Mississippi Critterz Aims to Build LOU No Kill Shelter

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com
The Mississippi Critterz—a nonprofit organization aimed to assist with fosters, adoptions and transports for the homeless animals in the LOU community—has taken the reigns in which it hopes to raise funds for a No Kill Shelter, according to board president Gail Brown.
After hearing concern from the community regarding Oxford’s need for a no kill shelter, Brown said she and a group of other Oxford residents decided to take on the responsibility to start the process.
What started as a foster based organization has now expanded its mission into adoption and transports. Mississippi Critterz works with other organizations across the country transporting animals to other homes in Virginia, Connecticut, Colorado and even Washington D.C., according to Brown.
“To decrease the amount of potentially adoptable animals from being euthanized, we would rather send them on transports up in areas that are less populated with stricter neuter and spay laws,” Brown said. “We are doing [transportation] to help save lives and meet the needs of what the community wants.”
Although it has been a slow process raising funds for the shelter, the organization is in the initial phases in essentials, such as supplies and vaccinations for the current animals in foster care, Brown said.
The organization was recently chosen as the guest charity for the Mississippi Craft Show 2018—100 percent Handmade Arts and Crafts featuring works by Mississippi artists—for Aug. 11 and 12 in Pearl.
Mississippi Critterz will benefit a portion of the proceeds from the August show for fundraising purposes.
“We want community involvement,” Brown said. “We encourage everyone to reach out to us and make connections.”
Mississippi Critterz has monthly board meetings and encourages members and people from the LOU community to attend at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Each meeting is held at Jackson Square Clubhouse.
For more information on Mississippi Critters’ foster program and volunteer options, visit their website here.