The Pearl River County SPCA hopes to empty their shelter at their open house set for Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Shelter volunteer and board member Maria Diamond said everyone involved with the shelter is really excited to show the community the new facility upgrades and renovations. She said the renovations would improve the adoption experience for shelter volunteers and the general. Facility changes include separated areas and a more organized surrender process.

“We have set a high goal for this day,” Diamond said. “We are hoping for once, to adopt out every animal in the facility and show up the next day to an empty shelter. It has never been done to our knowledge. We have a lot of great pets that have been overlooked and new ones that have just arrived. “

Diamond said the change in surrender protocol means surrenders by pet owners would be by appointment only.  This procedure is underway with cats and will soon begin with dogs.

“There are many good reasons for it,” Diamond said. “We will know they are coming, have a cage available, and have time set aside for counseling to do pet profiles. We will be able to find out more about the pets and be able to provide that information to their future adoptive families.”

The shelter is prepared for a large community turn out Saturday.

Diamond said they will have lots of staff on hand who will be able to discuss individual pet profiles so adoptive parents can make informed choices and leave with their perfect match.

During the open house, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the Kiss a Pit Bull program, see veterinarians, view dog obedience training demonstrations and receive door prizes.

Food will be served and the staff is looking forward to seeing many old friends. Plans for a future expansion will also be on display.

Rhonda Furby is bringing her pit bull Serenity to participate in the Kiss a Pit Bull event to raise awareness of the breed and to deflect some of the associated negativity.

“Pit Bulls are typecast because of the negative publicity they get. I thought it would be a great idea to show people what this breed is really like. Serenity is a sweetheart and you can actually kiss her,” Furby said.

“When I have brought either foster kittens or puppies home, Serenity whines because she wants me to put them on the floor so she can give them a bath. She is a caring animal and not the brute people would automatically assume.”