Loves: Looking out the window

Hates: Cold feet

Favourite food: Cheese

Breed: Potcake.

Polly came all the way from St Lucia to find her forever family in snowy Canada. Her Mom tells us all about life with with a Potcake.

What is a Potcake?

Potcakes are from the Caribbean. They began as mixed-breed street dogs, but because island life is isolated, they have developed a consistent set of physical and behavioural traits. A potcake is recognized in certain places as a breed.

The name comes from a local Caribbean staple: peas and rice. When the rice is cooked in a large pot, a thick, crunchy crust often forms at the bottom. This “cake” at the bottom of the pot was traditionally scraped out and fed to the local street dogs. Eventually, the dogs themselves became known as Potcakes.

Potcakes are known to be healthy, smart and very loyal to their families although they can be shy at first.

How did you know about Potcakes?

A friend of mine told me about a friend of hers who volunteered with the Bruno Project St Lucia. I looked into the organization and had a great feeling about them. I think it was because the women who founded it are both Canadian and have an entire community of volunteers and fosters in Ontario. It felt right! The process involved an interview and was supposed to also involve an on-site visit but since it was 2021 and COVID regulations were still enforced, it all happened over video.

How did you find Polly in St Lucia?

I originally “fell in love” with another dog named Lisbet. She had left St. Lucia already and was waiting at a foster home. But the family who escorted her home fell in love with her on the trip and adopted her quickly. It was then I was sent many photos of other dogs who were waiting for adoption and Polly’s sweet face kept coming up!

It’s funny, when I asked about her, I was told she was a “mischievous” one. I took that as she was intelligent and would be our perfect fit – I was right! Her mischievousness was just puppy behaviour, to be honest. She was six months old and loved hiding shoes. Thankfully, she only ruined one pair.

Polly joined our family from St. Lucia December 20, 2021. Her “official unofficial” birthday is June 28. She was found August 28 and looked to be about two months old so her rescue gave her the birthday.

Polly’s most mischievous moment, I think, was an accident.

We had just returned from visiting neighbours in the summer for a BBQ. Polly stayed home but since we were just down the street, my oldest went home to keep her company and let her out in the evening. When we arrived home at midnight she asked to go outside again and we let her without a second thought.

This was definitely an example of us being naive first-time dog parents!

Polly was outside for maybe five minutes before asking to come in with a panicked high-pitched bark.

It was the immediate gag reflux that gave it away though.

Polly had found the neighbourhood skunk.

She was obviously upset and not feeling her best, so she did what any of us would do. Go to her safe space. Our bed.

As our family followed behind her screaming (a very chaotic scene) she ran upstairs and jumped on our bed. Meeting the chaos, with more chaos, she decided to go to her other safe space. Our youngest son’s bed.

Both of our beds were covered in skunk!

I gave her a bath and was up until 3 a.m. washing sheets, washing Polly, and calming her (and me!) down.

We got up early in the morning to the smell and remembered my in-laws were coming by for lunch! We opened all of the windows and contemplated going out to a restaurant instead.

In the end, we stayed home and washed anything Polly touched with a mix of vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and baking soda. It took months to get the smell out but thankfully Polly recovered quickly.

We learned our lesson though! Lights on and skunk check before late night pee breaks!

Polly:

It smelled weird but it also moved so I was curious. I crept closer and very slowly stretched my nose. BAM! My god what was that smell. And why wasn’t it going away. I was coughing and had a hard time barking to get back in. I was not going to hang out with that stinky thing.

My whole family did a lot of screaming that night. I just wanted to go to bed after meeting that horrible little creature. Instead my mom put me in the bath. What a night?!

What has Polly taught you?

Polly has taught me a level of patience I didn’t know I had haha! She’s my first dog and I wasn’t prepared for what having a dog meant in terms of what walks really mean. She hated her leash. Hates icy weather– fair enough she was born in the Tropics! She does not walk just because we are outside. She does not fetch– no matter how many hours we have spent saying “drop.”

I think Polly has taught my entire family about patience and love.

What it means to love something that can’t communicate with words but with actions. It has been sweet watching her with my kids, and witnessing them learn how to also be patient and loving.

What was it like bringing Polly home?

The biggest challenge was the new routine! Before Polly, our life was pretty routine already. Mornings and evenings revolved around the kids, school and work but Polly threw in her own spice and forced us to create new habits and routines very quickly! She won’t shy away from telling us when she’s hungry or wants a walk! And she sheds a lot more than we realized she would so cleaning is daily! It has helped with teaching the kids about responsibility.

I have a theory with dogs, you don’t always get what you want, but you do get what you need. The lessons you learn, the addition to your day. What did Polly show you that you never knew that you needed?

I am just very happy to have Polly as a part of my family. She’s been the perfect addition! It’s so fun to take her along with us for hikes, watch her get excited about squirrels, and even have a beef with a couple of neighbourhood dogs. There’s a silver lab on our street named Finn. Polly decided Finn is either terrible or she has a crush on him. We aren’t sure. When he passes by our window, she lets out a distinct bark that is only reserved for him. When she passes by his window, he does the same. I think they hate each other but when they meet in the park they’re fine! It’s such a funny dynamic. It’s something I never knew I needed until I had it.

Poached Snapper with smashed peas and crispy “potcake” rice for a family of 5

Ingredients:

5 Snapper fillets bones removed, skin on

1 large carrot diced

I celery stalk diced

I cup plain bone broth

5 cups Green peas

5 cups cooked and cooled (day old) rice

2 tablespoons of butter

Optional: Pea shoots and sliced red peppers for looks!

How to:

For the snapper:

• In a large frying pan, saute carrots and celery for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

• Add in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

• Add in the Snapper Filets, skin on. (Skin on increases the amount of Omega 3’s in your meal!)

• Let simmer until the flesh flakes apart easily.

• Remove the fish from the broth and let rest.

For the peas:

• Add peas to the broth and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

• Use a fork to gently mash the peas with the broth mixture.

Crispy Rice:

• Over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. (Oil can be substituted.)

• Add the rice and gently push into the pan. Let the rice sit in one spot for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown- and feels crispy.

• Gently turn the rice until you have enough crispy parts.

To plate:

• Place one cup of crispy rice on the plate.

• Place one fish filet on top of the rice.

• Spoon one cup of the pea mixture over top of the fish.

• Repeat until everyone’s plates are ready.

• Eat and enjoy with Polly!

Tip: If you don’t like fish skin, it’s very healthy for your dog. Lots of essential fats- hello Omega-3s- and nutrients. They will happily take it off your hands.