They went doggone fast.
About two hours after the Fresh Start for Our Four-Legged Friends adopt-athon began Saturday, every dog at the Summit County animal shelter in Akron had found a new home and the number of cats was dwindling quickly.
County veterinary technician Shauntelle Zimmerman and Lisa Holland Toth, founder of One of a Kind Pet Rescue, wiped away tears when they heard the news.
The women, both representing agencies in the Summit County Animal Coalition, helped organize the massive event.
For them, it meant that most of the animals in the county's shelter would find better lives.
The coalition put on the adopt-athon — with animals being sold at low prices — to reduce the pet population before the shelter moves this week into a new $2.96 million, state-of-the-art facility at 250 Opportunity Parkway.
''This is what the animal coalition is for — all of us coming together for one cause,'' said Jen D'Aurelio, executive director of Paws and Prayers Pet Rescue and one of the event coordinators.
The collaboration between local animal rescue groups and the county for an adoption event of this magnitude was unprecedented, D'Aurelio said.
''I just never dreamed we would ever adopt out all these animals,'' she said.
County Executive Russ Pry dropped by early in the day and said he was pleased with the turnout of both volunteers and people looking for pets.
''It's great we have a lot of volunteers here from our staff and from all the rescue groups,'' Pry said. ''When you look around, all you see are the smiles on people's faces.''
More than 300 people were at the event shortly after the gates opened at 10 a.m., to view and interact with nearly 200 dogs and cats waiting to be adopted.
About 60 volunteers walked the animals through the crowd. The dogs seemed to enjoy the attention, even though temperatures reached well into the 90s.
The dogs, at least, were able to stay cool by splashing in swimming pools provided for just that purpose. Even in the heat, long lines formed as people stood outside the shelter on East North Street to pay for them.
Don Bickley, a disabled veteran in a wheelchair, was one of the lucky people who quickly found a new friend.
Bickley, of Norton, and his wife, Erin, said they left four cats and two dogs at home to attend the event. They chose a 45-pound black Lab mix to take home — or rather, he chose them, Bickley said.
''He came up to me and put his head on my lap. It almost brought tears to my eyes,'' Bickley said.
The dog's ploy worked. Already christened Shadow, he will be a playmate to Baby, a long-haired dachshund who is intent on pestering the couple's cats, Bickley said.
Jennifer Fivekiller of Cuyahoga Falls came to the event looking for a new best friend because her dog became sick and was euthanized a month ago.
''I thought I'd be fine, but I watched my friend's puppy and I knew I had to get another dog,'' she said.
Fivekiller had her new dog show off its many talents, which included sitting on command and shaking hands — for the price of a treat.
Although most of the animals at the shelter had been claimed by new owners during the adopt-athon, intake officers will bring in more before the move to the new facility, said Craig Stanley, county director of administrative services.
Prices, cut to $10 per animal plus a $14 Summit County dog license, will remain in effect through the week, he said.
All animals will be neutered or spayed, receive vaccinations, and be de-wormed and treated for fleas.
''The final numbers are astounding,'' Stanley said after the event. ''Ninety-seven dogs and over 100 cats were adopted today. The volunteers who stepped up were just remarkable. We couldn't have done it without them.''
Kathy Antoniotti can be reached at 330-996-3565 or kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.
