The City of Vicksburg Animal Shelter cut the ribbon on its long-awaited new building in December and, in early January, it moved all the furry residents from its old building to their new digs on Highway 61 South, where they would spend their time waiting to be adopted. It was a big deal to finally see this project come to fruition.

In the final months leading up to the grand opening of the shelter, The Post covered all the updates on construction, as well as several generous monetary donations toward the goal. Despite all this news on the project, when yet another donation came rolling in Monday – this time from WaterView Casino and Hotel – it was the first time I had personally set foot on the property. And that was by design.

Why would I intentionally send other reporters to cover such a momentous event and all of the fanfare surrounding it? Because, as has been repeatedly pointed out to me since my visit Monday, I’m a big old softie when it comes to animals, specifically dogs. And as I expected, knowing myself as I do, I left the shelter Monday with more than just a story. 

His name is Barkley and he is eight-weeks-old. And even after Marilyn Terry (who I am convinced recognized the weakness for animals in me and set me up), shelter director Kacie Lindsey and I gave him a good studying, we still weren’t sure exactly what breed – or breeds – he is. I’m thinking a mixture of black lab and just cute.

While we were waiting for everyone to arrive for the photo Monday, Miss Terry let me pop my head into what is called the intake room, which is just a space to examine the animals before moving them to cages with the other dogs and cats in the general population, for lack of a better term. And that was all it took. Barkley was by himself in his holding cage and immediately scooted to the front for some attention. He was at my house with me within the hour. 

So, now the puppy and I are covering all the basics of orientation at the Bell house, which has included my son naming him. Colin said he chose Barkley because dogs bark, and also because he cycled through all of his favorite football players before realizing Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley’s last name fit the best. He killed two birds with one stone there and was quite proud of himself.

And now the real work begins. Anyone who has ever had a puppy knows the hard work getting them house-trained and abiding by the rules is equal to, if not greater than, the cuteness they bring with them. But, it’s also rewarding and dogs aren’t called man’s best friend for no reason. Both of my kids have been trying to convince me to get a dog since we moved into our current house, which includes a fenced-in backyard, several years ago. So, my trip worked out for everyone: The Animal Shelter received a generous donation from our friends at WaterView, and you can read about it on page 3 of today’s edition; Barkley got a new home, and I got plenty of company for what will hopefully be a long time to come.

But there are plenty of other Barkleys waiting to be taken home, and as nice as the new animal shelter is, it doesn’t compare to a place these dogs, cats and other animals in need can call home permanently. And it’s incredibly convenient and affordable. I’ll let Kacie explain it in detail when you go visit, but $100 takes care of everything. When you factor in all the good you’re doing by adopting, the value is really incalculable.

So thanks to Marilyn, Missy Arnold, Kacie and anyone else who was involved in the conspiracy I’m now certain took place in order to get me to come to Cedars Road Monday. I’m glad I did it!

Blake Bell is the general manager and executive editor of The Vicksburg Post. He can be reached at blake.bell@vicksburgpost.com.