The first order of business was the election of a new board of directors. Before elections began, the chairperson read a letter from Marie Carroll announcing her reluctant resignation as director due to time constraints. It was then noted that long-time Saga volunteer Simon Backley had offered to fill this position, and those attending unanimously agreed to welcome him aboard. The remaining directors expressed their desire to retain their positions, which resulted in the following 2004 Saga Humane Society Board of Directors: Chairperson - Eileen Jamison, Vice Chairperson - Mary Hawthorne, Secretary/Treasurer - Judy Schreiner and Directors Kathy Marin, Simon Backley, Alberto Villanueva Jr. and Ramon Nuñez.

    As the first order of business, the Chairperson acknowledged that a lot of progress had been made, mainly because of the dedication of the board, a few Saga volunteers and a wealth of generous contributors. The Chairperson attributed the success of the Humane Society to the directors' commitment to Saga, its mission and goals. She expressed her appreciation for their understanding of Saga's philosophy and commended their ability and willingness to devote the time needed to achieve the Society's goals. The Chairperson concluded that the reason why Saga Humane Society functions so well was their willingness to learn and grow with the organization, respect for each others' viewpoints, and exceptional team work.

    As the next order of business, a review of the past year's major accomplishments was reviewed. The biggest and most exciting news was the permission granted for Saga Humane Society to use a piece of land owned by Mr. Richard Headrick, owner of Ramon's Village Resort. It was explained that this is a temporary, conditional lease of a lot, so that the Society can properly board stray animals. All agreed this was a milestone for the organization and would hasten the work on several projects that had been put on hold for too long.

    Other new business concerned the re-implementation of the Humane Education Program in San Pedro schools. It was announced that Volunteer Kathie Mantello and Director Eileen Jamison had just completed an eight- lesson course at Isla Bonita Elementary School. The Chairperson stated that another volunteer is needed if Saga is to continue this program next semester at another school and suggestions were made to recruit someone.

    Also announced was that a new sign had been erected at the clinic and four new doghouses had been built to shelter those awaiting adoption. This brought up the subject of the adoption records. The Chairperson proudly stated that almost all of the adoptions had been recorded in the computer and this information revealed that a total of 30 dogs/puppies and 12 cats/kittens were adopted in 2003. Other recorded statistics for the past year were reviewed, which showed that the following animals received services provided by the Saga Humane Society Veterinary Clinic during the year 2003: Canine: dewormed - 540, DHLPPv (Distemper and other annual inoculations) - 344, Rabies - 226, euthanasia - 24, castrate - 31, and spay - 46; Feline: dewormed - 112, FeVac (Distemper and other annual inoculations) - 67, Rabies - 63, euthanasia - 29, castrate - 21, and spay - 18; Birds: de-wormed - 11, mites - 5, feather picking - 1, deformed beak - 1; Guinea pig: dewormed - 1; and reptile: dewormed - 1.

    The Chairperson next reviewed the good working relationship the Society had established with San Pedro's newest Health Inspector, John Bodden. The results of the Free Rabies Clinic conducted during the previous two days revealed a tremendous increase in this year's vaccinations (242) when compared to the previous year (77), thought to be the result of mobile vaccination units. On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Health Inspector Bodden expressed his appreciation for Saga's assistance with this project. It was mentioned that it was this type of effort by the Society that would ensure harmonious relations. This led to a comment regarding appreciation for the continued amicable relationship that exists between the Humane Society and the San Pedro Town Mayor and Councilors, which allowed Saga to perform humane euthanasia in lieu of the previously accepted dog eradication program.

    A Treasurer's report noted that the monthly operating costs of the veterinary clinic were depleting Saga's savings, which are needed to finance the proposed animal shelter/education center. It was suggested that a fundraising meeting be scheduled for the near future to address this situation and the financial needs for an alternative site to house the clinic and animal shelter.

    All of those attending expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation for the services and care provided by Dr. Sheila Schmeling. Special recognition was also given to Ingrid Lima for her dedication "above and beyond the call of duty," over the past year as the manager of the Society's veterinary clinic. Saga members also acknowledged the fact that without founder Dr. Bronwen Eastwood's hard work and generosity many of these accomplishments would not have been possible.

    Many other items were tabled for further discussion. To this end, several members agreed to meet the following week to discuss plans for the newly leased land.

    Through this medium, the Board of Directors of Saga Humane Society would like to thank the following businesses who have continually been so generous with their time and services for the benefit of all animals on Ambergris Caye: Casado Internet, Tropic Air, Nellie's Laundromat, Castillo's Hardware, Fox Business Services, Caye Management, Gecko Graphics, Lagniappe Provisioning, Moncho's Golf Cart Rental, Pampered Paws, Santino's and The San Pedro Sun.