NATCHEZ — A 1-year-old hound dog is the center of an early Christmas miracle at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society shelter.

Chris, who was named in honor of Christmas, arrived at the humane society shelter last week emaciated and covered in red mange and fleas. Chris was in such bad shape and was in need of so much medicine and food that humane society board member Linda Kennon said the shelter was not going to be able to afford to keep Chris for more than five days.

“He’s one of the worst cases we have ever seen come in,” she said. “We posted on our Facebook about Chris and explained that we could not afford to keep him and asked for assistance from the community.”

And the donations came pouring in, Kennon said.

“People have brought money and food, and all of Chris’ medical bills have been paid for by the community,” she said. “It really has been almost like (a Christmas miracle).”

Chris has an undeniable charm about him, Kennon said.

“We love all the dogs, but there is just something about this dog,” she said.

Chris is without question the most stylish resident at the shelter. Because he has no hair, he wears sweaters to keep warm.

Chris was brought to the shelter by animal control, and Kennon said the animal control officer has reports that Chris’ owner is the same man the humane society is filing animal cruelty charges against for two dogs that were previously brought to the shelter.

Chris has gained seven and a half pounds since he was brought in last week. The humane society hopes to have him healthy and adopted by Christmas.

Anyone wishing to donate items to the shelter for Chris can drop off Purina Puppy Chow, any kind of canned food or an extra large dog sweater to the shelter at 392 Liberty Road.

Donation checks can be mailed to NACHS, P.O. Box 549, Natchez, MS, 39121.

Online donations can be made at natchezpetadoptions.org.