A Whole Bunch of Olympians Holding Puppies, Because Obviously

Olympians holding adorable puppies is just what we all need to start our week with a smile. What makes all these US athletes' photos with the pups even better is that they were done to benefit Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption campaign that helped 45,000 animals find new homes in July. On July 23 alone, dubbed Clear the Shelters Day, 20,000 pets found forever homes.

"We are overwhelmed and thrilled with the extraordinary results of this year's Clear the Shelters adoption campaign," said Valari Staab, president of NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.

Many well-known celebrities chimed in, including Ellen DeGeneres, Miley Cyrus, and Sophia Bush, not to mention the 50-plus Olympians who posed with some adoptable pups for our viewing pleasure.

See the photos that are sure to make your day, and find more Olympics coverage here.