Construction Underway on New Pet Adoption & Welfare Center in Natchitoches

On a bustling stretch of Hwy 1 Bypass, construction crews are hard at work on a project that promises to transform animal care and community life for families throughout Natchitoches Parish. Rising from the foundation is a new community center for animal care and adoption, designed not only to provide lifesaving care for animals in need, but also to serve as a hub for families, volunteers, and the wider community. Guided by local leadership and fueled by broad support, the project reflects a shared commitment to improving both animal welfare and community life. 

The initiative is led by FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals), a 601(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving animal welfare. In recognition of years of advocacy, support, and deep generosity, FAUNA's Board of Directors voted to name the facility the Edwina & Sam Friedman Pet Adoption & Welfare Center. While the facility is being built through the generosity of major supporters, FAUNA emphasizes that its long-term success will depend on the dedication and participation of the entire community - a parish-wide effort made possible by many hands. 

Funding for the center reflects that same balance of leadership and community spirit. Partial support comes from the State of Louisiana and private donors, but the largest contribution comes from Edwina Freeman, a longtime animal advocate. She is dedicating the new facility to the memory of her late husband, Sam Friedman, a respected hotelier and founder of Dimension Hospitality, whose career was built on the values of service, dignity, and care, principles that now guide the mission of this new center. 

"Sam's philosophy was that hospitality wasn't just about running hotels - it was about creating a sense of home and belonging," said Edwina Friedman. "This center will continue that spirit. It will be a place of comfort, safety, and new beginnings, not only for the animals who come here but also for the families who welcome them into their homes."

She added, "Sam believed every guest deserved warmth and care. I believe animals and their families deserve the same. By creating this center, we are extending hospitality to the members of our community, two-legged and four-legged alike."

That spirit of hospitality will be reflected in the services the center will offer. When completed, the new center will provide a safe housing and adoption services for animals in need. It will also host affordable spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, helping families reduce costs and keep their pets healthy at home. Additionally, the center will promote responsible pet ownership through education programs, and it will serve as a gathering place for volunteers, fosters, and local families who share the desire to make a difference in animal welfare in the community. 

Designed to serve the parish for decades to come, the facility will also include a multipurpose meeting room that can host a wide range of activities, from educational workshops and civic meetings to family gatherings and community events. In addition, a surgical suite with treatment, exam, and X-ray rooms will provide animals housed at the center with high-quality medical care, supporting their wellbeing as they wait for adoption. 

Outdoors, two ponds will provide irrigation for the site, while play and exercise areas will give dogs room to thrive. Future plans include a nature-inspired park environment with a walking trail that will create a safe, welcoming space where the community can enjoy the grounds while supporting animal care. 

"This is so much more than a shelter," said Rachel LeBlanc, President of the FAUNA Board of Directors. "It is a community center that will strengthen families, build connections, and celebrate the generosity, spirit, and resilience that define Natchitoches. It will also carry forward the Friedmans' legacy of hospitality and the compassion of our entire community."

To bring this vision to life, FAUNA partnered with design professionals who share its commitment to efficiency and community service. The design team includes A Beazley Architecture (Broussard, LA) and Longo Architecture Studio (Lafayette, LA), shaping the overall architectural vision; element5/26 (Birmingham, AL), creating inviting and versatile interior spaces; and JCLA Studios (Baton Rouge, LA), designing the outdoor environment. FAUNA is deeply grateful for their dedication to creating a center that will be welcoming, functional, and inspiring for both animals and the community. 

While the facility itself is being carefully planned, FAUNA's commitment to the community is already strong and deeply rooted in years of service. Their work demonstrates that caring for animals is also a way of caring for families, neighborhoods, and the wellbeing of the entire 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.

The programs demonstrate FAUNA's active role today, even as anticipation builds for the opening of the new facility in late 2026. Details on volunteer training sessions, school programs, and other events will be announced closer to opening. For updates and opportunities, visit https://www.npfauna.orh or email npfauna@gmail.com.

Get Involved with FAUNA Now
The new pet adoption and welfare center will open in late 2026, but you don't have to wait to make a difference. As this parish-wide resource takes shape, FAUNA believes its impact its impact will grow strongest when supported by the same spirit of collaboration that built it, from families and volunteers to community leaders, local institutions, and businesses. 

• 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.