There'd be an effect on both, Phil. But SPAH is far better equipped than SAGA is for veterinary procedures and care, and I know where I'd rather take my animal if there was something wrong with it.
Thats exactly the point Peter and thats why i dont understand why Ms Droke has gone to extreme measures to try to cause trouble for SAGA and damage them.
Now before I get called on the use of extreme measures I have read her words admitting to constant letter writing (I think 3 or 4 so far) to the licensing board reporting illegal activity etc etc, that takes a lot of effort and is obviously done to cause problems for SAGA which would ultimately benefit her financially and damage SAGA when the board takes action.
What she should of done marketing wise instead of focusing that negative effort on SAGA is ignore SAGA business wise and to grow her business slowly, gradually building good will and focusing on marketing that she has a state of the art vet clinic offering FIRST CLASS animal care, with a state of the art Animal hospital the only one on the island.
With her specialized equipment (that no other company has) and vetinary care, superior drugs etc etc I am sure a large amount of custom would cross over for perceived better care for the beloved Pet. just as you stated Peter (you know which vet you would use).
I would probably do so too as we can afford it.
By marketing her new business that way she would slowly gain her market share and over time things would of evened out between the 2 business's while staying positive and proffesional.
I am sure SAGA was not happy initially that she decided to open her own hospital as its competition where there has been none prior, so its understandable they were scared it was going to affect them and it will, but nobody can deny having a top knotch 1st class Animal Hospital on the island that offers many things that SAGA does not, that can only be a positive for the island.
I personally don't know Ms Droke and I am sure she is a very nice person based on other peoples comments however to try to take on a charitable organization that has done such good over the past 10 years and that has HUGE local support is well, suicidal irrelevant of the fact that they may of been cutting corners.
I am sure this will sort itself out and Ambergris Caye will have a choice for the Pet owner.
Gaz