Baark! On. Writing Contest Winner for 18 years old and over; Tegan Springate.

Last month we at Baark! held a writing contest. We asked readers to tell us the story of their rescued or adopted animal and why they have made such a great pet, and you delivered. After carefully reading the many entries we have selected the three age group winners. For the next three weeks we will print their beautiful stories in this Baark! column. This week’s winner, representing the 18 + group is Tegan Springate age- 27. Thank you and congratulations Tegan!!

The Story of Exuma

I found my rescue dog a little over three years ago.  She is a stunning Potcake, from the island of Exuma, who I named Exuma (Zoom for short)!  When I found her, I couldn't have created a better story. 

We pulled up to the house where she was born, while her Dad was tied up to a doghouse with a metal chain and was aggressively trying to attack the car we were in.  I stepped out of the car, as about 8-10 children were exiting the house.  As I walked up to the front step, a tiny puppy came running from behind the house and came straight to my feet and sat on my toes.  I picked her up, and as I looked into her golden-brown eyes, I knew I had found what I was looking for.  The children of the house said I was free to take her, as they had no interest in keeping her.  We left a bag of dog food for the Dad, in hopes he would get a good meal.

We took her back to my family’s home and gave her a quick bath, and it was off to the vet to get her shots and paperwork in order for me to bring her back to Canada. She flew back with me to Canada, to a rude-awakening of icy-cold weather, but true to how most Potcakes are, she loved the snow!  Exuma has been with me through everything, including the break-up of a long-term relationship, achieving a second degree, and our most current adventure.

Our latest adventure has taken us all the way to England where I have begun a new job and a new life.  She completed the long flight better than I could have imagined.  She is the most amazing dog, and has fully adjusted to a new place, new people, and new home. She has also made the transition for me much easier, as I have never felt too homesick because I have her.  Exuma is the perfect dog, and is always in tune with my health, feelings, and workload.  She makes me smile everyday and is the most comforting dog to be around.  She is always up for a cuddle.  She frequently gets people commenting on how lovely she is and how unique looking she is.  Exuma is my best friend, the biggest part of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without her!

  

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, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

Baark! On. Writing Contest Winner for 13-17 year olds, Alea Gomez.

Last month we at Baark! held a writing contest. We asked readers to tell us the story of their rescued or adopted animal and why they have made such a great pet, and you delivered. After carefully reading the many entries we have selected the three age group winners. For the next three weeks we will print their beautiful stories in this Baark! column. Guardian column. This week’s winner, representing the 13-17 year old group is Alea Gomez age- 14. Thank you and congratulations Alea!!

We Got Tori

The ride seemed interminable. I was ecstatic. My grandmother collected me from school and told me that today was the day that we would go to the Humane Society to get our pet dog.

As we entered, the place was a cacophony of sounds. Dogs barking, cats meowing, mixed with the chatter of pet owners and staff. The surgery smelled of disinfectant and animal scents. I turned up my nose and wondered how I would make it here, since I was contemplating becoming a veterinarian. The staff was most hospitable and friendly and the male attendant who took us to the stables told us that he was Gregory.

Gregory showed us many dogs, big dogs, little dogs, tall dogs, short dogs, none of these appealed to me; until I saw her. A small cute, cuddly white and light beige ball of fur, an Akita mix. She was housed in a kennel with about six other pups, who were similar to her; however, she was different. She had attitude!

Gregory took out one pup and showed it to me, but I told him that was not the one. I pointed out the one that I wanted, while he uttered that they were all alike. I, however, knew the difference. The pup that I wanted  had a small pink birth mark on her left eye, a beauty spot; and this drew me to her. I had already selected a name for her - Tori Judah. When she was taken out of the kennel, she behaved as if she knew that she belonged with us, she seemed to be smiling.

Tori immediately took over our hearts and our home, she exuded an indomitable spirit; therefore, my Nana decided to hire a trainer for her. On meeting Tori, the trainer thought that because she was just four months old that the task would be easy. So we went to the beach with treats, and the trainer barking out commands.

The trainer  told us that we were not forceful enough with Tori and proceeded to demonstrate. Treats were offered, a booming voice was trumpeted, however, Tori, the pampered princess, refused the treats and chose to ignore all commands. The next thing we knew was that the trainer was on the ground, propelled by one of Tori’s mighty leaps. We all laughed.

It has been six years since we adopted Tori Judah. She is a wonderful pet and a terrific guard dog. She always warns us when persons are approaching and her barks are distinguishable when  she perceives a threat. The neighbours often thank us because she has even warned them of potential harm to their properties.

To have Tori as a pet has been fun and rewarding. Tori has a great personality and she loves unconditionally. She is very good and thoughtful with my little sister Adyn, who is seven years old. She is our pampered princess and a member of our family

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, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

Baark! On. Writing Contest Winner for 12 and under, Anya MacPhail

Last month we at Baark! held a writing contest. We asked readers to tell us the story of their rescued or adopted animal and why they have made such a great pet, and you delivered. After carefully reading the many entries we have selected the three age group winners. For the next three weeks we will print their beautiful stories in this Baark! column. This week’s winner, representing the 12 and under group is Anya MacPhail age-10. Thank you and congratulations Anya!!

Bruno

Written by Anya MacPhail age 10

This is Bruno; he is one of my family’s rescued potcakes. When he first came here we were fostering him so he could get adopted. Initially we thought he was going to die because of his mange and limp, so we wanted to make sure he had a happy life here. When he was ready for adoption no one would adopt him, so after a while we adopted Bruno. I was so happy because Bruno was just starting to love this place.

After we adopted him we got to know him even better. We had taken him to the vet to treat his mange and to help with his limp, he was feeling better. After a while I started to call him “Brunsto” and “Bruno Buddy” all the time and I found his weak spot for tickling him near his belly.

I think he is the best rescue because each time one of us comes out Bruno will get up eagerly to greet us. He also has a voice for each time we come out and he will try to speak- in a way. At night when all the dogs are asleep he will start a howl… every single night. When I sit on the step of the porch Bruno will nudge my arm to get underneath to cuddle. After steak night we divide the leftover steak and give a small plate to each dog. Bruno, I think, cleans his plate the fastest. Outside we have a couch that we put cushions on when we are out there, but when we aren’t out there we put blankets on the couch for Bruno to sleep and lay on. Each time the other dogs come out they go straight to the neighbor’s fence to bark at their dogs and Bruno usually starts it first. Bruno loves people and people love him, and when he’s happy he will wag that little tail happier than any other dog I’ve seen.  He is the happiest dog I have ever met and I am glad we were able to rescue him.

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, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com

The Logistics of establishing a Baark! Clinic at a remote Family Island of the Bahamas, a snapshot.

      I’m reminded of the Television commercial where the guy talking to his boss says, I can do that, I can do that, I can do that…heavy sigh…..how am I going to do that? When first asked by Laura Kimble, Chairman of Baark!, about the possibility of expanding Baark!’s outreach to Mangrove Cay, Andros I was hit with the flood of thoughts of how we would overcome the logistics? Each clinic thus far on Andros has added additional planning and execution challenges not experienced during the preceding clinic.

     Planning and organizing a clinic in Mangrove Cay added the additional challenge of the location being remote, only accessible by water or air. Most of the organizing would have to be done from afar. There are three primarily critical aspects that initially must be overcome in order to consider mobilizing a MASH type clinic to a remote Family Island of the Bahamas: Clinic Location, Lodging for Volunteers and Transportation. Arranging the three without benefit of being physically at the location can be daunting. 

Preparing and sending out a solicitation for lodging at local hotels, lodges and resorts was the first step. We had two gracious offers from Joan and Mickey of Seascape Inn (www.seascapeinn.com) and Ms. Cheryl Bastian of Swains Cay Lodge (http://www.swainscaylodge.com/). Rooms were available on the 15^th and 16^th of March, the date was set. Reaching out to a good friend, Mr. Jeff Jolly, a resident of Mangrove Cay, proved instrumental in coordinating, arranging and planning for the multitude of intricate details including additional transportation for the team, which was generously donated by Ms. Liz Bain of the Mangrove Cay Club (http://mangrovecayclub.com/). Mr. Lionel Rolle of Mangrove Cay, the individual who planted the initial seed of a clinic in Mangrove Cay while on the inner city streets of Nassau during Operation Potcake, suggested that the Catholic Sister’s Center in Little Harbour would be a suitable clinic location and arranged for it to be used. It was perfect.

     Having set the date, organizers both on Andros and New Providence could further advance the planning. During a scouting visit to Mangrove Cay, I happened upon the M/V Lady Katherina moored to the Government Dock at Lisbon Creek. Transportation for the Baark! Truck, traps, crates and supplies from Nassau to Mangrove Cay is the fourth critical detail. I seized the opportunity to speak with the Capt King of Lady Katherina to solicit a donation of transport for the truck and supplies. He tentatively thought that something could be arranged but said that I would have to speak with Katherina’s owner, Reverend King (his father) of Mangrove Cay. After explaining to Rev. King what we intended to do and asking him to donate passage he smiled and said “I don’t have a dog” which was initially discouraging, but he added that something might be done for discounted transport. Stephanie Kesten met with Capt. King at Potter’s Cay in Nassau and negotiated the discount down to donated full fare passage to and from Mangrove Cay.

     Baark! Volunteers descended on Mangrove Cay on 15^th of March and quickly set up the clinic. It was clearly obvious that what was learned from previous clinics on Andros and volunteer’s participation in Operation Potcake was put to use and even more would be learned from this clinic. Baark! far exceeded the goal of 50-60 procedures by completing 101 procedures in the equivalent of two working days. A resounding success!

Baark! On: Are you Paw-lingual? Part II.

How to be Paw-lingual: understanding your dog’s vocalization

Last week we wrote about body language; the primary method of communication for dogs. This week we focus on the vocalization of a dog as a secondary method of communication. Learning to discern the meaning your dog’s vocalizations can be a big step to a healthy dog- human relationship.

Yelps: Yelping is a good indication that the dog is hurt or anxious. Although some dogs, those who interact with humans more, can use this vocalization as a way to manipulate the situation for attention.

Whining: This is a sign of frustration for a dog. The whining is like our complaining, they do not have what they want yet.

Growls: This is a dog’s “back away sign”. Dogs growl at each other when they are encroaching on each other’s territory or food source. A dog will growl at people when he does not know the person or if you try to take away something that the dog believes is his. Growls do not indicate aggression; aggression is often silent in a dog. A growl is more of a warning sign saying, “I am not happy or comfortable with what is going on”.

Howls: We have all heard this in here in the Bahamas, all the dogs in a neighborhood begin to howl at once; but what does it mean? The howl is simply an attempt by the dog to locate his friends (or people). The howl acts somewhat like a primitive GPS system for the dogs.

This dog is whining, wanting to go outside.

Barks: Here we find most of our vocalizations, to describe them all would be overwhelming so let us direct you to some generalizations about barks.

It is important to first take note of the pitch of the bark. If the pitch is higher than normal these are a good indication that the dog is feeling insecure and possibly fear. If the overall pitch of the dog sound is lower than normal then the dog is most likely communicating a desire for dominance or asserting himself as a threat.

Barking indicates something needs attention, whether they feel threatened or are hungry, or sense something that you don’t yet. The bark is the dog’s way to alert their humans (and each other) to what is going on.

Now you are armed with knowledge of how to better understand your dog and therefore create a stronger human- dog bond. Enjoy!

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 (427-SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com