We haven’t seen any of the statistics yet, but it appears that Clear the Shelters Day last Saturday was successful in finding permanent homes for many dogs, cats and other shelter animals. NBC-owned TV stations all across the country were involved in promoting the event, including Maine’s own WCSH.

Most animal shelters either waived adoption fees or drastically reduced them, opening the door for some potential pet owners who couldn’t afford the usual fees.

Some shelters reported long lines when they opened their doors in the morning and at least a few folks  admitted they had already “scoped out’’ the available pets in advance, and wanted to be at the front of the line in hopes of taking home their favorite.

Most animal shelters have reported being over-crowded of late, and were counting on the Clear the Shelters event to make room for others needing their care and protection.  More and more pets in need of new homes appear to be coming into the state from down south, where shelters are unable to keep up with the influx, not to mention the cost to treat them and get them ready for adoption.

Many will tell you that shelter dogs make the best pets even though they’re more than likely mixed breeds. You have to be willing to accept the fact that unlike most purebred dogs, a puppy’s appearance may not tell you too much about what it will look like when fully grown. We found that out personally.

Our dog was part of a litter rescued from a ditch in North Carolina and brought to Maine. He was cute, as are most puppies, and all we were told was that he was believed to be a lab/shepherd mix, if indeed anyone really knows for sure most of the time.He was staying with foster parents at the time that our granddaughter first saw him on Facebook and pleaded with us to adopt him as a birthday present. It would be her dog, but live with us. Boy, are grandparents gullible! We wouldn’t have it any other way, would we?

We also fell in love with him at first sight, and inquired how big he would probably be when fully grown. His foster parents guess: 50 to 60 pounds. That didn’t work out too well. He’s 90 pounds!

At any rate, the rest of the story is history. Max is the love of our life, too smart for a couple of old folks, and spoiled rotten, just as every dog that’s voluntarily adopted should be. The same is true for cats, guinea pigs, and other pets dependent upon humans for their food, shelter, and most of all, love.

We hope hundreds, make that thousands, of shelter animals who found new homes on Saturday live long, healthy lives and  bring hours of joy to families everywhere.

***Side note: A Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelter fundraiser, Save a Stray 5K and festival, will be held this Saturday at LL Bean’s in Freeport with food trucks, dog demos, Ask a Vet, face painting, etc. Check it out.