Jackson Free Press

In February, Francis was fighting for his life after a resident found him in a cardboard box, unconscious and suffering from neglect. The dog's story of recovery has inspired thousands and earned him the winner of Fuzzy Nation's supermodel pet photo contest.

Community Animal Rescue and Adoption Kennel Manager Lynn Shaw remembers the first time she saw Francis, a shepherd mix.

"No one thought he would live, but we got a feeding tube in his neck and gave him an IV for a week," Shaw says.

Shaw spent several nights rocking Francis and nursing him back to health. Harriet Sims-Scott heard about his miraculous recovery and decided to be a foster parent to Francis. When she and her daughter visited CARA, Francis curled up in her daughter's lap and Sims-Scott took that as a sign to adopt him. She created a Facebook page for Francis to tell his story and received more than 800 followers.

As the winner of the contest, CARA will receive $10,000.

"It's tough being the parent of a child star, I have a whole new appreciation for it," Sims-Scott said.

On Saturday, Francis will be the grand marshal for the Dog Days of Summer pet parade. He will be dressed as a king with a cape, crown and serpent. The event is a fundraiser for CARA and includes live music, arts market, silent auction and barbeque. Follow Francis on Facebook here.

Attend CARA's fourth annual Dog Days of Summer fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Pelahatchie Shore Park at the Reservoir. Meal tickets are $10 and $3 for children.