The annual Clear the Shelters campaign has once again proven its impact on the lives of countless pets and families. As we celebrate 10 years of this remarkable nationwide pet adoption and donation drive, we’re excited to share the heartwarming journey of Fred, a lab mix whose story touched the hearts of one family and saved an entire litter.
Ariana has been a passionate New Jersey-based Good Flights volunteer for the past three years, devoting her time and energy to helping pets find their forever homes. But recently, her family experienced a devastating loss — the passing of one of their beloved dogs. This sad event left their remaining dog, Norm, deeply depressed and lonely. Ariana knew that her family needed something — or someone — to help heal their hearts.
This year’s Clear the Shelters kicked off with a Good Flight and Ariana volunteered to help. But when reviewing the photos and stories of the pets who would be arriving on a plane from Louisiana, she saw Fred (then named Jack), a sweet-natured lab-mix who was part of a litter of four puppies boarding the special flight. These young pups would be looking for a home once they landed in New Jersey. Across the miles, Ariana felt an instant connection with Fred, and she knew that he was the missing piece her family needed. They couldn’t wait to meet Fred when he landed! But this story doesn’t end with just one adoption.
In a heartwarming twist, once they met Fred on the tarmac, Ariana and her family decided not only to adopt the sweet pup as planned but also to foster one of his siblings. Their neighbors also adopted one of the four puppies and agreed to foster the fourth one. Now all four pups are safe and having a ball together while the other two await forever homes of their own.
Since its inception in 2015, Clear the Shelters has been instrumental in finding homes for more than one million pets just like Fred. This campaign, supported by countless volunteers, adopters, and donors, has transformed the lives of animals and families across the country. Without these incredible initiatives, many of these pets might never have had the chance to leave the shelter and experience the love of a forever family.
Fred’s story is just one of many that illustrate the incredible impact of Clear the Shelters. If you’re inspired by Ariana’s journey and Fred’s new beginning, there are several ways you can get involved:
We look forward to many more stories like Fred’s, where second chances create happy endings for pets and people alike.