Posted on Aug. 25, 2026

This past Saturday, animal lovers gathered at the local shelter with one common goal: giving deserving animals a second chance at a loving home. The annual Clear the Shelter event brought high energy, warm smiles, and plenty of happy tail wags as community members came out in full force to support local rescue efforts.

Among those taking advantage of the special day were Ryan and Kelsy Maples, who traveled from Crowley alongside Harlo and Zayne. The Maples family—who heard about the event on Facebook—brought their dog, Ophie, along for the trip to ensure any potential new addition would be a great fit for their household.

For the Maples family, choosing to adopt from a shelter rather than buying a pet was a clear and intentional decision.

“We wanted to take advantage of the free adoption, but more than that, we would rather come to a shelter and rescue a dog as opposed to getting one off Facebook or from a breeder,” Kelsy explained. “I think of it as truly rescuing the animal rather than supporting a backyard breeder.”

Adding another pet to a home requires careful thought, especially when other animals are already part of the dynamic. The Maples family currently has two cats and two dogs at home, making temperament, proper introductions, and compatibility top priorities. Bringing Ophie along allowed them to see firsthand how she interacted with potential new companions in real time.

For Ryan, bringing a new pet into the house isn’t just about adding an animal—it’s about expanding the family circle.

“We are always looking for that next best friend,” Ryan stated. “I have so many animals, and to us, they are another true family member. All the dogs I’ve ever had have been our best friends. That’s why being here today was all about finding the right fit for our family.”

The Clear the Shelter initiative aims to reduce crowding in facilities while raising awareness about the benefits of adoption. By waiving or reducing adoption fees, shelters make it easier for dedicated families to open their doors to animals in need. Events like Saturday’s highlight the powerful bond between pets and owners, while reminding the community of the vital role local shelters play.

As Saturday’s event wrapped up, numerous animals left the shelter in the arms of excited owners. Thanks to the community’s overwhelming support, shelter pets are settling into their forever homes—surrounded by families who view them as lifelong best friends

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