During the month of November, the SAGA Humane Society of San Pedro Town welcomed a couple of volunteer veterinarians who helped the local staff treat dozens of pets (cats and dogs). SAGA conducted free spay/neuter services and operated a mobile clinic in areas like San Pedrito and San Juan, where dozens of these animals benefited from their services.
On Thursday, November 26th, SAGA set a mobile clinic outside of La Isla Bonita Elementary School in the San Juan Area, where they treated several pets. Three days later, the team moved to San Pedrito where they treated 100 dogs and cats. The animals received vaccines (to prevent parvovirus, distemper, and rabies), were de-wormed, and given flea/tick preventatives. SAGA targeted these areas, as they are considered to have many pets.
Meanwhile, at SAGA’s Clinic on Sea Star Street, volunteer veterinarians lead by Dr. Donald Tummonds were working hard at spaying/neutering cats and dogs. According to SAGA, they managed to spay/neuter 50 cats and dogs against the odds of a long waiting list. Dr. Tummonds was happy to be back and help. The celebrated American veterinarian has volunteered at SAGA on previous occasions, as well as in other humane societies across Belize.
SAGA ended their November activities with two educational presentations, one at La Isla Bonita Elementary School and the other at Ambergris Caye Elementary School. These sessions educated students on how important it is to take care of their pets and prevent abuse. They also taught the young children the importance of having pets vaccinated and spayed/neutered.
The non-profit, non-governmental organization extends special thanks to Dr. Tummonds and the other volunteers for their invaluable help. SAGA is always grateful for every volunteer that assists them in any way they can. The institution is always open to donations to better serve the community. SAGA encourages people to visit them and walk one of their dogs. For every dog walked you get a half price specialty coffee plus a cookie from the Coffee Bar located on Barrier Reef Drive. The public is also invited to visit SAGA not only for their veterinarian services but also to pick a dog (or cat) and take it for a walk or start an adoption process as well.
Saga was established in 1999 with a mission to replace animal cruelty with kindness. Their goals are to provide medical care and shelter to animals in need, as well as funding veterinary care to low-income families. Saga operates the only shelter on Ambergris Caye, Fort Dog, and cares for those animals through the generous donations of Saga supporters. To learn more information on how you can adopt, or if you wish to donate to Saga Humane Society, you can call at 226-3266, or visit their website at www.sagahumanesociety.org. The clinic and shelter are open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM and on Saturdays from 9AM to 12PM.
