Each of the more than 50,000 pets adopted as part of this year's Clear the Shelters event has a special story, and this is no exception.
John Scannivino, of North Bergen, arrived at the Bergen County Animal Shelter in New Jersey looking for a nice, quiet dog for a companion friend.
Shelter volunteers had been hoping to find a forever home for a little chihuahua mix who had at BCAS for a long time.
They introduced the little dog to Scannivino and the two took an instant liking to each other.
"There's only one issue," the shelter volunteer told Scannivino. "He has a heart murmur."
"That's terrific!" Scannivino said. "I have a heart murmur too!"
It was a perfect match.
Local
More than 80 area shelters waived or reduced adoption fees on Saturday for Clear the Shelters, an annual adoption event sponsored by NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47. To find a participating shelter, click here.