This post has been sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Diary of a Debutante possible! #ClearTheShelters #HillsTransformingLives 

You know when you’re so overwhelmed and inspired by something amazing that it’s hard to put your feelings into words? That’s how I feel about my morning at Wayside Waifs, a nonprofit Kansas City animal shelter participating in Clear The Shelters Day this Saturday, August 18th. From how they treat animals in their care to their ongoing community programs (specifically No More Bullying!), I was on the verge of tears the whole time– in the best, most inspired way possible. Funded only by private donations and foundations, Wayside Waifs is the largest no kill pet adoption campus in Kansas City. With the help of donors like Hill’s Pet Nutrition, they’re committed to caring for and finding homes for all adoptable pets and place approximately 5,400 animals in loving homes every year.

Hopefully, thousands more animals will find their forever homes on Clear The Shelters Day this year. Sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, NBCUNiversal Owned Television Stations’ Clear The Shelters Day is the largest single-pet adoption event in the country. Its goal is to adopt as many animals as possible, so it was really cool to see Wayside Waifs in preparation mode. Keep reading for a recap of my morning!

A Morning at Wayside Waifs

Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter is part of a volunteer pet transport network, which relocates dogs and cats in order to ensure no particular shelter has too many or too few adoptable animals, and we were lucky enough to see how the process works first hand. In order to alleviate shelters in Texas and Louisiana, Wayside Waifs accepted 33 precious pups on Tuesday morning, all of whom need loving homes. As absolutely tear-jerking as it was to think about how frightened they must’ve been, it was heartwarming to watch Wayside Waifs’ intake process. Every animal is given a name, kept up-to-date on their shots and vaccines, and provided with the same level of love, care, and compassion. In essence, they’re given a second chance. 

Kyle and I were also given a tour of the facility, and one of the coolest things about Wayside Waifs is their state-of-the-art surgery center. Again, funded only by private donations and absolutely no government funding, their team of veterinarians performs whatever medical procedures are necessary for every single animal in their care. There are also dedicated kennels and private rooms reserved for animals in surgery prep and recovery. It’s truly incredible. 

Clear The Shelters: The Precious Pups Up for Adoption

After our tour, we finally got to say hi to all of Wayside Waifs’ adoptable fur babies! We started with the pups, who are separated by size. Depending on their social and mobile needs, some dogs have their own kennel, some are adjoined with litter mates, and some are given larger kennels to roam in. I’ve got two pups of my own, so I was more than prepared to cry. I kept it together for the most part, but I’ll admit I was surprised to see so many happy and well-adjusted dogs. Wayside Waifs does an incredible job making sure each individual dogs’ needs are met, and it’s wonderful. 

Oh, and to keep all kennels from looking the same, Wayside Waifs started a volunteer kennel decorating initiative. How gosh darn cute is this? Batman is one lucky pup!

In case you can’t tell, I fell particularly in love with two dachshunds named Ladybug and Muffin. They were surrendered together and are a package deal. I got a little choked up when I learned that they won’t allow one to be adopted without the other. 

Clear The Shelters: The Cuddly Kitties Up for Adoption

Kyle is allergic, but I’m a crazy cat lady at heart. I want all the kittens, and Wayside Waifs has some of the cutest kitties I’ve ever seen. Here are just a few of the little angels up for adoption on Clear The Shelters Day!

Oh, and if you ever need a mid-day boost, check out their KittyCam! It’s addictive and guaranteed to make you smile.

These are just a handful of the thousands of animals hoping to find their forever home this Saturday. If you don’t have a furry friend (or two, three, or four) in your life, what are you waiting for?! There’s no better time to adopt than this weekend– and if you’re in the Kansas City area, Wayside Waifs is the place to go! If you’re on the fence about adopting, I put together a New Puppy Checklist and Puppy-Proofing Home Checklist to help make the transition process as seamless as possible. Plus, there will be thousands of volunteers on hand, so while making a lifelong commitment to a pet may seem overwhelming, shelter workers and volunteers, who know the pets best, can help you find the perfect match. Let’s make this year’s Clear The Shelters Day the most successful one yet!