Shelters cleared during nationwide adoption event

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Saturday was Clear the Shelters day at animal adoption centers across the country.

In the Bay Area, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay said they were "exhausted, exhilarated, and ecstatic" after sending 122 animals to their forever homes.

In Collier County, Humane Society Naples said 143 animals were adopted Saturday.

The Humane Society of Polk County posted photo after photo of animals and their new owners Saturday.

Back in Tampa, HSTB posted a photo on Facebook of empty kennels with their doors standing wide open.

"There is such joy in this silence," HSTB wrote in the photo's caption. "122 adoptions today. We are exhausted, exhilarated, and ecstatic for our animals."

In spite of the immense joy felt by everyone at the shelter, they said their work is far from done.

The post continued, "Shelter cleared. Already bringing in more animals."