44 total pets, including 23 Puppy Palooza pups, adopted at spcaLA this weekend

WEST ADAMS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It only took about two hours, and all of the Puppy Palooza pets featured on ABC7's broadcast on Friday were adopted.

In total, 44 pets were adopted on Saturday, including the 23 Puppy Palooza puppies, between the three spcaLA shelters. The adoptions include some wonderful older dogs who had been at the shelters for months.

Many people eager to give a puppy a new home lined up early before the doors opened at spcaLA in West Adams.

For Sanjay Schaller, that paid off.

"I'm a winner!" he said, holding his new puppy.

The 23 puppies adopted on Saturday were named after Disney characters. Schaller took Draxx home for his 10-year-old daughter.

"Her first dog. She's slightly autistic, and when she saw the TV show yesterday, your Channel 7 news, she was like, 'Dad, I want a dog!' And I was like, 'Let's try it!' And I was the first person here. The first winner," Schaller said.

It was a competitive process. Raffles helped determine a winner when more than one person had their eye and heart on a particular puppy.

"We were just really lucky that we got here on time. We got the dog that everyone wanted," said Brandy Madere. "I'm really happy that my dad was able to get the dog that he wanted."

"We got here about 7:30, and we're lucky we got Gamora here," Wayne Madere said.

"He was actually the dog that we wanted, and it was meant to be. I think we were the only people who actually put our ticket for him. So, I think it was just fate, " said Richard Franco. "He just looked a little sad in his pictures, and I was like, 'I'm going to grab that little guy and make him happy.'"

ABC7 and spcLA teamed up with Smart & Final and LA Custom Blinds to ensure all adoption fees were waived at its three locations on Saturday, making a simple wish come true for puppies and their new owners.

"Some people, it's their very first puppy, and it's little kids, and they are just so in love. Some people had recently lost a puppy or a dog, and they're finally ready to adopt again, and they're really just completing their family, and that's what I want to see for them," said Miriam Davenport.

Some other older dogs were also adopted on Saturday, including 9-year-old Mookie! He was featured on ABC7's Pet of the Week segment on Thursday and finally found his forever home after spending 9 months in the shelter. Adult dogs Daisy Mae and Lilac also found their forever homes.

If you couldn't make it out this weekend, there's always a need. spcaLA has all sorts of animals up for adoption.

Up next is kitten season. If you can't adopt, donations and fostering are welcome.

Information on spcaLA locations and hours can be found here.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) was the first organization to promote animal welfare in Southern California, incorporated in 1877. They are dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals through education, law enforcement, intervention and advocacy. Donate at spcaLA/donate.

Support spcaLA by purchasing a Puppy Palooza-inspired t-shirt designed by a local artist!

ADOPTION DETAILS FROM spcaLA:

• All spcaLA adoption requirements apply.
• Adoptions include age-appropriate vaccinations, spaying or neutering, a free veterinary examination, and microchip.
• Additional fees may apply for medications, spay/neuter deposit.
• Save time by submitting an adoption application in advance at spcaLA.com/adopt.
• Submitting an application does not reserve or hold animal, or guarantee adoption.
• Applications are approved and sometimes are denied.
• Must be 18 or older to adopt.
• Bring your valid government-issued photo identification.
• Bring all human family members, too. If a dog is in the home, a dog-to-dog intro may be required.
• If leasing/renting, please bring management contact information/lease; if townhome or condominium owner, please bring CCR/HOA documents for proof that pets are permitted.
• Please bring adequate time and patience - adoptions can take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• If several parties present express interest in the same pet simultaneously, spcaLA will enter potential adopters into a "drawing" and begin the adoption process with the first name drawn.
• Please note: spcaLA is unable to verify arrival time prior to adoption center opening.