This is the time of year when we reflect on all of the good and somple acts of kindness that have blessed us for the past year. SAINTS has just finished our first year of official operation and it has been a year of excitement and challenges. In February, we moved into our temporary first home. We experienced floods and frozen pipes, faulty electrical systems and driveways that washed away in the night. March brough us charitable registration and tax status.

In early summer we had a hugh work party with friends that built outside cat porches, deluxe chicken areas, and safe rabbit compounds. Late summer brought friends again for a SPlash and Bath Grooming Party and with the fall came the Getting Ready for Winter Get Together. Ninetenn lucky, wonderful and deserving souls found either loving, permanent foster or adoptive homes outside the sanctuary.

Throughout the year, every step of the way, good friends have been here to ensure the animals of SAINTS have all they need, through work parties, food deliveries and fundraisers. Through letters, donations and emails of support from friends, known and unknown, we have been able to meet our mandate to provide a dignified and compassionate alternative for many senior and special needs homeless animals.

To top off this momentous year, we have finally found our permanent home. A three acre property in Mission has been purchased to give our animals, should they need it, a forever home. There are fields to play in, a pond to swim in, and a cosy home to rest those weary old bones at day's end.

Our sheep, Kissy, Annie and Baby Jack, and senior horse, Gideon, have a very well constructed barn, but our barnyard bird and rabbit areas will once again require reno's to make their new accommodations worthy to be called "home". The new site has buildings that are easily converted into playrooms for the animal and a feline leukemia area for affected cats.

We will also create educational facilities to bring about a sustainable and positive change in the attitudes surrounding senior and special needs animals within our society.

Amidst the excitement of change and growth, SAINTS has also suffered some huge losses. Eighteen of our very special friends moved past this world and beyond our care. Without your assistance, these souls may not have known warmth and love and compassion before they passed. Our windchime tree rings with the sounds of their passing songs.

We currently care for more than fifty cats, dogs, sheep, ducks, chickens, rabbits and, of course, Gideon, our lovely and ancient horse. We have truly become a multi-species sanctuary. Most of our animals come from dire circumstances, and the people who have worked together tirelessly to bring them into our care have been our greatest gift. The level of compassion, commitment and creativity of the staff and volunteers of various municipal pounds, private and public shelters and rescues in finding senior and special needs animals safe and respectful options through SAINTS or other alternatives has continually astounded us.

The movement to not only save these wonderful animals but to acknowledge and cherish their value is growing every day. Each day we feel the ripples in the pond of goodness that surround us. We feel it through our animals and we feel it through noble spirits in the human race. Because of them and because of you, 2005 was a very special year for us all.

In return, we ofer you our thanks and our greatest wish for a Happy Holiday Season and a New Year filled with joy. We hope you will soon come and visit all your special friends in their new home, they each have their very own special way of thanking you.

From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

The SAINTS Crew