Press Release – Saga Humane Society – October 7, 2014 – 
Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) students were all ears on Monday as they learned what it means to be humane during a fun filled presentation from the Saga Humane Society Humane Education team lead by Sandie Betz-Eisenberg and Cynthia Kyles. When asked what does every cat and dog need every day, student’s hands shot to the sky, and different answers were shouted in excitement. Miss Viani’s class decided it was “food, water, medicine and a good home” that all animals need every day. And some shouted the perfect answer – love.
The students learned about the importance of being a good dog and cat owner, what Saga Humane Society does, and what to do if they see an animal that is sick or being abused. “Call Saga”, they yelled. “It is heartwarming to know that so many of the students already know what Saga is and where we are located”, said Kathy Marin, Saga Director of Animal Well-Being. “Humane education and learning to be kind is the key to being a good pet owner and a great neighbor. It is our mission to promote kindness and prevent cruelty, and sharing our program with the kids is the first step toward making that happen”.
The interactive presentation that lasted nearly 40 minutes highlighted kindness to animals and each other, and the importance of spaying and neutering all the animals on the island. Students learned that you should never buy a puppy or kitten, when there are already so many animals in San Pedro without good loving homes. They agreed that the best way to get a pet was to adopt one from Saga. By the end, many of the students answered the question of “what do you want to be when you grow up?” with the simple answer; pet doctor.
To round out the afternoon all students were able to pet and touch Sheila the Service Dog handled by Cynthia Kyles, and were given prizes for their enthusiastic participation. They were also invited to attend the Saga Spooktacular Halloween Party being held on Sunday October 26th from 11 am to 5 pm at Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar where they plan to participate in the many games and contests including face painting, and paw & palm reading. One student even said he would be entering the Pet/Owner Look-A-Like contest.
ABOUT SAGA Humane Society
Saga Humane Society was founded in 1999 to monitor and control the cat and dog populations on Ambergris Caye. Through assisted cost spay/neuter, adoption, and the humane education program, Saga improves the general health and well-being of domestic and wild animals on Ambergris Caye.
Saga Humane Society is the only non-profit, non-governmental organization, on Ambergris Caye established to prevent animal cruelty and replace it with kindness to all animals. Saga, a full service hospital, and in house pharmacy, provides medical care and shelter to animals in need and subsidizes veterinary care for low-income families. Saga operates the island’s only non-profit veterinary clinic, conducting ongoing spay/neuter and vaccination campaigns, animal adoption and public education programs.
Future plans include the construction of a permanent animal clinic/education center in Ambergris Caye, Belize, furthering the SAGA mission of attaining a long-term solution to end animal abuse, neglect and overpopulation.
