Last week’s “Snuggle Fest” for employees at TEP was a big success: Four shelter animals found new homes, almost $200 was raised and 10 pet supply items were collected.

The annual event supports two local animal shelters: the Pima Animal Care Center and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. The agencies bring animals from their shelters to TEP to interact with employees and, hopefully, to find them a forever home.

This year, the shelters brought a total of 16 animals – dogs, puppies and kittens – for employees to snuggle with during their lunch break. Five of the animals were available for adoption; the others were too young to adopt out.

“By helping animal advocacy groups, we are keeping homeless pets off of the streets, safe and cared for until a home can be found for them,” said TEP’s Andrea Mitchell, one of the organizers. “Events like these give animals a break from shelter life and increase their chances for adoption.”