At certain times of the year we at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society see a drastic increase in the number of animals that come through our doors, and along with the increase in animals comes an increase in our needs.

Now is one of those times. As of this week, we have over 50 dogs, 60 puppies, a dozen cats and 65 kittens all waiting desperately to be adopted by someone like you.

Sometimes it is a little difficult for you to coordinate your schedule with the hours at our shelter, so we have come up with an idea to make it easier for you, and at the same time let the public see what wonderful little creatures come through our shelter.

We are holding our first public adoption, and bringing the animals to you.

The management and employees of Stine Lumber have reached out to us, and we are pleased to announce that the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society will be holding our first public adoption Saturday, inside the front door of Stine.

We will be there from 10 a.m. until mid-afternoon. We will be there with lots of puppies, dogs, cats and kittens, all of which are available for adoption.

Please come and bring the family, as this is a commitment for the animal’s life. You will be able to choose and adopt the animal, or animals, that most touch your heart.

Even if you are not in a situation to adopt right now, please join us anyway. Who doesn’t benefit from holding a warm cuddly puppy? There will be cages and fences set up so that you will have plenty of room to play and interact with the animals.

For those who adopt on Saturday, the new puppy or kitten will then be returned to the shelter for his or her final exit exam and you will be able to pick them up on Monday. For adult dogs and cats, the time may be slightly longer due to the spay and neuter required for adoption.

In addition to hosting our first adoption, Stine has agreed to be a drop off point for any items that are on our need list, and they have these lists posted, just in case you want to purchase some of these items while you are there.

Also, if you make a contribution you will have a “paw” with your name on it posted on the front wall of the store.

Remember, the cost to adopt a dog or puppy is $45, and the cost to adopt a cat or kitten is $35. Both of these fees include the cost of spaying or neutering your new pet.

All animals adopted from us must be spayed or neutered as soon as possible.

Teresa Harrison is a member of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.