FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) – In the past two weeks, Fort Worth Animal Control workers saw two things they’d never seen before: A huge surge in the number of animals at the shelter that pushed them far past their capacity and a swell in adoptions to prevent the animals’ euthanasia.

Tuesday, the adoption center was packed, the parking lot was full and cars lined the streets.

“The staff was truly devastated by the influx of animals without solutions at hand,” said Assistant Code Compliance Director Scott Hanlan.  ”So it’s very encouraging to see.”

It started early in the morning and continued through the day.

“Its crazy!,” exclaimed visitor Jennifer Huecker as she looked at the crowded adoption center.

The shelter had to open three hours early because people were waiting to get in. Workers from other code compliance departments were called in to cope with the crowd.

Almost every visitor there saw Animal Control’s plea for help. They were 255 animals over capacity at the close of business Monday night. Those animals were facing euthanasia within days.

“We saw a news article on the news last night about the adoptions,” said Mark Snell who was adopting a Chihuahua. “They need our help.”

“We saw they were overpopulated so we came out and we found one we liked,” Huecker said.

As fast as they can complete the paperwork, the owners adopted dogs –– meaning one less animal faces euthanasia.

By 4 p.m. Tuesday, 87 animals had new homes.

There are still lots of animals needing homes.  But the crowd never dwindled.  And that gives animal control workers the hope they lacked on Monday.

“It’s a big mountain to climb and we’re far from where we need to be,” Hanlan said. “But we’re encouraged by the response so far.”