SUMTER COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – If you’re looking for good news to start your week, you’re in the right place.

Over the weekend, 459 dogs found their forever homes at the second annual Mega Dog Adoption Event in Plant City, Florida. 79 of those dogs were adopted from Marion County Animal Services (MCAS). Sumter County Animal Services had 64 dogs adopted, and five others fostered or adopted at the facility.

The adoption event was organized by the Team Godwin Foundation, founded by Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin and his wife, Mariah. The foundation aims to provide second chances for pets in need, whether that means an opportunity for adoption or medical treatments that provide a new lease on life.

As a part of the foundation’s promotion of animal adoption, all fees were waived for the event. The dogs were also spayed and neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated in preparation for their new homes.

It seems many of the hundreds of attendees came with open hearts for these pets in need. This year’s event was a huge success, nearly doubling the 240 adoptions made last year.

“Together, we’ve transformed lives and made dreams come true. This weekend’s adoptions symbolize a second chance and a new beginning for so many wagging tails,” said Sumter County Animal Services manager Gary Herrero.

Brock is a 5-year-old male who has been with the Marion County Shelter since January. Courtesy:: Scott Chase/352today
Marion County Animal Services was one of 9 shelters in central Florida participating in the three-day Mega Adoption event in Plant City, Florida. Courtesy: Scott Chase/352today
Hundreds of people showed up to check out the hundreds of dogs available to adopt for free at the second annual Mega Pet Adoption event at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City. Courtesy: Scott Chase/352today

MCAS was joined by Sumter County Animal Services and seven other municipal animal rescues. Staff and volunteers from each organization worked tirelessly throughout the weekend educating attendees on adoption and finding the perfect matches for families looking for additions. By finding homes for these pets, staff not only give the adopted dogs a chance to live a more comfortable life than one in a shelter, but also free up shelter resources to be able to help more vulnerable animals.

“As the sun rose Monday after the mega-adoption event, it illuminated not just empty kennels, but also the hearts filled with hope and happiness of our hard-working staff as they see the gratification of their hard work,” said Herrero.

Last week’s Project Pawsitivity Pets of the Week, Rockruff and Cinder, were among the 459 dogs that found a special place in someone’s heart at the event.

Former Project Pawsitivity Pet of the Week, Rockruff, and his new mom. Courtesy: MCAS

Despite the mega success of the mega adoptions, the work is not done for community animals in need. You can view the remaining animals available for adoption on the MCAS website and Facebook page. Information on volunteering and fostering is also found on the website, or by calling 352-671-8700.