'A Christmas miracle': 'GMA' reports on Pennsylvania animal shelter being emptied out before the holidays

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: 'Good Morning America' co-host Whit Johnson had a heartwarming story to share on the show over the holiday weekend.

"It is a very Merry Christmas at the Adams County SPCA in Pennsylvania," began Johnson. "Their kennels were almost filled just two weeks ago, but take a look at them now. All the dogs, all the cats are gone, adopted or reunited with their owners."

He continued, "They're calling it a Christmas miracle. Now they're helping other shelters in the state. This year the Adams County SPCA has found a home for 599 animals and returned 125 strays to their owners."

Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Adams County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals told the morning talk show that they have 25 dog kennels and accommodations for around 50 cats in the facility.

In addition to extending their gratitude to the local community for the support that they received to make their efforts fruitful, the SPCA shared that they plan on taking more animals from the other shelters in the state during the coming weeks since they have vacant spots available.

Adams County SPCA shares joyous news over Facebook

Taking to Facebook on December 23, the organization wrote, "Today is a great day for the Adams County SPCA! Two weeks ago our kennels were almost filled, now we don't have any dogs in the building at all (we have 1 cat that came in as a stray a little bit ago)!!”

The post added, “Our community stepped up once again! This is the first time in 47 YEARS that the Adams County SPCA is empty let alone at Christmas time, it is a true miracle!”

The efforts of everyone involved helped find an impressive number of pets their new homes, the post revealed.

"To say that we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked VERY hard to take care of the animals in our care and to make sure they got adopted to the right home,” it continued.

They further wrote, “This year we have adopted out 598 animals and reunited 125 strays with their owners! WOW! It has been a busy year! We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to new adventures in 2024!"

The post ended on a high note, with the Adams County SPCA looking forward to doing more great work, after enjoying their achievement over the holidays.

"We will be pulling animals from other shelters in PA next week in hopes of relieving some of their stress. Right now, we are going to enjoy this accomplishment! Merry Christmas!” concluded the shelter.

GMA co-hosts talk about their pets

Following the report, the co-hosts turned the conversation to their own pooches, as Johnson shared that he has a new foster at home, while co-host Eva Pilgrim has a new rescue.

"DeMarco, you're up," said Johnson, calling out his co-host DeMarco Morgan, who responded that he "is still working on it."

Pilgrim told Morgan, "You know, Whit's always trying to find homes for these fosters," as Johnson added, "And he'll send a couple your way. Try it out," with a grin.