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Project Potcake: Helping Dogs in Need

Read about the important work Dr. Harvey's is doing to help dogs in need with their Project Potcake initiative!
Written by Rachael Sando

For those of you who are not familiar with Dr. Harvey’s, it’s time you get to know a little more about what they do and WHO they are.

The logo for Dr. Harvey's - a leader in the natural pet food space.

What They Do…

Dr. Harvey’s is a manufacturer of all-natural dog food, treats, herbal supplements, and grooming aids. These products are founded on the principle that fresh, organic, holistic, and natural ingredients improve the health and well-being of the companion animals that we love and care for. With the idea that “health starts in the kitchen,” Dr. Harvey’s practices what they preach and gives pet parents the resources they need to support this mission. Over the next several months, Dr. Harvey’s has committed to working alongside us to help share their 30 years of nutritional expertise in order to help our readers make healthy choices for their best friends.

Who They Are…

As if educating pet parents about nutrition (and providing our loved pups with healthy, wholesome food, treats, and grooming products) wasn’t enough, Dr. Harvey’s is also committed to giving back! They regularly supports animal rescue and welfare causes. Most recently, Dr. Harvey’s has connected with a shelter in Abaco, Bahamas which is doing great things for dogs in need.

Why Bahamas? Its all about the Potcakes.

Potcakes are indigenous dogs of the Bahamas whose name comes from the congealed rice and pea mixture that forms on the bottom of cooking pots and has traditionally been fed to these dogs. As a mixed breed dog, the appearance of the Potcake can vary widely, however, many share physical features which include a smooth coat, cocked ears, and a long face. Potcakes are described as an intelligent, loyal, calm, and hardy dog.

The Problem

Despite the introduction of many spay and neuter programs in their native land, the Potcake still suffers from overpopulation and the resulting health consequences – starvation, illness, and premature death. Though a paradise in many respects, Abaco, Bahamas is not immune to potcake overpopulation.

 

Thanks to a group of committed volunteers, The Abaco Shelter is helping these dogs in need; rescuing, housing, feeding, and caring for each of them. Despite their selfless actions and heroic efforts, as the only shelter on the island and no government funding, the resources of the Abaco shelter are stretched thin. It is a constant struggle to buy the food, medicine, and supplies that are needed to care for stray potcakes.

A group of Potcake Dogs at the Abaco shelter in the Bahamas.

Project Potcake

The problem is big and the consequences of not acting, dire.

Inspired by the amazing and dedicated people at The Abaco Shelter, Dr. Harvey’s started Project Potcake to raise awareness and funds to aid in the rescue efforts. Dr. Harvey’s President/CEO, Wendy Shankin-Cohen, will soon be traveling to Abaco to bring supplies to the shelter. She will also be working alongside filmmaker, Evelyn Vaccaro to create a documentary with the hope of raising awareness about the immediate needs of these dogs and the Abaco Shelter.

Dr. Harvey's is hosting a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the Abaco Shelter in Abaco Bahamas. Please consider making a donation to help these sweet Potcake dogs!

GoFundMe!

In addition to the documentary, a GoFundMe crowd funding project has been started that will help to raise the money that is so desperately needed to support the cause.

Donate to Project Potcake  

Anyone and everyone who can spare $5 can contribute toward the cause of supporting the housing, medical care, and food that is needed to provide the most basic care to these dogs.

The Potcake Dog Rescue in Abaco Bahamas is always in need of donations and supplies to support their mission!

Help and Receive a Thank You Coupon from Dr.Harvey’s

When you donate a minimum of $5 to the Project Potcakes – GoFundMe campaign, you will receive 15% off + FREE shipping on your entire order from DrHarveys.com! Simply email your donation confirmation to info@drharveys.com and they will email you back a special coupon code to use on the website!

A sweet puppy at the Potcake Rescue in Abaco Bahamas.

Can I help in other ways too?

You can! Though we would love for anyone who is able to make a donation to do so, everyone, no matter their financial situation, can help by sharing this post or the Project Potcake – Go Fund Me page on social media to help spread the word!

Together we can make a difference for dogs in need. Please help so that the good work of the Abaco Shelter can continue!

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About the author

Rachael Sando

Rachael is a School Psychologist with degrees from the University of Rochester and RIT. Though a lifelong dog lover, this passion has taken on a new direction through the utilization of therapy animals in her day job. Charlie, our Golden Retriever, works with Rachael as a school therapy dog in a local primary school where he brings comfort and support to students and staff on a daily basis.

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