NATCHEZ — Moving to a new house down the street might not seem important, but for long-haired dachshund Maggie, it’s a big change.

Maggie was one of the first dogs to be moved into the new Natchez-Adams County Humane Society shelter Saturday in a ceremonial animal parade, which kicked off the grand opening of the Brenda Voght Harrison Animal Shelter. The shelter was named after the largest donor who left the money in her will for the humane society.

Shelter worker Denise Schell said Maggie came to the shelter approximately three weeks ago after a woman visited a house and discovered Maggie with three other dogs suffering from neglect. From there, the woman convinced the owners to let her turn them in to the shelter.

“Now Maggie has a chance at a better life,” Schell said.

Two of the dogs were adopted, and the third is in foster care with a home waiting for him. Maggie was still at the old shelter when the new shelter opened.

Maggie made her way down the street with several other dogs, a few cats and scores of volunteers, many coming from local schools.

“I think it was a great turnout,” humane society president Kathy Fitch said. “I was very pleased to see all the kids.”

Shelter manager Sarah Wees said a volunteer put out the word to schools and students responded, including 16-year-old Cathedral student Miranda Allen, who came for service hours and was in charge of bringing Maggie to the new shelter.

Allen has been to the old shelter a few times before to look at the dogs.

“Most of the dogs are outside, so cramped up in there,” Allen said. “They need some room.”

The new shelter is approximately 6,510 square-feet, a huge increase from the old shelter, which is approximately 800 square-feet.

During the parade, Allen had to pick up Maggie and carry her for part of the way.

“She’s so excited she’s trying to run,” Allen said.

And, as Allen and Maggie continued down the road, Maggie got a glimpse of her new temporary home and Allen saw the shelter for the first time.

“It’s really pretty,” Allen said. “I like the outside — it looks enticing.”

Maggie was taken to her new room, a spacious kennel with an inside and outside portion, one of the shelter’s new features. The shelter also has other amenities, such as new equipment, quiet rooms and separate quarters and feeding rooms for dogs and cats.

Fitch said the new shelter building would help the humane society workers take better care of the animals.

“It’s totally amazing to have gone on this journey,” Fitch said.

Throughout the day, Maggie was greeted by visitors and would run up to the door of her kennel to meet them.

The rest of the animals will be moved in later. Fitch said the shelter should be open during its normal hours next week, allowing visitors to see Maggie and the shelter’s other adoptable animals.

“We look forward to opening for business on Tuesday,” Fitch said.

The new shelter is located at 475 Liberty Road in Natchez. The shelter’s hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

All other times are by appointment.