Staff, volunteers, visitors--even the dogs and cats seemed happier than usual during the big adoption event at 28th and Western on Saturday and Sunday. Was it the new fenced play yards behind the shelter where pups with pent up energy could let off steam? The steady stream of attentive visitors and volunteers taking the cats out of their cages for a closer cuddle? Or just the heartwarming prospect of new forever homes for the City's neediest animals? Whatever it was, there was festive spirit in the air at Chicago Animal Care and Control. Many happy dogs and cats left their cages behind to sleep in soft warm beds with their new families this past weekend. And nothing in the world makes us feel better than that!

Volunteers stuffed Kongs with peanut butter and tasty treats on Saturday to keep pups in residence engaged and occupied:

YUMMY! Nothin' says lovin' to a dog's tummy like a peanut butter stuffed Kong!

Dogs and volunteers enjoyed the new fenced play yards donated by Animal Farm through the efforts of Safe Humane Chicago.

Friends treasurer and long time volunteer, Kathy, spent some quality time with sweet Mooshie, a recent entrant into Safe Humane's Court Case dog program.

Shelter staff members Sue, Brett, and Dr. Tammy, toasted the occasion with cans of...donated puppy formula?

Visitors checked out feline friends in the cat adoption room which now boasts a carpeted perch for kitties on temporary release from their condo cages.