JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Phyllis Collins adopted a dog named Dixie on Friday morning
"Love at first sight," she said.
Dixie is one of hundreds of animals who will be adopted at this weekend's Mega Adoption Event at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. Dixie's new mom couldn't be more excited.
"She was the first dog I saw when I walked in, and I just knew that she was the one," Collins said.
First Coast No More Homeless Pets, Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services, the Jacksonville Humane Society and dozens of other animal rescue groups from across northeast Florida are joining together for the huge event. More than 1,000 dogs and cats are looking for a place to call home.
Dianne Wiles, of First Coast No More Homeless Pets, says the goal is for at least 1,000 dogs and cats to be adopted, which would surpass last year's number of 946.
"A lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into this to get ready for it, and this is where it all pays off is seeing these guys walk out the door," Wiles said.
The adoption fee is just $25, and all pets have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Animal lovers flock to events like these because they say not only are they getting a new best friend, but they're also saving a life.
"It makes me feel good that I can take another dog in and not let him just be on the street," said Peyton Brown, who adopted a dog.
"It makes us feel good to be able to give them a home, get them off the streets and out of the shelters," said Ashley Rush, who adopted a cat.