McMuffin, a 5-month-old pug/chihuahua mix, was among the dozens of animals who found their forever homes in Chicago during the nationwide "Clear the Shelters" initiative.

Previously living at the West Suburban Humane Society, McMuffin now lives with his new owner, Martin Walles.

Hundreds of first-time and veteran pets owners in the Chicago area took part in the "Clear the Shelters" event Saturday aimed at finding homes for the city's furry orphans. All adoption fees were waived at participating shelters for the day to encourage more adoptions.

As of 5:30 p.m., 942 pets had been adopted across the Chicago area, and more than 12,000 had been adopted nationwide. Six Chicago-area shelters were cleared completely, including On Angels' Wings in Crystal Lake, McHenry County Animal Care and Control and four Help Save Pets locations — Mallard Point Veterinary Clinic, Animal Care Center, Hinsdale Animal Hospital and Oswego Animal Hospita.

A line that stretched for blocks formed outside of PAWS Chicago's Lincoln Park Adoption Center before it opened, making Saturday the busiest day in PAWS history. Other adoption facilities, like Orphans of the Storm in Deerfield, were also packed with soon-to-be pet parents.

In west suburban Naperville, a little white dog named Oreo was the first pet to be adopted from the Naperville Humane Society for the event.

Other pets found their forever homes after losing their first homes for various reasons.

One lucky pit bull named Joe Cool, a.k.a. Chief, was reunited with his owner after he got lost. Joe Cool's owner posted a photo of the dog on Facebook, and the Humane Society in the Calumet area saw it and immediately recognized the face. Joe Cool's "re-adoption" marked the first adoption of the day for the shelter.

Hundreds of cats were looking for forever homes Saturday as well. James Gecosala and Jennifer Reyes, of LaGrange Park, adopted a cat from the West Suburban Humane Society.

"There are a bunch of cats in there that want a home," Gecosala said. "They're all nice. Anyone who is looking for companionship, this is the way to go."

The "Clear the Shelters" event lasts until 4 p.m. Saturday, and dozens of dogs and cats remain available for adoption. Click here for a map of participating shelters.