Paws Rescue will be celebrating their 11th birthday next weekend by hosting a birthday party at Petsense in Pemberton Square next Saturday.

It is a significant milestone for the organization as their 11th birthday marks their 1,000th adoption, 3,000th spayed or neutered felines and 1,000th spayed or neutered canines.

It’s a milestone to celebrate a big birthday bash and celebrate the cause of such an achievement.

“It’s a huge milestone for us,” Leigh Conerly, President and CEO of Paws Rescue, said. “Thinking about all the animals and finding homes for them and celebrating this achievement is pretty special and we’re excited.”

Anyone who has helped donate to the organization, anyone who has adopted an animal from the organization and anyone looking to adopt is welcomed to celebrate the achievement.

Conerly said there will be a band playing, prizes you can win and free pizza for anyone who attends.

The purpose of Paws Rescue is to save the lives of as many animals as they can and promote life-long adoptions throughout Vicksburg and Warren County. The organization also develops strong spay and neuter programs throughout Vicksburg and Warren County.

According to Conerly, the goal for the organization was to spay or neuter 514 cats, 238 dogs and to work out at least 163 adoptions.

These specific numbers represent a 10 percent increase over Paw Rescue’s numbers of last year.

For an organization that is strictly ran off of donations, an accomplishment like this puts things into perspective for Conerly.

“It’s been very busy and very stressful, but it’s very rewarding,” Conerly said.

“Being able to help all of these animals over the years and give them homes makes it worth it.”

Founded in July 2004, Paws Rescue is composed of small groups of volunteers dedicated to helping save stray dogs and cats throughout the area.

Every year with the help of foster families and the volunteers, Paws Rescue has saved more animals than the year before through their years of existence.

Even after 11 years of giving stray animals new homes, Conerly still believes that stray animals running around is still a problem.

The birthday celebration is something the organization hopes will spread awareness of their message and hopes people will come and give animals a new home.

“We always hope we have a big turnout and this year is no different,” Conerly said. “If everyone has a good time and we can bring enough awareness to help give these animals a new home, then the more animals we can save.”

Hopefully one day, enough animals will be saved where paws rescue won’t have to do as much.

“Even over 11 years, we’re still getting calls and there’s still work left to be done,” Conerly said. “Hopefully one day, there won’t be a need for Paws Rescue.”