Area residents helping struggling animal clinic in Belize
Vacation led a Masontown woman to discover how to make a significant difference for the animals of a small Third World community.
To support a nonprofit veterinary clinic on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize, Mary Maykuth always takes with her some desperately needed veterinary and pet supplies each time she visits on vacation.
Maykuth found out about the struggles of the Saga Humane Society and Veterinary Clinic during her first few vacations to the western Caribbean nation.
The clinic operates with little income to meet the needs of the animals that it shelters as well as the pet population of Ambergris Caye.
“Pets are popular there, but they are not well taken care of,” said Maykuth, who now travels to Belize about twice a year with her husband, Frank Maykuth, who also is involved with helping Saga.
Many diseases that the animals contract are mosquito-borne, but diseases from ticks also are prevalent.
In addition to regular veterinary care, Saga was primarily started in response to the large, uncontrolled stray dog and cat populations. Previously, the populations were controlled with the use of poison. Saga’s goals were to monitor and control strays, prevent cruelty and promote kindness toward domestic and wild animals. It was the first stray animal shelter in the country of Belize.
Mary Maykuth began to take pet collars with her for Saga when she would visit the island.
“If they saw a dog with a collar, they wouldn’t poison it. While enjoying their country, it’s nice to give something back,” she said.
Once, a native noticed a bag of collars Maykuth had with her and asked if he could have one for his dog, Pedro. Later, Pedro recognized Mary Maykuth and went over to her sporting his new collar.
Saga is currently working to educate locals about their responsibilities as pet owners. They are proactive to stop the poisoning and to raise money for an animal control officer. There are animal control laws on the books but no one to enforce them.
It is difficult for them to raise money, Mary Maykuth said. Although many Americans help and the foundation possesses nonprofit status in the United States, Saga is not eligible for American grants.
The provision of means to achieve Saga’s goals remains of critical importance.
Mary Maykuth eventually spread the word about Saga to her friend, veterinarian Dr. Donald Tummons of Duck Hollow Animal Hospital in Menallen Township. Tummons began collecting new and used collars at Duck Hollow, which Maykuth and Tummons took to Belize themselves. Since then, Tummons has helped to gather other types of supplies that are urgently needed. He also has frequented Ambergris Caye to aid Saga as much as he is able.
“It is easier to take the supplies down than to ship them. The postal inspector will charge them before they let them even leave the building. People don’t realize what freedom is. We declare the items and take them with us, so we pay the tax. Not them. Like the good Samaritan. He didn’t just leave the guy in the inn. He paid for his care. That’s kind of what we do,” Tummons said.
Tummons said his work with Saga is an extension of his work with animal shelters in Fayette County.
“Every vet does their share, I hope,” he said.
Mary Maykuth and Tummons are aware of good causes at home, but their philosophy is that they are trying to give something back for what they are taking from being there, she said.
“You see this posh resort, and right next to it is a shack. There is real disparity there. The people are very kind. Their way of life depends on tourism, but it would be hard for them to see these people with all of this wealth while they’re doing everything they can just to feed their families,” Mary Maykuth said.
According to Saga’s website, it is believed that human health may be improved through Saga’s efforts by the reduction of infections from animals to humans. It also will help to reduce the exposure of the resident population to the poisons used to euthanize animals in the past.
To donate funding and new or used supplies, call Tummons at Duck Hollow Animal Clinic at 724-437-9900. The animal hospital is also a drop-off point for supplies. For a wish list, visit Saga’s webpage: www.ambergriscaye.com/sagasociety.