So the stage is set, the decision is taken, you are going to get a (or another) dog.

The first image that comes to mind is that cute, sweet, wiggly, small and totally irresistible puppy…Puppies that come in all shapes, colours and sizes…Floppy eared, bat eared, small eared, pointy eared, flat eared, with myriad tail types: long, whippy, short, stubby…but all waggy, accompanied by a licky tongue and an ability to snuggle that is totally disarming!

 I know, only too well, been there done that…in fact I have three adolescent Potcakes in the house as I write this, because last year my family and I fell prey to the irresistible charm of these rescued puppies who needed homes!...sharp puppy teeth and all!

My house proudly displays the scares of this ambush on peace and quiet. My shoe selection is greatly diminished, the arm of the new sofa, in my den, hastily sewn up now sports a throw cover made of   Indian fabric. The carpet in the T.V. room has been drenched more times than I can tell because Boss firmly believes that if he digs in the water bowl frequently enough he WILL reach Australia! There are puppy gates everywhere you look. Yes, we have three young dogs in the house! The two adult dogs (four and five) sit back with a disapproving look on their faces when I discover that yet another personal favourite has fallen prey to   the antics of my teenager pups!

Now picture this:

At the Shelter today we have 50 adult dogs. Mature dogs, who have grown out of a lot of those frustrating and naughty habits.

We have 50 animals who are literally begging for a home. Some of them have had such a tough time of life so far that when you approach them the take a step backwards, convinced that you are surely going to yell at them, or hurt them or make an angry gesture. Just imagine how dreadful it must be to fear all humans…how the trust of the natural friend of man must have been abused for these dogs to be afraid of us…we are supposed to be a team, that’s why God created companion animals!

Some of the other dogs in the shelter came from loving homes!!! Yes loving homes, who for some reason or another just did not want their canine family member any more…Some of the reasons that these sweet trusting faces are given up is just a crying shame…barks to much, scratches too much, doesn’t bark enough, too lazy, too energetic, too much work…Opps ! sorry, almost forgot!   Needs to be fed and walked, and brushed!   What do people think they have here a stuffed toy from Toys R Us? Of course, they need to eat, walk and be brushed, of course they scratch bark and demand attention…they are living, breathing creatures!   I have seen the look on those trusting faces when the owner “drops them off “ forever…We are left holding the leash as the previous owner hops into their car and drives off, no more worries…The dog broken hearted has no idea why he is here at the shelter. We have to cheer him up, or at least try to!

These magnificent, handsome, adult dogs are all available for you to choose from. They are ready and able to protect your home with a faithful resolve that comes from the fact that they WILL know that you have saved them. They will be grateful for the rest of their lives to the kind soul who opened up their hearts and homes to a dog in need. Many of them have had some training and are already house trained. But even if not the Potcake learns very quickly and house training comes quite naturally!

There is nothing more faithful or protecting than a potcake at the gate. I know people have come to our house well before the doorbell rings. My pack of five dogs are the best security team I could ask for and shower me and my family with love and understanding.

The 50 dogs at the shelter need you to help them have a new life. It will all start with you deciding to take the first step. We do not want to put any of these beautiful, sweet, hopeful and deserving dogs to sleep…but, what is going to happen when we are so full that we literally cannot take in one more animal?

 Without the help of the general public, WITHOUT YOUR help, this WILL happen, and even though I have pledged that as President of the Bahamas Humane Society, I will move mountains, beg, borrow, and beseech, we are rapidly coming to the point of no return…Only you can make the difference. Adult dogs will remain free of adoption fees for the next week 31^st of October to the 5^th of November. House checks will remain in effect to ensure that you home is suitable for a dog (shelter, fencing and adequate space).

On behalf of the dogs at the Bahamas Humane Society I am begging and beseeching you to PLEASE take in one adult dog, in essence, you will ultimately save a life. Time and space IS running out! You don’t need to move mountains, just please give   an adult dog a home before it is too late!

About the author: Kim Aranha grew up in the Berry Islands with her first dog, a beloved potcake named “Friendly” (who was anything but!). First educated at home, and then in boarding school in Switzerland, Kim moved to Rome, Italy in 1974 to pursue a career in the dramatic arts and ended up working as an interpreter. She moved back to The Bahamas in 1980, and now lives in Nassau with her husband Paul, and their two grown sons. Kim has 5 dogs, 2 goldfish, 12 fresh water  turtles, 1 Asian box turtle and 3 Budgerigars. Her idea of relaxing is being home to take care of all her pets. Kim is President of the Bahamas Humane Society, and serves on the board of BREEF, and is co-chairman of the Bahamas Sea Turtle Conservation Group. Kim can be contacted at berryislandgirl@gmail.com