Shelter seeks forever homes at mega adoption event

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WTXF) - Why are hundreds of people standing outside in the cold one week before Christmas?

They're waiting for their chance to shop for and adopt a dog or cat at the Brandywine Valley SPCA Mega Adoption event at the 23rd Street Armory.

It was a sacrifice to, hopefully, be one of the first to call dibs on the dog of her choice.

Lind Torelli, with the Brandywine Valley SPCA said, "When we see folks that have gotten here at four or five in the morning, to come and save a life, it's really inspirational. It reminds us that this is why we do the work."

Torelli said this is their third mega adoption event featuring more than 1,000 dogs and cats from all across the country.

"This is the first of its kind in this area and really in the Northeast. Our sponsor PetCo Foundation has really been behind this as part of the no-kill movement in sheltering," Torelli explained.

"She's very calm, very nice," said pet lover Jose Martinez,

Many people describe love at first sight.

"When I saw Peter walking down the street, I said 'that's my dog,'" said Giselle Brown.

Now it's official and Peter is their dog. Peter found his forever home this holiday season.

"I'm excited, can't wait to play dates, have fun with him," said Jorden Shockley.

I'm excited because my birthday is coming up and I wanted a dog," said Madison Baird.

For viewers who missed the event, the Brandywine Valley SPCA is hosting adoption specials the week of December 17 and some of them lasting until the end of 2017.