photo by: Lawrence Humane Society

Russet

Over 100 animals were able to find new homes over the weekend after the Lawrence Humane Society’s “Clear the Shelter” event.

Shannon Wells, the executive director for the Lawrence Human Society, told the Journal-World that a total of 138 animals were adopted during its Clear the Shelter event, when the shelter waives adoption fees, which can normally cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of pet up for adoption.

Wells said four dogs who were featured as having no fees earlier in the week were adopted before the main event. On Saturday, the shelter saw 97 adoptions, which was “lower than hoped,” so the shelter extended its special until Sunday. That day, 41 more pets were able to find new homes.

Over the last several years, Lawrence Humane has had anywhere from 70 to nearly 200 animals adopted on Clear the Shelter Day — part of a nationwide pet adoption campaign that is spearheaded by NBCUniversal in partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Wells said although the shelter has adoption specials at other times throughout the year, the Clear the Shelter event has become something people in Lawrence look forward to as they want to participate in a nationwide effort.

“It’s become a great tradition,” Wells said.

Although the event on Saturday was the “crescendo” of the big efforts, Wells said that the shelter has had a great month overall as 466 animals have been adopted — a higher number than last August.

Wells said nationwide, there has been a trend where people have been more likely to adopt cats over dogs, partly because they can be cheaper to have as a pet. Over the weekend, Wells said there were many exciting adoptions for some of the dogs who have become favorites at the shelter, and those stories are exactly what the staff want to see.

“It fills us up as staff to see happy endings for these animals who have just been waiting for someone,” Wells said.