christmas gift ever?

Over the next three weeks we will feature three of our favorite answers in our column.

What is was my best Christmas present ever?

Thanks for letting me tell you about my favorite Christmas present ever. My name is Princess, I am a Potcake. My real name is Fluffy but all my friends call me Princess because, well, I am! Anyway, back to the reason for writing. My favorite Christmas present is the year that Baark! came to my house and helped me with my man problem. You see, my man, Rex was always running with his boys in the neighborhood, chasing other lady dogs and leaving me with the puppies to care for all by myself.  That is no way to treat a Princess!

I was always nagging and yapping at him to change his ways. He claimed that it was his nature to be like that, something that was just a part of him. We went on like this for 3 years. Then one day a Baark! van came and with our owner’s permission took Rex away for a day. When he returned he was a new dog! He had been neutered. A quick procedure that a veterinarian can perform on male dogs to ensure they cannot help produce any more puppies.   While he was still my amazing Rex, he no longer felt the need to run with his boys or chase other lady dogs. He actually started hanging out with me and the kids!

I had been spayed, which is the term for the female surgery, about 2 years prior to Rex’s surgery. I told him over and over again he needed the surgery but would he listen? No, he was convinced that as long as one of us was fixed we would be fine.  Fine my paw. Fine is not leaving anytime of the day or night to go out on your family. Fine is not expecting me to be okay with all of his foolishness.  Let me tell you something right now. Rex, now that he has been fixed sees the error of his ways and is so much more content.  The quality of life we have now because of our surgeries is one hundred times better! If only he had listened earlier!

You asked me about the best Christmas present ever? It was the December that the Baark! van came to our house and gave my family back the best dog ever, My Rex!

Sincerely

Princess the Potcake

Why not put Baark! on your Christmas list. Make a donation to Baark!’s spay and neuter campaign in lieu of gifts under the tree

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This column is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (558-3039) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

My Best Christmas Present Ever! Part Two

We at Baark! have been asking the question;  What is your best Christmas gift ever?

Over the next three weeks we will feature three of our favorite answers in our column. As

In a waiting room of one of my visits sat a young girl and her mom. They were discussing the Baark! collection tin. The mother explained that Baark! is the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness an organization that cares about the welfare of Bahamian animals. The mom continued to explain, “Baark! helps animals have a quick operation to help them not have any more puppies or kittens”  Right now the humane society is full of puppies and kittens that do not have anyone to care for them, Baark! wants to help prevent homelessness in our Bahamian animals.

The little girl’s eyes widened, “No more puppies- Why?” she begged to know. The mom responded, “If there are too many puppies they do not get properly taken care of, they get hurt, and cannot find enough food.” Baark! helps pet owners who are not able to afford the operation for their dog get the operation”.  As the girl took all of that in, the vet came out with one of the puppies I had recently found. The puppy was skinny, dirty, and lethargic. It was obviously sick.

The vet spoke in lowered tones to me but I was certain the girl could hear. The vet said the puppy was in bad shape and that he needed foster care until he was strong enough to survive in the shelter or get a real home as quick as possible.  I caught the girl’s eyes staring at this very sick puppy, her eyes moving from the puppy to the Baark! logo on my shirt.

I caught her eyes, lifted the puppy up and said, “This is why Baark! does what it does, if we are successful, people will be responsible pet owners and every dog will have a loving home and a meal every day and there will not be thousands of unwanted puppies, dogs, cats and kittens.”  She smiled and wished me good luck as I went on my way. I turned one last time as I opened the door. It was there I saw the best Christmas gift ever. The little girl was opening her purse. She moved towards the Baark! collection tin and emptied it’s contents into the tin. She turned to smile knowing she made a difference. While this was not a gift personally addressed to me, it was a gift that I witnessed and it touched my heart.  This was the best Christmas present ever!

A thankful Baark! volunteer

Why not put Baark! on your Christmas list. Make a donation to Baark!’s spay and neuter campaign in lieu of gifts under the tree

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (558-3039) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

The 2nd BAARK Spay and Neuter clinic in Andros

The second Andros Baark spay & neuter clinic was held in Cargill Creek at the beginning of November. It was supposed to be the weekend that TS Sandy graced the Bahamas with her presence, so was quickly rearranged for a few days later. Unfortunately someone forgot to tell the ocean that the storm had passed and I spent a very uncomfortable 3 hours on the ferry wondering if the end of my particular world was, indeed, nigh. But I survived to tell the tale so we disembarked at Fresh Creek and eagerly drove to Cargill Creek to join Drs Dorsett and Smith, who had flown in ahead of us and already started surgeries with the help of local volunteers, Rick, Charlie, Karol and Steve.

We set off to collect animals in the quiet, friendly Cargill Creek with Charlie as our guide. Being a resident his knowledge of the people and animals of the area was invaluable and we made good use of him! After collecting what we could in Cargill Creek, the second day we drove ten miles to Bowen Sound to round up the dogs there. That afternoon we drove another twenty miles to Love Hill, as we had reports that there were lots of animals that needed spaying and neutering. As darkness fell, we returned to the clinic with the intention of holding these dogs overnight for surgery on the third day.

 

The travelling aspect was very different to the first Baark clinic in Fresh Creek where there were enough dogs to keep the Vet busy for the whole clinic and we didn't have to go as far to collect them. Due to the last minute date change, people may have not realized we were there, plus some people did not have the transport to bring their animals to the clinic. A Straybuster has to be flexible and we were determined to do as many animals as possible in the time that we had, even if it meant driving up and down the Queens’ Highway in Central Andros for 3 days!!

 

There were many high points to the three days, not least the breathtaking views from the accommodation donated to us, but one that stands out didn't start out so promising! One friendly dog actually managed to escape prior to surgery and although he was too timid to come to us, he hung around the clinic. We hoped he would find his way home but he was confused. By nightfall we were worried about him being on the main road, the traps were all occupied and our attempts to catch him by hand had failed. We left food and water and hoped he would be safe overnight. The next day we would have a spare trap. Early next morning when we got to the clinic, our elusive guy was already outside, totally enamored by a pup that was due to be neutered, waiting outside the clinic. He followed the pup inside, making all our efforts of the previous day look pretty foolish!!

A total of 50 animals were spayed and neutered and none of it would have been possible without all the volunteers, in particular Rick Goodlander, who organized the Andros side and Steph Kesten who arranged everything from the Nassau side. Also our vets, Dr Dorsett (Nassau Pet Clinic) and Dr Smith (Marathon Vet Clinic) (who both nearly didn't make their flights home…in Dr Smith’s case he knew the pilot, so maybe that’s why the plane actually turned off the runway and came back for us, as we were too busy nattering to notice our flight was taking off!!!) We would also like to thank Bahamas Ferries & Le Air who transported us free of charge, Juliet Newbold at the Andros Island Bonefish club, who generously donated our accommodation and Nelson Leadon, who kindly supplied the property for the clinic.

Baark! On: Best Christmas Present Ever part One

We at Baark! have been asking the question;  What is your best Christmas gift ever?

Over the next three weeks we will feature three of our favorite answers in our column.

Dear Baark!

What is was my best Christmas present ever?

Some would think it was the year I got my new Potcake puppy. Two years ago my neighbor’s dog had a litter just before Christmas. I begged my parents day and night to get one. I really did not think they would say yes, but on Christmas morning there he was, my very own Potcake to look after.  I was so excited. I named him Buster and took really good care of him.  But as the months went on, Buster stopped listening to me. He often ran away and when he was in the house Buster would pee on everything, even though he was supposed to be housebroken. Mom and Dad decided they could not let Buster live with us anymore. They called him a nuisance and made him stay in the yard. Every night I would have to say goodnight to him and leave him outside. I hated it. This is why the year I got Buster was not my favorite Christmas present. While I loved Buster so very much, it broke my heart to keep him outside.

Last month, Baark! came to my school and told us about their spay and neutering program. I really learned a lot about how to take better care of Buster. I learned that if he was neutered that he would not run away looking for a lady dogs as often and that he would stop marking his territory with pee in our house. I told mom and dad about all I had learned. I also told them that all I wanted for Christmas was to be able to get Buster neutered so he could have a better chance of staying inside with us.

Mom and Dad agreed that they would give Buster another chance if he were to have this surgery. I was so happy. We took Buster to the veterinarian who took great care of Buster during and after his surgery. Now Buster is home with us. He is happier, no longer feels the need to run away and has stopped peeing in our house! You asked me what I thought the best Christmas present was; it was the Christmas I got Buster back with me where he belongs!

Thanks Baark! for helping me learn about spay and neutering and most of all for helping Buster and I stay together.

Sincerely

C. Thompson Jr. age 11

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals. 

 Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas.

 For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

Baark! On.. Afraid of the snip

Dear Baark!

My wife and I are having a big discussion on whether or not we should get our dog neutered. She is in favour of the procedure. I am nervous that my dog will be turned into a wimpy, lazy dog and I really do not want to take away his manhood. Can you help us!

Signed, T.J Rolle

Dear T.J.

First off, you cannot take away your dog’s manhood; he never had one. He is a dog not a man.  Your dog will not care (after he heals) that his family jewels are missing. In fact he might like the rest as he will no longer be feeling the need to follow his every urge or find every female dog in heat.

Dog-hood, in contrast to the current definition of manhood is not defined by the size of the anatomy; it is defined by the ability to be loyal and loving to a family. To be honest manhood should be defined by this too!

Your dog’s personality once neutered could change slightly but it is a change that comes from not being as focused on procreation. Most owners welcome this shift in their dogs focus and are able to better handle their dog which creates a better dog – human bond.

The procedure is very safe and quick, and most dogs heal very quickly. Neutering your dog helps your dog live a healthier and long life too! We at Baark! vote strongly in favour of your wife’s thought and ask that you take your dog to be neutered.

Thanks for asking,

Baark! on!

https://www.facebook.com/HelpBaark

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

Baark! On- Ask Snickers: A regular potcake?

We at Baark! are pleased to announce our celebrity columnist, Snickers. Snickers has risen to fame over the last two years as a Baark! rescue. We are fortunate to have her as a columnist to share her perspective.

Dear Snickers  

I hear you were just a regular potcake like me. Word on the street is that you were captured and sent to the pound. How did you survive? I live in fear every day that the dog catchers are going to get me. Also, how did you find a family? I hear you found a great bunch of people you are living with now.

Yours truly, Horatio the potcake

Hi Horatio

 Thanks for writing. Yes, the rumors are correct, I used to live on the street and yes you are right, it was a difficult place to survive. I saw my share of death and suffering. I did spend some time at the pound, which was an experience I have a hard time speaking about. But let me tell you the good news. There is an organization called Baark! that came to the pound and rescued me. They let me stay at the BHS for a few months until I found my own family. I knew my family was the right one the first time I saw them. Horatio, keep on being strong and when you see that Baark! van, don’t be afraid, they are not like the dog catchers at the pound. Baark! wants to help you, let them catch you so they know you want a home!

Stay strong, Snickers

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

Baark! On... What is animal abuse?

Dear Baark! I know that we Bahamians have a long way to go before we treat our animals properly. Most of us have been told or shown they are dispensable. I find it hard to stand up for animals rights in a society that so very often does not care enough even about their own people let alone animals. Can you remind us what is considered animal abuse, the more we are informed the more we can help?

Signed, One of the few who care.

Dear One of the few

You are not alone! We want you to know that we at Baark! are seeing more and more Bahamians come forward  with concerns and questions about the animal welfare situation here in the Bahamas. That being said, we still have a long way to go.

Animal abuse is defined more broadly than just physical beatings. Animal abuse is defined as: the crime of inflicting physical pain, suffering or death on an animal, beyond necessity for normal discipline. It can include neglect that is so monstrous (withholding food and water) that the animal has suffered, died or been put in imminent danger of death

Please remember, any form of animal abuse is unacceptable. Please report abuse of animals to your local police station.

Thank you for taking the time to become more informed; it is through caring people like you that we can make a difference!

Sincerely, Baark!

Extra Extra ! Baark! gets a weekly Column!

We are excited to announce that Baark! now has a weekly column in the Nassau Guardian!

This is an incredible opportunity to help our message reach even more Bahamians and subsequently help even more animals! 

Every Tuesday, please show Nassau Guardian your love for our work by purchasing a paper. 

We would love your comments and questions, you could just make it into our column too.

This blog will now be the place to catch the weekly column should you happen to miss the paper.We will be re-posting a few of our previously done blogs to correspond to the weekly column, but we are sure they are worth reading again! 

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This blog is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (558-3039) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

Baark! On... Strutt your Mutt!

We at Baark! are pleased to announce our celebrity columnist, Snickers. Snickers is a potcake that has risen to fame over the last two years as a Baark! rescue. We are fortunate to have her as a columnist to share her perspective.

Hey readers, Snickers here.  I wanted to share with you an exciting event Baark! is putting on that you do not want to miss!

It is the 3^rd annual “Strut Your Mutt” walkathon. Make sure you tell your humans!

Sunday November 4th 2012

3pm Registration, Walks starts at 4pm

Goodman's Bay, West

Not only do you get to enjoy a walk with other potcakes, your humans can win some really great prizes! Last year my human, won a great prize for coming second for her age group! While her trophy is fabulous, I mostly enjoyed the treats for me. We were a great team! There are also really great prizes for those who raise the most money!

This year there is a gift for just participating, a walk and a treat? Can it get any better than that?

Another highlight is that some of the dogs without families currently living at the Humane Society and Foster homes will be coming out as well so if you have more humans than potcakes, they can still “strut a mutt!”

Best of all, we raised money for Baark! All of the money goes to support our spay and neutering program and you know that is dear to my heart. So please! Tell your humans they have to go, it is the event of the season for potcakes like us! See you there!!

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

Baark! On.. Thank you

We often receive thank you letters as an expression of gratitude for what we have done. This one is from a potcake, we are sure you it will touch your heart.

Dear Baark!

I want to thank you for the quick surgery you did for me. I understand that this surgery will save me from having any other litters. I have loved all my puppies but the toll it has taken on my body is enormous and I could not fathom having another litter without serious consequences on my health and that of my puppies. Thank you to the wonderful team of caring and kind people at baark! for giving myself a new “leash” on life.

I understand that in January of 2013 something called “Operation Potcake” is taking place here in the Bahamas. Baark and lot of other amazing people will be coming to Nassau to help a lot of dogs like myself. Thank you! I will spread the word on the street so my potcake friends can come to receive your much needed services! You are amazing.

Sincerely,

Fredina Barker

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

Baark! On- Guard dog wanted.

Dear Baark!

I want my new pit-bull puppy to protect me. I was told to pinch it a lot, feed it pepper, tease it with food, kick it and yell at it. Will this make my dog protect me once it knows to be angry?

Signed- family guard dog wanted

Dear Family guard dog wanted

We are so glad you asked, asking the right questions gets you started as a responsible pet owner. Sadly you have been given the wrong information. Kicking at a dog is abusive and is not tolerated. Pinching and teasing a dog will not make it more protective of you; it will make it more afraid of you.  A good guard dog will protect because he is loyal to his caring owners, not bark and bite at anyone who happens to come near.

A guard dog should be able to alert you to things around you that are potential threats, but a good guard dog will also be able to stop its reaction by your command. You want a confident, highly socialized dog that can interact in a friendly way with many people but when they sense danger or a threat can turn on the guard dog attitude. Learning the basics skills of obedience will be your first step in helping create a smart, confident guard dog. We recommend trying out some of the dog training courses offered around Bahamas and getting their opinion if your dog would be suited to being a guard dog.

Thanks for asking!

Baark!

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

Baark! On Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Signs and Treatment for Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

Heat Exhaustion is a serious issue for dogs and if not treated can lead to death. We at Baark! are serious about animal care and want you to be informed.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

 1. Vigorous panting

 2. Dark red, dry gums

 3. Stumbling and lack of coordination

 4. Laying down and unwilling to get up

 5. Collapse and/or loss of consciousness

 6. Thick saliva
 7.  Dizziness or disorientation

 8. Diarrhea or vomiting

If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stroke, you must take immediate action.

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

1. Move the dog out of the sun and heat; ideally, the dog should be moved to an indoor, air conditioned location.

2.  Fill a tub with a few inches of cool water.

3.  Pour room temperature water over the dog's entire body.

4. Aim a fan at the dog (if a fan is unavailable, fan the dog manually with a magazine or similar item

5. Offer a bowl of cold water for drinking.

6.Seek the advice of a veterinarian

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)