myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Just returned from my second trip to Tobago and was once again disturbed by the plight of the stray dogs.
I urge any other concerned visitors or locals to visit the animal shelter by the Dwight Yorke stadium and perhaps make a donation towards their care. The shelter is full of dogs and cats needing homes. Some of the dogs have been there for years living in small pens.
Just 200 tt dollars would pay for a dog to be spayed or neutered. We took a bitch there to be spayed who was in a terrible state.
The shelter would also welcome anyone who would be happy to take some of the dogs out for walks or shampoo them.
The centre also needs medicated dog shampoo and thick gloves.
We took 2 dogs out for a walk who had been at the shelter for over 2 years. The dogs can be adopted and go to other countries. For more info about the animal shelter or adopting visit http://www.ttspca.org
The long term solution of course is to neuter or spay the dogs to ease the problem for the future. It's a terrible problem at the moment that could easily be solved with legislation and action.
I will never forget the pitiful site i saw at Store bay, a dog so emaciated its ribs and hips were visible through its skin.

There's also a donation box at the airport in the waiting room, but I'm not
sure if this money goes to Animal Shelter or another organisation.

Hi Anna,

I'm not sure if I have the right person here, but did you stay at Birdies Nest when you were in Tobago?

If so, my boyfriend and I were staying in one of the apartments below at the same time and you told us about going to the dog sanctuary!

Again, if I have the right person, you gave us a dog bowl and food for "puppy" - the beach dog we all came to know and love at Birdies. Finlay and I fed him until the end of our stay, and loved spending time with him! We did have a serious conversation about bringing him back, but as we currently live in a flat in Altrincham, it was just not viable. I can assure you that a few tears were shed when we left him behind, but Prince's relatives across from Birdie's Nest agreed to feed him, so we keep our fingers crossed that he's still well and being fed each night!

Please reply to this post if this is you - if it is "puppy" was doing great when we left, and had become very attached to us - if only for the bourbon biscuits and lots of patting!!

Mandy

Hi Mandy,
So nice to hear from you and learn that Puppy had a good week with you.
I knew i had left him in good hands with you two!
I did have secret hopes that you might get attached to him and bring him back
I am so glad you found someone local to feed him. Well done.
I heard sad news last week from the animal shelter.
The female dog we took in from the beach to get spayed ( i expect you saw her around-she was tan and white). Well...she had to be put to sleep as she had a vaginal tumour. So sad
Perhaps we saved her from a long and painful death on the beach...
When i go back next year to Tobago i will let you know if i see Puppy again.
Best wishes,
Anna

Finlay and I were convinced it was you Anna!

Sad news about the female pup, but as you say, you maybe did her some good.

Puppy had a great week running up and down the beach with us - except for the day Fin tried to give him a wash by throwing him in the sea - he went in the huff that afternoon! He also followed us up the beach to see our 3rd leatherback - who did lay eggs this time - and he sat beside us, quiet and as good as gold! You have no idea how close we were to bringing him back

We are also thinking of going back next year, but perhaps to a friend's villa - no doubt we will pop in and see if puppy is still there though!! Hope to see you again, and glad we could carry on your good work - it was a joy!

Mandy