NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society is working to keep the less fortunate furry friends of Natchez safe and warm this Christmas season.

Humane Society Director of Operations Sarah Wees said the shelter currently houses approximately 100 four-legged companions, most of which are up for adoption.

“We have some mother dogs who are nursing newborns,” she said. “(The puppies) will be ready in a few weeks, but everyone else is available.”

Wees invites prospective adopters to come to the facilities to meet the dogs, take them on walks, and meet with adoption counselors about adding a new member to the family.

“Our job is not only to find the right pet for the adopter, but also to find the right person for the animal,” Wees said.

Animals come to the humane society shelter when their owner surrenders them or as strays brought in by residents or area law enforcement.

The shelter is not classified as a no-kill facility, but Wees said the society’s euthanasia rate is very low.

“We only put down animals who are medically or behaviorally unadoptable,” Wees said.

The humane society shelter has specific needs in the coming months, including supplies and volunteers’ time.

“We need volunteers,” Wees said. “People are busy during the holidays, and we don’t have as many people volunteering.”

Volunteers can apply by emailing volunteer@natchezpetadoptions.org.

Wees said volunteer duties at the shelter include walking dogs and socializing with cats.

The humane society also is in need of food, toys and bedding.

“Bedding is especially important for dogs in the colder months,” Wees said.

Monetary donations to the humane society can be made at natchezpetadoptions.org, or checks made out to NACHS can be mailed to P.O. Box 549, Natchez, MS 39121. Donations of supplies can be dropped of at the shelter at 475 Liberty Road.