stray dogs on Turtle beach

[Julia C.]

WOW, what a heart warming post James. Thanks it really cheered me up.

[Steve Wooler]

Here, here, Julia.

James, if you have any photos of Mummy and Sunday, please send to me and I'll post a nice one here.

[Anna M]

Well done James for bringing those dogs home and giving them a better life.You actually did what others like me only think about!
When i went to Sunday school in march this year, i noticed the awful conditons of the strays there in Bucco. They made the dogs on turtle beach look like pedigrees!
I would be very interested to know how you go about bringing a dog home, the cost of the flight and the stay in quarantine.At the moment, i am thinking my money would be better given to the shelter in Tobago as it would help more dogs than just one. But this may change....I was very shocked to learn from Steve that you rarely see the same dog twice when you go back the next year.What short miserable lifes they must lead.

[Steve Wooler]

Here are a couple of photos from James, showing that Mummy and Sunday appear to have more than settled in at their new home.

[James Blackshaw]

Steve and all,
Thank you for the kind words and for posting the pics.Not the highest quality I am afraid as taken with phone camera.

Anna you are probably right for now that any support for the TSPCA is the best option. They rely pretty well entirely on donations and the occasional bring and buy sales etc. The veterinary staff and the carers deserve all the help they can get.

We were worried about the length of time our dogs were going to be in kennels followed by the UK quarantine, but rest assured it is much better than almost certain death on the beach. They are well ajusted happy little dogs, who were grateful for full bellies and a roof over their heads.

When they arrived in England their condition was fantastic. The shelter did an amazing job. Contrary to English vetinary costs and quarantine cost which are exorbitant, a little bit goes much further in Tobago. So any gesture is well received.

It would help in time to encourage the airlines to reduce costs somewhat for rescue missions, and the Government including Tobago in the Pets Passport scheme. This would allow more to help without being completely overburdened by the cost.

One of the nicest things about having the dogs home is walking them passed neighbours in the village, who we did not know that well before and now chat to everyday.

Thank you again for the kind words. We have a fair menagerie at home and are just stupidly sentimental

[Kirsty U]

Does anyone know anything about transporting dogs out to Tobago??? Strange question you may think but I am currently looking into moving out there if possible and would like to do some work with the TTSPCA. However if it turns out that I can't take my boy out there with me then moving would not be an option! I go.... we go type thing!
Also any info generally on living out there, citizenship etc would be gratefully welcomed!
Life changes when we least expect it! And when we get a chance we should do what we can! Think positive, work hard at it and good things will happen. That's what I learned from a very special person out there! But you have to want it enough!!!

[Sharon E]

To import a dog to Tobago is easy, you get a form from the Ministry and allow them 3 months to process it. There is no quarantine so once they approve your application your dog can come. Because of bat rabies dogs have to have 6 months quarantine on return to the UK. The vet out here is great, he truly loves the animal and although limited resources he does his best for every animal. They are trying at the moment to join the PET scheme.

You are a bit more of a problem. Citizenship is extremely difficult to get even if you own a property you have to return to immigration every 3 months to get your passport stamped again. The only people I know that have got citizenship have there own companies and have been here for a very longtime, you have to be here 4 years before you can apply anyway, however, immigration do not let you stay indefinetly. I have some friends that have retired out here, in their own house who have just had to come back to England after 2 years and they cannot return for at least 3 months so do not count on being allowed to stay for as long as you want.

Work permits depend on what you are intending to do, and each case is viewed on their merits, but again these are extremely difficult to get unless employed by a company out here as they cann't fill the vacancy.

Best of luck, but look into everything thoroughly. Your dog is easy you just need to sort yourself out.

[Kirsty U]

Thanks Sharon!!!

That's sounds about right! In fact it's the story of my life!!! My dog has always been easier to find a home for than me!!!
I think it's those big brown sad eyes!!!!

Thanks very much for your help and advice! Which was so quick!

I just love the place so much!

And it would be great for the dog as he's allergicf to the grass out here!

Living near the sea would be so good for him! And me!

Now that I know he isn't a problem I will definately look into it all much more seriously!

Once again thank you so much!

Kirsty xxx