Baark! On: Junior Straybusters Report!

Written By St Andrews School students: Emily Wilson and Hope Nevins

 

For our St Andrews School vocational experience we had the amazing opportunity to work with Shelley and Baark (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) to help spay or neuter dogs. This is a free service for strays and pet owners who cannot afford to pay for it themselves. Throughout the course of three days we have gained new knowledge and understanding of this amazing non-profit organization and the treatment of animals in this country.   

On the first day of the vocational we went straybusting with Shelley in the South Beach community. We met lots of new faces, both dogs and humans. To begin, we visited a location with five potcakes that had to be spayed and neutered to avoid unwanted litters of puppies. Trapping the dogs humanely and lifting them in the van was a challenging but we were able to get the job done. We then continued down the street and met Ricardo, the interesting yet loving owner of two beautiful potcake puppies. We were able to take the pups for their first vaccinations and worming, another service Baark provides in addition to spaying, to prevent the spread of fatal puppy diseases. In the same neighbourhood we met 4 additional dogs that required Baark’s assistance.  

The following day we collected the dogs from the vet after their surgery. The dogs were all given wormer and vaccinations. Unfortunately, one puppy was suffering from jaundice caused by leptospirosis and had to be euthanized as he was going downhill rapidly. The dog was contaminated from the urine and feces of rats, this disease results in the yellowing of the skin and gums. This personally affected us both, and highlighted the importance of puppy shots! 

During the course of our days we observed some poor conditions that dogs are kept in, including being chained, not fed properly, or having adequate shelter. We were not expecting to see this. However it was a surprise to see that these dogs can still be friendly despite what humans have done to them. It is heartbreaking to witness the human neglect that these poor dogs go through. However thanks to Baark! and the Bahamas Humane Society, a lot of these dogs get the help that they need, whether it’s rescue or working with their owners to improve their situation.

 The last three days have been extremely fun even though we’ve been through a lot. Some aspects have truly broken our hearts, but thanks to Shelley and the BAARK team we know there is hope for other dogs. Shelley and other Baark volunteers give a new meaning to the term “dog lovers”. We owe them a lot for what they spend their days doing without getting paid, it’s truly inspiring and we hope one day we can be as empathic and caring as they are

 

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: Potcake Paradise found in Middle of Crowded Centerville!

 

 

 

 On a street in Nassau, is a little piece of paradise right smack in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. Sidney Knowles the owner of Knowles Upholstering and Diane Knowles the owner of Security Forwarding service are neighboring businesses that have taken it upon themselves to create a safe place for dogs that were roaming the neighborhood. They have created a potcake paradise in a place where there is little tolerance for the homeless potcakes.


The space between their businesses once used for garbage and storage now has a small shade garden and a shelter. It is a safe place to rest while the rest of the world continues around them in chaos and danger. 

There are always full water bowls and once a day they bring out food, making sure all the dogs that frequent the space are fed for the day.  

 

 

There are at least 10 potcakes that frequent this establishment. All the dogs have been spayed or neutered, 7 of them through Baark!’s spay and neuter program.  The remaining three dogs were paid for by Diane and Sidney out of pocket. One of the dogs, “Big Daddy” was responsible for fathering many litters before they had him neutered. Now thanks to a quick procedure, Big Daddy is no longer contributing to the unwanted and homeless population of potcakes roaming the street.

 

I asked Mr. Knowles about the response of his customers to these dogs. He said it was overwhelmingly positive. 9 out of 10 of the customers loved it and thought it was a fabulous thing he was doing. I can just hear someone giving directions to his store, it is on Madeira, just across from Centerville food store; you know, the place with all the dogs.  I would venture a guess that this beautiful undertaking has helped both businesses as they promote animal welfare.

 

As I spoke with Sidney and Diane about their little spot of kindness in this world, both of their eyes lit with excitement. “If everyone does something, it all adds up to a lot” said Diane as she explains the joy of making a difference for these dogs. Sidney described helping the dogs as self-gratifying, “it just feels good to do something good.” 

 

 

As we walked around the space between the two businesses, Diane said “we are doing the best we can, there are just so many that need help- it is overwhelming.”  In agreement Sidney nodded and added “We cannot give them the longest life possible but we can give them a better quality life.” It would have been so easy for these two people to look the other way and choose not to see the poor condition of the animals but they did not , instead they made a choice to care and by doing do make a difference We too are faced with a choice every day. Do we look the other way or do we find something, anything that we can do to make a difference? Let the story of these two businesses and their wonderful potcake paradise inspire you to choose today to make a difference in the lives of our Bahamian animals

 

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)

Baark! On: A fighting chance: The gift of fostering.

Young Danny had just entered the BHS facilities after being rescued from the pound next door.  He was scared, afraid and uncertain of what lay ahead. Danny had not been well for some time now and medical tests revealed he had 10/10 for heartworm. Heart worm results like this usually resulted in having to euthanize the dog, but life it would appear had a different plan for Danny and it came in the form of a wonderful family who decided to give this beautiful dog a fighting chance at life.

Danny was in need of a quiet nurturing environment which would facilitate a higher effectiveness with this required medical treatment.  Joanne decided to foster Danny and give him a fighting chance. The family environment and medical interventions were the effective pairing Danny needed to make a fully recovery. Today, Danny is thriving in his forever home, thanks to the amazing love and care given by Joanne and her family. Joanne spoke well when she said “We do not know Danny’s beginnings but we know he has the happiest of endings.”

Medical treatments are known to be more effective when the dog is living in a foster home rather than a shelter. Many of our dogs today need all the extra help they can get as they recover from the illness and abuse they have met on the street.

Fostering allows a dog to adapt to a family setting, to learn to live with and bond with humans like only a dog can. Living in a home environment allows the dog’s personality to develop, making the dog more adoptable and ready for his forever home.

Fostering a dog does not mean you have to keep them forever, but it does mean you will be able to see the beautiful transition of a dog moving from despair to hope, from illness to a picture of love, and from anxiety to trust. Joanne and Danny’s story is a beautiful and moving example of the power of love and the healing effect of fostering in the life of a dog. There are more stories waiting to be told, won’t you consider opening your heart to foster a dog and give them a fighting chance at a new life.

 

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)

Baark! On... Baark! visits San Salvador

 

 

Baark! visits San Salvador

written by Shelley Hardman.

 

In May volunteers from Baark! visited San Salvador for a three day spay and neuter clinic. Volunteers travelled from Cat Island, Andros, Freeport and Nassau to take part. It was the inspiration of Dave and Karen Kredl, Canadians who have been travelling to San Salvador for many years. Due to their hard work in fundraising and organization, we were able to spay and neuter 74 animals in San Salvador and Rum Cay. Local animal rescue hero, Manfred, was also instrumental to the cause by flying Dr Wildgoose and 2 volunteers to Rum Cay for the afternoon for an impromptu S&N clinic. Manfred also adopted all of the cats from Club Med that were caught (and fixed!) over the weekend.

 

Baark! was hosted by Club Med, Columbus Isle, in what will most likely go down as the most luxurious ‘digs’ the team have ever or will ever have the good fortune to stay at! That will take some beating!

 

As we arrived it transpired that there was definitely a feral cat problem in San Salvador and for the team members who had mainly dealt with dogs in the past, this was going to be a crash course in feline management! Although we had five cat traps with us, we also had to use dog traps due to the high volume of cats we were trying to catch. As cats are a little more elusive than dogs, this took longer than our normal ‘catch’ rate!

Our clinic site was donated by the Gerace Research Centre, a COB facility, where students from all over the States and the Bahamas study Archaeology, Biology, Geology and Marine Science. The staff and students could not have been more accommodating and some visiting veterinary students were even able to lend a hand too.

Such were the habits of the feral cats that it was felt we would have even more success if we also set up a night clinic in a maintenance facility at Club Med. Three volunteers and Dr Davis, who had all been on their feet since 7 am with the rest of the team, bravely volunteered to keep on working through the night to increase the number of cat spays and neuters. Unfortunately, the cats also seemed to have received this memo and refused to put in a show! The willing but weary volunteers called it a night at 11 pm and gladly hit their beds!

The Baark team have already been to Eleuthera and Andros this year and have  plans to visit Abaco and also return to Andros. There will also be further initiatives in Nassau, following the one that was started in Kool Acres and Elizabeth Estates recently.

Baark! would also like to thank Bahamas Air for their generous discount on the flights and the Lady Emerald for the discounted fare to transport the Baark! truck.

 

 

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

Signs and Treatment for Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

 

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

·   Vigorous panting

·   Dark red, dry gums

·   Stumbling and lack of coordination

·    Laying down and unwilling to get up

·    Collapse and/or loss of consciousness

·    Thick saliva

·    Dizziness or disorientation

·    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

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

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

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

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

·   Offer a bowl of cold water for drinking.

·   Seek the advice of a veterinarian

Baark! On ...Hot Weather Tips for Dogs

Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness

 

Hot weather tips for Dogs

 

Hot weather can be dangerous for our dogs. Dogs lack the ability to cool off as effectively as is often required. Since we live in the Bahamas, known for our often soaring temperatures we dedicate this column to helping our canine friends stay safe in the heat.

Dogs cooling off in the shade after a long walk.

1.       Water, water and more water.  Dogs can dehydrate very quickly. In the hot weather dogs need access to plenty of water. Be sure to check the bowls a few times a day to ensure a constant supply of fresh water.

2.       Shade, shade and more shade. Think about it, if you get hot while in the sun what do you do? Chances are you seek shade and feel the instant difference. Dogs require the same thing and need access to a shaded and ventilated area if they are kept outside.

3.       Limit your dog’s exercise to cooler portions of the day.

4.       Remember dogs are much closer to the ground than we are, standing on the hot asphalt street will heat up the dog faster than it does us. Be mindful and if choose grassy areas over the pavement to stop during your walk.

5.       Groom your dog regularly. This not only helps prevent flea and tick problems but it helps thin out the dogs hair which can trap heat. Dogs can get sunburn so avoid shaving off their hair; instead keep their coat shorter in the hotter months.

6.       Bring your dog inside your home during the hottest hours of the day.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Baark! On Writing contest runner up!

Writing Contest runner up.

This beautiful adoption story came to us through our writing contest. We were so thrilled to hear that even after writing her story, there was a part two to the adoption. Read and enjoy. Thank you to Chiara Anderson for lending her writing skills and adoption tales to us!

 

I first met Meowth when she wondered into our front yard hungry and lonely. She was so thin and frail-looking. I fed her, gave her a drink and a rub. The next day, she pounced her way into my heart and has been a part of my family ever since. Life has certainly changed since meeting Meowth.

 

 

About two months after Meowth adopted us, we adopted Tink . I found Tink through BAARK as a result of entering this essay competition and decided to adopt him since Meowth started to get bored with her wrestling buddy (my arm). Tink had been hit by a car and broken his hip. As a result, he was extremely timid but needed a lot of TLC.

 

Tink and Meowth did not get on well at first. Meowth was aggressive and playful while Tink was shy and still trying to recover from his injuries. Those first days and nights were really draining as I didn't want Meowth to further injure Tink, but I learnt that they needed to figure out their relationship. To make matters worse, Meowth started ignoring and avoiding me. I felt like I was the mother of a rebellious teenager! Not to mention that Tink became very clingy towards me.

Meowth’s attitude ended the night Tink snuck outside and didn't return home. Meowth whined and couldn't nap. She missed her little bro. The next afternoon we went on a hunt and found him hidden really well. He was a little cold and frightened but felt better as soon has he got inside. Meowth began grooming him right away and started to play instead of swatting. That's when I started to breathe a sigh of relief.

Today, Meowth is part big sis, part mom and part best friend to Tink. Meowth is now teaching him how to hunt and Tink goes outside but can now find his way back home.

Tink's hip also healed pretty quickly after getting out and becoming more active. He's still a bit timid but is slowly coming around. It helps that Meowth is around to teach him the ropes - she isn't afraid of anything.

 

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