The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society is entering a new era.  It is an exciting time for all staff and residents.  There is a new manager on board, and with her hands tightly on the reigns, she is ready for anything that is thrown her way!

On a recent visit to NACHS, I made my way through puppies being surrendered, dogs being walked, and a cat room at full capacity.  Among this flurry of activity, I was greeted by the new manager, Lena McKnight, with a bright, cheerful smile!  She looked like she was definitely in her element.  Everything was busy but under control.

Though originally from Atlanta, Lena has lived in Natchez for the past 17 years, so she really feels like a native of the area.  She is married to Tim McKnight and has two sons, Sterling and Hunter Yarbrough.  Sterling is a student at Trinity Episcopal Day School, and Hunter is a freshman at the University of Arkansas.

Before leaving Atlanta, Lena graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with degrees in animal science and livestock health.  She has worked with the Equine Rescue League in Georgia, and was even Miss Rodeo Georgia!  She has always worked and volunteered in some capacity, in the animal community.

Lena is also currently working on a vet-tech degree and is the owner of Everyday Adventure, located at 334 Main St. in downtown Natchez.  Everyday Adventure is a company that designs fitness and outdoor adventure programs to fit the needs of the individual, including personal fitness training.  With all of this, she still finds time to be involved in the Booster Club at Trinity School, and she and her family attend First Baptist Church.

When asked what she has planned for the immediate future, Lena wanted to first and foremost express her gratitude to Sarah Wees for having the shelter in such a capacity that she could easily continue operations.  “Sarah had this place in order,” she said. “It sure made it easy for me!  She left it so I could just pick up and go with it.  She had a clean shelter that was run well, and all protocols were in place.  She was such a great help in getting me up to speed in such a short time.”

As for the shelter, Lena has several exciting ideas.  She has already increased the shelter hours for the public.  They are now open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to  4 p.m.  She also has plans to grow the membership and expand the relationship between the shelter and our community.  Her main focus for now will be getting more of the 20- to 30-year-old group involved in shelter awareness and participation.  After all, they will be the shelter’s future!

Lena’s welcoming personality and infectious energy make her a perfect fit for NACHS.  She has already increased shelter communications on social media with Facebook and Instagram.  Having a conversation with her will leave you feeling like you can go out and conquer the world… She is just that compelling! 

NACHS is very fortunate to have Lena as the shelter manager.  We urge the entire community to support her in every way possible, beginning this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The NACHS will be hosting a Meet and Greet at the shelter for the community to get to know Lena.  Also, while you are there take a tour of the new facility and enjoy some refreshments!   The shelter is located at 475 Liberty Road in Natchez.  You might even find a new furry friend you would like to take home.  With the reasonable fee of $75 for dogs, and $50 for cats, you might be tempted to take more than one!

Mary Eldridge is a member of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.