Tails are wagging everywhere as we celebrate a record-setting 35,159 adoptions during BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Summer National Empty the Shelters. This lifesaving event, which took place during a period of critical capacity for shelters across the nation, provided a lifeline to countless animals at risk of euthanasia due to overcrowding and prolonged shelter stays. 

During the event, which ran from July 8 to July 31, BPF sponsored adoption fees so shelters could reduce prices to $50 or less to raise awareness for deserving pets. As a result, 19,060 cats and 16,099 dogs found loving homes at 390 shelters across 44 states. Countless additional lives were impacted as every single adoption saves a life and creates space to save another.  

Here are a few of their heartwarming adoption stories:   

• Brie, a beautiful mixed-breed dog, was rescued at just four weeks old after she was abandoned in a nature preserve with her mother and siblings. She waited 416 days to find a loving home while in the care of Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue.  

• Arthur, an orange and white cat, came to Kentucky Humane Society suffering from severely infected burn wounds. After months of intensive treatment and TLC in a loving foster home, his adoptive family fell head-over-heels with Arthur and made it official during our July event.  

• Marzia, a sweet grey and white pitbull, was a long-time resident at Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis. She faced challenges with adoption due to her past trauma and specific needs. However, her fate changed when a family came in looking for a dog that was typically overlooked! Marzia and her adopters had an immediate bond, proving there is a family for every pet.  

• Agatha, a sweet 8-year-old cat, came to Ten Lives Club as a transfer after her owner passed away and she was surrendered to another shelter. She had developed wounds on her face due to overgrooming, and the shelter team worked to find a medication to help her feel better. Agatha formed a bond with one of her caregivers, and now she is living out her golden years in the most loving home.  
• Scrappy, a mixed-breed dog, arrived at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter covered in burns he had been suffering from for weeks. He received special care to heal and quickly became a staff favorite due to his extroverted personality. Scrappy finally found his family after 498 days, and the team couldn’t be happier to see him continue to be spoiled in his new home.