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NATCHEZ – Hoofbeats and Pawprints President Kathy Fitch announced said a $ 5,000-holiday challenge grant has been received from an anonymous local couple.

The grant will match dollar-for-dollar donations made before Dec. 31, 2023, doubling the impact of gifts to save animals.

Hoofbeats and Pawprints believe in giving second chances and doesn’t give up on pets who have so much love to give to their future families. The non-profit organization works to place and transport pets that cannot be adopted locally to no-kill adoption centers in other parts of the country.

Fitch said the group receives no federal, state or local government funding.

“Your gift helps ensure that many homeless pets will get the chance to find and be a blessing to a loving family,” Fitch said. “This is a great gift for those that have everything. It is a great way to honor an individual or celebrate the memory of one who was important in your life during the holidays.”

Checks may be mailed to Hoofbeats and Pawprints Rescue, 17341 River Road, Natchez, MS 39120-9492. Online donations can be made at https://hoofbeatsandpawprintsrescue.org/

Indicate if this is a holiday gift honoring an individual — provide a name and address so a gift acknowledgment card can be sent.

In encouraging donations, Fitch shared “Happy Tails” reports from adoptive families of pups and kittens. Bailey, a kitten, was adopted with a sister. “Bailey’s family wrote to us, saying ‘She is an amazing and loving little kitty. We couldn’t be happier. She also has a sister now who is about 4 days younger than she is. They are attached at the hip. Thank you for rescuing her we are lucky to have her as one of our family members,’” Fitch said. “And Harper was part of a litter abandoned in a ditch as a newborn. Now a well-cared-for pup, her adoptive family writes that ‘she is a great pup and full of energy.’

“We depend on donations to make miracles happen for thousands of local animals like Harper and Bailey.”