The "Clear the Shelter Day" at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake succeeded far beyond organizers' expectations.

Every cat and dog housed at the animal shelter in Tool found a home Saturday, Aug. 15, during the national event that saw 17,000 animals across the nation adopted. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, 2,900 animals found homes.

The local shelter adopted out 48 dogs and cats, surpising staff and volunteers who had hoped to see at least half of the population leave.

"It was a long, productive day," Acting Manager Kortni Lucas said of the one event day during which animal shelters across the country waived all adoption fees, including those for vaccinations and neutering surgeries.

"We are asking people to post pictures of them with their pets on Facebook or to send them to me so I can post them," Lucas said. "We are so excited to see them. We were so happy to see those animals' lives saved."

Unfortunately, the shelter wasn't empty for long. Lucas said the shelter took in seven new pets on Monday, and that another seven were on their way.

"It won't be empty for long," she said.

So if you didn't get to adopt a pet over the weekend, there will be plenty more available in the days to come. Adoption fees will apply, but the company of a loyal pet is well worth the cost.

Call 903-432-3422, email [email protected] or visit www.hsccl.org for information, to volunteer or to make a donation.