Caribbean Potcakes Come to the Lowcountry!

Eunoia Rescue has teamed up with two other organizations to bring the Caribbean to the Lowcountry!

WRITTEN BY: HALI SELERT, STAFF WRITER

In early August, Eunoia Rescue partnered with Caribbean Canine Connection (CCC), a group based in Connecticut, to rescue island dogs from the Caribbean, primarily the British Virgin Islands through PAW BVI.

Kristen Gaskins, owner of The Longboard – Sullivan’s and The Longboard – STJ, USVI, reached out to Alison and Kevin Driscoll, co-founders of CCC, to offer flight volunteer services as she frequently flies from Charleston to the Caribbean for business. Alison and Kevin were excited at the opportunity to regularly get dogs off of the islands, but were nervous as they didn’t have any Charleston rescue connections. The Driscolls did some research and reached out to Eunoia Rescue to see if a partnership would be possible.

After a Zoom meet and greet and sharing rescue stories, Eunoia knew they wanted in. “It was evident from the start how passionate CCC is about saving the island dogs, or Potcakes/ Coconut Retrievers, as they’re lovingly called” said Nicki Shriver with Eunoia Rescue. The group was nervous about handling the logistical side of things, but luckily, Tash Ruscheinski with PAW

The first group of puppies from the Caribbean took flight in August to the Lowcountry

BVI, handled everything from having the animals vetted, to coordinating their ride to the USVI from the BVI, to getting them approved to fly.

The first set of Caribbean Castaways arrived to Eunoia Rescue on August 19 around 11:30pm. Six puppies from two different litters were the first of the CCC-PAW BVI-Eunoia Rescue partnership to get their freedom flight. All six puppies safely arrived and were immediately placed in foster homes to start learning proper socialization, how to be house dogs and to await their final vetting. The best part of the endeavor was that 13 more island dogs were able to take their places in the shelter/ foster homes in the Caribbean—meaning a total of 19 dogs were saved in the first attempt!

Since launching this partnership, Eunoia has taken on a total of 8 Potcakes and has plans to bring more stateside. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions, Eunoia is only able to help small or young island pups at this time. To be able to fly in cabin, a dog has to be under 20 pounds. Larger dogs can fly in the cargo hold, but this can only happen when temperatures are cool. Eunoia plans to get as many pups out as possible at this time and help the adults as soon as conditions are safe enough to do so. Eunoia Rescue also remains primarily dedicated to focusing on the animals in need in South Carolina shelters—they just know they can and should spread the love.

Eunoia, CCC, and PAW BVI want readers to know that there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available for those interested! PAW BVI and CCC are always looking for flight volunteers to bring animals back to the US. They won’t pay for or plan the human’s flight, but will organize and fund everything relating to the animal. Fosters are always needed at Eunoia Rescue! And of course, these babies need homes! If interested in getting involved in this amazingly fun mash up, please contact Eunoia Rescue at eunoiarescue.org. ■