Over 250 pets in San Diego County found their forever homes during NBC 7 and Telemundo 20's annual Clear the Shelters event over a week ago.
In spite of the hot temperatures, San Diegans flocked to the one-day-only event at San Diego Humane Society's campus on Gaines Street. Animals and new pet owners all had big smiles glued to their faces as dog tails wagged uncontrollably and little kitten paws waved hello from cages. Guinea pigs shyly peeked out of their plastic igloos, hoping for a forever home.
Everyone who took home a furry friend at the event got the adoption fees waived. On their way out, adopters got free pet-related items at the NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 booths. Team members from both stations came to support.
But it was love at first sight for Michael O'Neil who had his eyes fixed on Palm Tree while visiting the campus earlier in the week in hopes of finding a large dog.
"I just saw him and fell in love with him," O'Neil told NBC 7 after adopting the 1-year-old Doberman Pinscher/Labrador retriever mix at the Clear the Shelters event. "He's just very sweet and seems like a very gentle soul."
Palm Tree was the first of 267 animals to be adopted on Saturday.
Stryker was another one. Her online adoption posting caught Ashley Tanglao's attention, who showed up to Saturday's event three hours early and also the first in line. Tanglao waited to adopt the domestic shorthaired mix until Saturday because of the waived adoption fees.
"I have been eyeing this kitten for weeks now, and I just need to take her home," she told NBC 7 while waiting for the doors to open at 10 a.m.
Stryker left the shelter in Tanglao's arms a few hours later.
"I am definitely more than happy. I'm going to love this kitten," Tanglao said.
For those who aren't ready to take in a new pet now, it's never too late to help clear the shelters when you decide.
"This year has been incredibly tough for us," Nina Thompson with the San Diego Humane Society told NBC 7. "In August alone, we were averaging 800 dogs in our care every single day, 2,000 animals total in our care every single day."
After Saturday's event, more than 500 animals are still waiting to be adopted.
Go to San Diego Humane Society’s full list of available pets here.
Source: NBC San Diego