An animal shelter that reached capacity just two weeks ago celebrated being empty for the first time in nearly 50 years.
Staff at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Adams County, Pennsylvania, shared the happy news on Facebook after a series of “miraculous” adoptions during Christmas.
The charity, which this year cared for 598 animals before finding them adoptive owners, was completely empty for the first time in 47 years, apart from a stray cat that came in before Christmas.
Their enthusiasm has been echoed by pet parents and shelter supporters, with many taking to the comments to congratulate them on a job well done.
Excited by their success, they wrote: ‘Today is a great day for the Adams County SPCA!
Christmas miracle! Staff at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Adams County, Pennsylvania (pictured) celebrated being empty for the first time in 47 years.
‘Two weeks ago our kennels were almost full, now we don’t have any dogs in the building (we have a cat that came in as a stray a while ago!!)
‘Our community stepped forward once again! This is the first time in 47 YEARS that the Adams County SPCA has been empty, let alone on Christmas, it is truly a miracle!
‘To say we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked SO hard to care for the animals in our care and ensure they are adopted into the right homes!’
The Gettysburg Township facility has had a busy 2023, after arranging adoptions for 598 animals and reuniting 125 stray dogs and cats with their owners.
Full of gratitude, the staff added: “We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to new adventures in 2024!”
For devoted volunteers, it appears this is just the beginning, as the facility already plans to care for the most vulnerable animals before the end of the year.
“Next week we will be pulling animals from other shelters in Pennsylvania in hopes of relieving some of their stress,” the post continued.
‘Right now we are going to enjoy this achievement! Merry christmas!’
Their enthusiasm has been echoed by pet parents and shelter supporters, with many taking to the Facebook post to congratulate them on a job well done.
The heartwarming news has spread far and wide, with the Facebook post racking up an impressive 2,600 shares and nearly 800 comments.
One follower wrote: ‘Amazing job. A wonderful Christmas gift for all those beloved animals who have a full belly, a warm bed and a loving heart. It is truly a Christmas miracle that came with a lot of hard work and support from the shelter and community. Prestige!’
Also telling how the news made their Christmas, one person wrote: ‘Truly a Christmas miracle. Thank you to everyone who rescued the furbabies shelter! Thank you to all the staff and volunteers!!’
‘Wow!!!!! What a beautiful moment!’ added another.
Praising them for a job well done, someone else said: ‘You guys are an amazing team! Thank you for all your dedication to animals.’
A message arrived for the charity’s new feline friend: ‘Good news! I hope someone adopts the last kitten left there! Do it (100%)’
Meanwhile, pet parents who once worked with the shelter also reveled in the good news.
Sharing a photo of her furry beloved, one woman said: “Toulouse (adopted 16 years ago) says Meowy Christmas and congratulations.”
Another added: “Merry Christmas from Gunner, adopted April 23rd.”