The Real News Louisiana

Construction Underway on New Pet Adoption & Welfare Center in Natchitoches
Community Facility Will Bring Compassion, Care, and Connection to the Region

Natchitoches- Construction has begun on Hwy 1 Bypass for a pet adoption and welfare center that will expand resources for both animals in need and the families who care for them across Natchitoches Parish. The project is led by FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving animal welfare. To honor a lifetime of advocacy and generosity, FAUNA’s Board of Directors voted to name the facility the Edwina & Sam Friedman Pet Adoption & Welfare Center.

Made possible through both state and private contributions, the center reflects a parish-wide commitment to compassion. The largest contribution comes from Edwina Friedman, who is dedicating the facility to the memory of her late husband, Sam Friedman, founder of Dimension Hospitality. His career was built on service, dignity, and care—values that now guide the mission of this community resource.

When completed, the new center will not only provide safe housing and adoption services for animals, but will also serve families through affordable spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, education programs, and volunteer opportunities. More than a building, it is designed to be a place where neighbors, schools, and local organizations can come together to strengthen animal welfare across Natchitoches Parish.

Inside, a multipurpose  meeting room will host workshops, civic meetings, and other community events. A surgery suite with exam, treatment, and X-ray rooms will provide medical care for animals housed at the center. Outdoors, play areas will give dogs spaces to thrive. Future plans include a nature-inspired walking trail where residents can enjoy the grounds while supporting animal care.

The vision for this center is rooted in a long tradition of animal advocacy in Natchitoches Parish. FAUNA was formed in 2022 when two animal rescue groups, Natchitoches Hope for Paws and Natchitoches Humane Society, combined forces. Collectively, the two organizations have been serving the community for more than 70 years. Today, FAUNA carries forward that legacy with multiple community programs:

• Spay Natchitoches: Provides a robust spay/neuter program to help families manage the care of their pets.
• TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return): Humanely manages community cats to prevent overpopulation, improve health, and reduce nuisance behaviors while supporting rodent control.
• Pet Health Fairs: Hosted several times each year, offering no- and low-cost vaccinations, microchipping, and education on the benefits of spaying and neutering.
• PACT (Providing Animal Comfort Therapy): Brings service animals to nursing homes, offering companionship and joy to residents and staff.
• NSU Veterinary Technology Partnership: Collaborates with Northwestern State University’s Veterinary Technology Program, enhancing care for community animals while supporting student learning. As part of this commitment, FAUNA funds an endowed scholarship for NSU Vet Tech students, ensuring ongoing support for future professionals.

Details on volunteer training sessions, school programs, and other events will be announced closer to opening. For updates and opportunities, visit https://www.npfauna.org  or emailnpfauna@gmail.com.

🐾 Get Involved with FAUNA Now

These programs are only the beginning. FAUNA also engages the wider community through volunteer opportunities, education, and events. The new pet adoption and welfare center will open in late 2026, but you don’t have to wait to make a difference.

• Individuals & Organizations: Volunteer your time and talents, from hands-on animal care to event planning and execution, transport, education, marketing, digital applications, administrative and clerical assistance, grant writing,  and community outreach.
• Teachers & Schools: Inspire the next generation by partnering with FAUNA to create meaningful student learning opportunities.
• Families & Individuals: Open your heart and home by adopting or fostering pets in need of care and comfort.
• Local Businesses: Build stronger communities through sponsorships and partnerships that support programs benefiting families and animals alike.
• Community Leaders & Institutions: Be champions of progress by providing the partnerships, resources, and support needed to ensure this parish-wide effort thrives for families and animals throughout the city and parish.
• Donations: Invest in compassion and a stronger future for families and animals across our city and parish with a tax-deductible gift that expands FAUNA’s programs and advances the new center.
• Naming Opportunities: Make a lasting impact—community members, organizations, and businesses can sponsor spaces such as kennels, adoption rooms, and gathering areas to sustain these vital resources for generations to come.
• Contact: https://www.npfauna.org | npfauna@gmail.com