It’s that time again!  The Natchez Adams County Humane Society is gearing up for a busy fall.  Bark In The Park will be this Saturday at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Admission is $4 per person and children under the age of six get in for only a $1.  Dogs will have the opportunity to compete in the following contests — Cutest Puppy (limited to puppies up to 4 months old,) Most Handsome, Most Beautiful, Most Talented, Best Mutt, Best Costume, Best Smile and Best Tail Wag.  Dogs that have been adopted from our local shelter can also compete in the Mr. NACHS or Miss NACHS competition.  There will be T-shirts and refreshments for sale, as well.

The Monday after Bark in the Park, we will begin our second annual Lil Dagos’ fundraiser.  During the week of Sept. 22-28, we are asking all of our supporters to visit Lil Dagos’ Café in the Fred’s Shopping Center for a sit down or take out meal.  Be sure to tell your server that you are there for the humane society fundraiser as soon as your order is taken.  Lil Dagos’ will donate a portion of the cost of your meal to the shelter.  Please tell all of your family, friends and coworkers about this opportunity to enjoy a great meal and support a needy cause at the same time.  Thanks to the Mascagnis for their support of our shelter!

Our special thanks goes to Stine Lumber and their Natchez staff for the Adoption event that they sponsored for the humane society in August.  Nineteen adoptions were arranged at that event, and more than $1,500 was collected.  Thanks to all of the Stine’s customers who made monetary donations or who donated supplies.

The Natchez Adams County Humane Society has lots of other events coming up before the end of the year.  Watch for The Scoop newsletter to arrive in your mailbox soon, if you are one of our humane society members. It will list the details of all upcoming events and the many ways you can support the shelter. If you are not on our mailing list, please send your contact information and annual membership fee of $15 for individuals or $20 for a couple to P.O. Box 549 Natchez, MS 39121, and you will begin receiving our newsletter with information about all of our events throughout the year.

Every day is a struggle to provide a temporary home and care for the hundreds of animals that are dropped off at a shelter that is rapidly deteriorating. Food costs, utilities, medical care, medicines, and labor costs all continue to rise.  Without the help of our many supporters, there would be no shelter.  If you have made a donation or supported our cause by attending a fundraising event, we thank you.  If you have given of your time and talents to help us with an event, we thank you.  If your group has collected money or food or supplies for the animals, we thank you.  Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these animals that didn’t ask to come into this world, but they are here and are our responsibility.

We have great hope that a new shelter will be built in the near future.  We will need the help of ALL in our community who love animals to make that hope a reality.  Donations to the NACHS Building Fund can be sent to PO Box 322 Natchez 39121.  As always, we ask that you do the responsible thing and have your pet spayed or neutered to prevent overpopulation.  Thanks for your continued support!

Susan Mingee  is a board bember of Natchez Adams County Humane Society