Pets to find forever homes at statewide Empty the Shelters event Saturday

article

Photo: Little Traverse Bay Humane Society on Facebook

(WJBK) - This Saturday you can find a new addition to the family at dozens of adoption shelters across Michigan participating in Empty the Shelters.

The Bissell Pet Foundation partners with shelters all over the state to cover adoption costs. They say over the last 17 months, more than 9,000 dogs and cats have found loving homes.

Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation, said in a release that Michigan has served as a model for Empty the Shelters.

"Shelters in other states are seeing what we can accomplish and we have been fortunate to hold this event in nine states this year," she said. "We are hoping to expand our efforts into more areas of the country, but we can't do this without the help of our generous supporters."

During the last Empty the Shelters event in Michigan, more than 1,500 cats and dogs were adopted - except Eastwood. FOX 2 brought you the story of one red-coated Labrador retriever mix that was the only dog left at an animal shelter in Northern Michigan, likely because he needed costly surgery. Detroit Pistons Head Coach Stan Van Gundy heard his story and adopted the happy pup.

The following areas have participating shelters: