NATCHEZ — Big dogs are a big deal this holiday season at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

Lena McKnight, shelter director, said the shelter has many large dogs that need loving homes this holiday season. McKnight said adopting an adult dog has benefits over adopting puppies, including new owners being able to avoid the teething stage associated with puppies.

McKnight said she personally has four dogs, one pig, one raccoon and three horses. Since becoming the shelter director in 2016, McKnight said she found herself taking in one of the shelter’s large dogs.

“I adopted one from here and I’m so lucky,” McKnight said. “They already have their personality and can be spayed or neutered. They just seem to be so appreciative and relate very well to getting out of the shelter.”

In November the shelter had 16 dogs and 16 cats adopted, which McKnight said meets the shelter’s goal of having at least one animal per day adopted.

McKnight said the Christmas season is a popular time for adoptions, but that prospective pet owners are encouraged to buy gift certificates instead of adopting kittens or puppies as gifts. McKnight said some pet owners tend to bring back kittens or puppies as the pets grow older.

Gift certificates, McKnight said, allow a new pet owner to find the best fit for his or her personality and to take in the pet at an opportune time.

Adoption rates at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society are $75 for dogs and $50 for cats, which includes the cost of required vaccines and spaying or neutering through participating local clinics. It also includes the cost of microchipping for dogs. There is a list of adoptable pets, along with photos on the animal shelter’s website https://nachs.org/.

McKnight said this time of year the shelter needs monetary donations more than anything. She said monetary donations help the shelter accommodate the prolonged stays and medical needs associated with large dogs.

In addition to monetary donations, the shelter needs Purina dog and cat food, cleaning supplies and toys. The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society even has a wish list on Amazon with a link through their website.

Donations may be made online at the animal shelter’s website.