The document discusses a proposal to improve pet care, education, and veterinary services in Sarteneja Village, Belize through coordinated efforts. It notes that while most residents take good care of their pets, some are unable to due to unemployment, disabilities, or lack of education. The proposal involves providing education classes, crisis intervention for families in need, periodic health clinics staffed by local vets, and a pilot pet adoption program. Funding is requested to support treatments, surgeries, vaccines and supplies to improve the lives of pets in the village through education, medical care and humane treatment. Before and after photos illustrate the impact of the proposed support.

1. Improving Lives Supporting Pet Care, Education, and Veterinary Services in Sarteneja Village Belize, Central America

2. The Good news The good news is – something can be done RIGHT NOW to improve the lives of cats and dogs in the Village of Sarteneja Belize! The majority of the Community knows the right things to do for their pets (food, water, medications, pregnancy prevention, etc.) and wants to do them. A small % (who are often unemployed, disabled, elderly, under-educated), have pets which are underfed, unkempt, and pose health hazards to the entire community. But they want to take care of their pet also!

3. The challenges Sarteneja is remotely located on the seaside on the north/eastern most tip of Belize. Closest services (for people or animals) is 2 hours away by bus on an unmaintained road or 1-2 hours by boat (which is prohibitively expensive for locals). Community has approximately 400 families, who primarily speak Spanish, and most of whom have relied on fishing for their income. However, those sources are depleted and there are increasing numbers of unemployed. Even with the pressures to their livelihoods, the Community cares for and about their pets and animals - as protectors (cats and dogs) and providers (livestock).

4. Coordinated efforts A NEEDS ASSESSMENT has been completed which, along with interviews of local animal care worker, nurse, doctor, and Health Group, which confirmed the need and interest in the following: EDUCATION – Classes for Students and Adults with information on deciding to have a pet, treatment (how to hold, tie up, train), food options (puppies, kittens, sick animals), pregnancy prevention, and disease prevention. Interested Youths will be trained to provide the Classes on an ongoing basis. CRISIS INTERVENTION. Provide short-term support to families in crisis to help them keep their pets. Support would include education, food, and medications for three months and a health check.

5. Coordinated efforts HEALTH CLINICS. Services will be provided ON SITE and include examinations, surgeries, vaccinations, medication distributions. Students will help organize and provide logistics support during the Clinics. Clinics will be staffed by local vets and Humane Societies which will help establish those relationships for ongoing efforts. ADOPTIONS. Of 1-2 cats and 1-2 dogs if they unable to remain in the Village. This pilot will serve to determine what resources are needed/are feasible for adoptions going forward.

6. Please help us! For just a few dollars you can help us: Cure a dog of tick fever ($5) Treat a dog for fleas and ticks for a month ($10) Treat a dog for heartworm for a year ($12) Neuter a male dog* ($50) Spay a female dog* ($75) Provide vaccinations for a puppy* ($80) * priorities We also need: 1. Tweezers (for removing ticks which are a huge problem here, causes tick fever)2. Dog collars (mostly small and medium sizes)3. Tie outs (so people aren't using wire and boat anchors on their pets)4. (Meat flavored) dog treats5. Hair brushes & flea combs

7. Please help us! Go From this … (boat chain used to tie up dog)

8. TO this! This is Dora, she is about 2 years old. Her family didn’t understand she needed more food after having puppies and is also struggling financially (unemployed). Dora was tied up using a boat anchor chain. After education and crisis intervention, Dora is doing well. Thanks to support already received, she has been spayed, has a new collar and tie out.

9. Please help us! GO From this … This puppy, Grizzlie, has a form of mange which is easily treatable for just $1 per dose! Your donations ensure the medicine will remain available in the Village.

10. TO this! Puppy (that is his name) was successfully treated for mange with just 3 administrations ($3)

11. From this …

12. TO this! Taki now has a collar and brush and is getting checked regularly for fleas and ticks

13. Improving lives with collars & tie outs with medicines thanks for your support!! with brushes & flea combs

14. Improving lives with spays & neuters with education with LOVE!!! thanks for your support!!