By Nita McCann

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Supporters of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society said Friday they are excited a new, much larger shelter is on the horizon.

Board member Deanne Tanksley and Vice President Sue Stedman briefed Friday Forum attendees on the new shelter, which is located on Liberty Road near the current building.

Friday Forum, sponsored by the Natchez Adams County Chamber of Commerce and Alcorn State University, is hosted each Friday at the Natchez Coffee Company.

“Right now, we’re looking at a completion date in early June,” Stedman said.

The current shelter is 900 square feet, but the new one will be 5,000 square feet.

“It will be like moving into the Taj Mahal,” Stedman said. “The shelter we’ve got now has been good to us, but it’s reached the end of its useful life. Hopefully, the new shelter will last us a good 40 years.”

They also took the opportunity to push for more volunteers and supporters for the organization.

In addition to making financial donations and adopting animals, Tanksley said, “We need volunteers for everything: to handle our cat adoption days, walk dogs and clean kennels.”

Donations of cleaning supplies, pet toys and pet food are welcome.

The public can visit the group’s website at natchezpetdonations.org to see adoptable pets, a list of supplies that are needed, how to volunteer and more.

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Another way to contribute to the cause is simply to spay or neuter your pets.  According to Tanksley, “If two dogs aren’t fixed, in 10 years you’ll have 8,388,606 dogs.”