In the midst of financial crisis, in the wake of natural disasters and on the brink of an unknown political future, everyone needs a good tummy scratching.

If you are a pet owner, you’ve likely seen just how much a good rub can mean to your critter. They lay back, throw their heads to the side and simply enjoy.

But almost as great as that enjoyment for the dog or cat, is the way the rub makes the owner feel.

For centuries, pets have been a source of therapy, stress relief and pleasure for humans in need.

And for four years starting in 1979, Tripod was just what Natchez City Hall needed.

The three-legged cat adopted the building and its occupants, and Mayor Tony Byrne handled the tummy scratching.

Many living in Natchez at the time remember when Tripod died in 1983. The news couldn’t help but hurt your heart a little.

But now, 25 years later, Tripod is going to bring good into the world again.

The city’s kitty and his faithful sidekick Tony Byrne are doing some fundraising for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

At 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9, Byrne will lead a memorial for Tripod in front of city hall. Donations are encouraged, and Tripod will surely smile down from kitty heaven.

The animal shelter here is in horrific shape. What better reason to donate than in memory of a three-legged, toothless, politically minded kitty that liked a good belly rub?