Winners of Look-a-Like contest, Jim & Buddy - photo by Harriette Fisher

    "This year, we focused on the fun in fundraising," commented Saga Humane Society Chairperson Eileen Jamison. "The wonderful amount of support we received from the San Pedro community made this an easy task!" she added.   

    Jubiland Gifts and Party Supplies provided decorations for the event, which featured beautiful balloons adorning the archways, and decorative animal-shaped balloons displayed on every post inside the San Pedro Lions Den. Barbecue, raffles, games, music and the dog show entertained those attending, but an all-day Grand "Cheap" Sale raised the majority of funds (over BZ$3,000) to benefit this organization, which provides such a valuable community service. Many wonderful prizes, donated by several local businesses, were given away after the dog show (winners may call The San Pedro Sun for more information on collecting their prize).

    The most awaited event of the day was the Dog Show, where dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes competed for a variety of categories. A most distinguished panel of judges provided their expertise in this field, namely Amber Ayala, Magdalena Wendling, and Madison Kjorlien.

     Packed to capacity, the crowd that filled Lions Den anxiously waited to see which of "Man’s Best Friends" would earn the respect they deserved. Of the eighteen dogs that entered the competition, ten won blue ribbons and prizes in each of the following categories: Cutest - "Candy" – Owner Krista Paz, Waggiest Tail – "Pepe" – Owner Harriette Fisher, Smallest – "Piglet" – Owner Michele Nuñez, Biggest – "Olymp" – Owner Jurgen Janz, Best Trick – "Buddy" – Owners Jim and Marie McGrath, Best Costume – "Nina" – Owner Judy Vidrio, Look-a-Like – "Buddy" – Owners Jim and Marie McGrath.

    Additionally, a last minute decision was made by the judges to award more than one dog as "Best of Show" (an audience pick). The winners were as follows: 1^st Place – "Pepe" (Owner Harriette Fisher), 2^nd Place – "Missy" (Owner Davelle Garratt), and 3^rd Place – "Princessa" (Owner Sari Frank). Mid-show, a surprise category for Most Obedient was announced as Alexandra Nicholson and her very life-like dog, "Snarly," took center stage for a performance that resulted in much laughter from the audience. Other comic relief came in the form of the Best Trick when "Buddy the Firefighting Dog" demonstrated his technique at putting out fires. Several wonderful costumes made choosing a winner a tough task for the judges. "Nina the Bandita" was named the winner but other entertaining entries included "Babe the Angel" (Owner Kathy Marin) who danced around on stage, and "Gypsy the Mop" (Owner Sami Blouin).

   Saga Humane Society takes this opportunity to thank everyone who, in one way or another, helped make this year’s Fundraiser/Dog Show such a success, including the many individuals who donated items for the "cheap sale," and the following Businesses: Ambergris Jade Museum, Amigos del Mar Dive Shop, Banana Beach Resort, BC’s Bar, Belizean Arts, Blue Water Grill, Bowen & Bowen, Caramba Restaurant, Caribbean Connection Internet, Castillo’s Hardware, Caye Management, Coconet Internet, Crazy Canucks, Elbert Greer, El Divino, Fido’s Funsports, Fido’s Restaurant, Isla Bonita Designs, Isla Bonita Family Fitness Center, Island Dog Art, Island Mini Golf, Jaguar’s Rehab Lounge, Jaguar’s Temple Nite Club, Lagniappe Provisioning, Maruba Jungle Spa Resort, Mata Chica Resort, Mayan Princess, Pampered Paws, Papi’s Diner, Paradise Found Belize, Pauly’s Pizza, Rice & Roll Restaurant, Rico’s Restaurant, SailSports Belize, Sew What?, Stained Glass Pub, TMM Bareboat Vacations, The Emerald Mine, The San Pedro Sun, Wet Willy’s Cantina & Grill, and Xanadu Resort.

    The Society also extends its most heartfelt appreciation for all of the hard work put forth by the following Volunteers: Julie Babcock, Drew Branson, Inga Brereton, Sari Frank, Carol Langlois, Ingrid Lima, Rebecca McDonald, Melanie Paz, Mary Pugh, Laurie Smith, Judy Vidrio, Susan Martin, and Kate Vincent.

    Also, special thanks to the following for their kindness and generosity: the San Pedro Lions Club, the San Pedro Town Council, Mr. Efrain Guerrero Jr., Advance Advertising Ideas, Gecko Graphics, Caribbean Connection Internet, Milo’s Ice Factory, Caribbean Villas, Santiago Castillo Ltd. (Mr. Santino), Harmouche’s Center, San Pedro Supermarket, Sharon Boyd, and Dave Hauptli. In addition, special hugs and kisses to "Mutley," a true Saga dog and the most adorable mascot who inspires the Society directors in their tireless efforts to accomplish Saga’s goals. 

    Finally, kudos and the most worthy of accolades to Saga’s Working Board of Directors: Mary Hawthorne, Kathy Marin, Eileen Jamison and Simon Backley, as well as Clinic Manager Ingrid Lima, who dedicate themselves each and every day to fulfilling the Society’s motto, "Preventing Cruelty and Promoting Kindness to All Animals."