Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek Every August, something pretty remarkable happens across the country — and here in Northeast Ohio, we’re right in the middle of it. It’s called Clear the Shelters , and if you’ve never heard of it, think of it as a month-long community adoption drive with one shared mission: help as many pets as possible find forever homes. This isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a movement. This year marks the 11th year of Clear the Shelters, and from August 1 through August 31, more than 30 shelters and rescues in Northeast Ohio are teaming up with WKYC Studios and our NBC and Telemundo partners nationwide to make it happen. The idea is simple — and powerful. Shelters across the region are offering reduced or even waived adoption fees, hosting special events, and putting a spotlight on the dogs, cats, and even a few more unusual pets waiting for a family. And while the promotions help get people in the door, the bigger impact is that every single adoption frees up space and resources...

Special to the Director's Cut By Ann Geyser, wkyc.com The final total is in and 399 animals were adopted from 24 shelters and rescues to families across Northeast Ohio. The goal was simple: find forever homes for as many dogs, cats and other animals living in shelters across Northeast Ohio. We hit a home run. This year, final numbers show that 399 animals were adopted from 24 shelters and rescues on last Saturday. Brianna took home a dog from City Dogs in Cleveland. She told our Dorsena Drakeford that when she met the dog she adopted, he licked her face and she knew right there and then, this would be her new forever friend. Clear the Shelters was a nationwide effort, started by NBC and Telemundo stations across the country. This was the fifth year for the event and since it started, over a quarter-million pets were adopted to loving homes. Last year, WKYC and local shelters and rescues were able to get 347 pets adopted and this year, we added dozens more t...