My dog has never been much of a barker.

Sure, she’ll let out a fury of fire when the mailman sends mail through a slot on the door. It obviously seems as if paper is falling from the sky without just cause to her.

And she’s recently starting fighting for her beloved toys a bit more, letting out a nasty bark-growl that forces my hands to my ears each time.

But in general, there’s no reason for Suzy to bark. She gets everything she wants anyway.

So when Suzy attends one of the area’s greatest weekend events, there’s no good reason to let out a bark in the park.

In fact, Suzy is unconcerned with the dozens of other four-legged friends at the event. Aside from a cursory butt sniff here and there, Suzy is there in hopes of seeing the two-legged variety.

Or, shall I say, in hopes that they’ll see her.

Suzy’s world revolves around Suzy and Suzy only. Ask her and she’ll tell you herself.

With that fact in mind, it’s obvious that all human beings were put on Earth to pet this pooch. And she’s sure that when you see her, and see just how cute she is, that you’ll fall right in line, hand extended.

Walks on the bluff, trips to vet — they all begin and end with one goal in mind. Pet me.

I’m afraid travel plans will mean Suzy misses Bark in the Park this year. But don’t pity her, for she’ll be in a better place — Mimi’s house where the hands and the biscuits come freely.

But just because Suzy won’t be on hand demanding attention doesn’t mean your pooch has a pass to stay home.

The annual fundraiser for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society is from 11 to 2 p.m. at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians Saturday.

All types of dogs — as long as they are friendly and leashed — are welcome. Dog biscuits, water bowls and dog do-dads will be readily available.

Many locals simply bring their pet for a stroll and a good sniff. Others will enter Rover in a series of pet contests — cutest puppy, best smile, best dressed, and more.

Dogs who were adopted from the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society can compete in a special contest to be the next Mr. and Miss NAHS.

All proceeds go to fund the local animal shelter.

Collections are ongoing for the construction of a new — overdue — animal shelter as well.

Thousands have been raised, but more is needed in order to begin construction on a donated portion of land in the county.

Bark in the Park admission is $4 for adults and $1 for children under age 6. The entry fee for each pet contest is $2. Trophies will be awarded to winners.

So whether you are a dog lover or not, pack up the family this Saturday and head to the park for a fun day watching your dog and others frolic and sniff.

Some will bark, others will sit quietly — either way, every dog deserves a friendly rub, a nice smile and maybe even a yummy biscuit.

If you ever meet Suzy, she’ll expect all three.

Julie Cooper is the managing editor of The Natchez Democrat. She can be reached at 601-445-3551 or julie.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.