Please allow me a moment to share with you all the exciting things happening with the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society. First, we will break ground on our new state-of-the-art shelter in the upcoming months. We will have a wonderful facility with more room and a healthier environment for the animals and the people who come there to adopt or volunteer. We are thrilled about where this is headed! We have several events planned to show off our plans to the public and give you all the opportunity to watch us grow!

Did you know there are shelters in this country without enough animals? I, frankly, was shocked to learn that. This year our commitment to taking great care of our shelter residents in spite of the inadequacy of our current building, together with our ability to quarantine pets at a separate facility on Wall Street, has allowed us to participate in a transport program which has moved over 500 of our shelter residents to other shelters in areas of the country where their chances of adoption are GREATLY improved.

Of course, these projects come at a price and our participation is only possible due to the unwavering support of our community. We hope to make your financial support of our progress even easier by providing an automatic draft program where $19 a month can be automatically drafted from your account. Sign the form and we take care of the rest. Debit authorization forms can be downloaded from our website at www.natchezpetadoptions.org

But it’s not just about money. There are many ways you can assist.

First and foremost, if you are not a breeder and there is no reason for your animals to remain intact, please get them spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters and control the population at our shelter. Next, consider becoming a foster family. Foster families are needed for single animals and for litters on a short-term basis. The costs you incur in food, supplies or medication may be tax deductible. Do you like road trips? Volunteers are desperately needed to help drive our pets to other shelters or to take pets to meet the transport truck.

Can you walk a dog? Our big dogs need the exercise. It could be a project for a school organization, an individual endeavor or a Sunday afternoon family fun time. The dogs will appreciate it. For more information on becoming a foster family, participating in the transport program or dog walking, please contact us by email at natchezpetadoptions@gmail.com

We also need basic operating supplies — wet and dry food, paper towels, bleach, Pine-Sol and such. Grab a couple of things next time you go shopping and drop them off at our shelter.

Don’t want to go to the current building? I understand. It is not where any of us want it to be. We have a wish list on amazon.com for all of the above named items, and you can have it shipped directly to the shelter. You’ve helped without ever leaving the comfort of your home and UPS will do the heavy lifting for you.

Business owners, consider choosing a day and pledge to donate a percentage of every item that you sell on that day. It may not sound like a lot, but every little bit helps. Let us know beforehand and we’ll do all we can to help promote it.

If you missed the gist of this piece, we need your help. The animals need you. They count on us to do all we can to make their lives better. That is our mission. But we can’t do it alone. This is an exciting time for the shelter. Any assistance you can give will most definitely be appreciated. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

 

Deanne Tanksley is a Natchez-Adams County Humane Society board member.