The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Blue Mountain Humane Society Executive Director Sara Archer brought a mighty crew of staff and volunteers to Walla Walla's McCurley Integrity Toyota on Saturday, September 21 for the Second Annual Wags and Wheels event. The dealership underwrote the event to the tune of $5,000, providing the adoption fees for anyone interested in bringing home a new pet from the shelter.

"I think it's fun because it's just a good cause," said McCurley employee Steve Phillips. "A lot of people that hold back from adopting commit because we cover the fee to provide homes for these animals." Phillips continued.

Keith Taylor and his wife came up from Milton-Freewater to add a new pet to their family; deciding on 3-year-old mixed-breed dog Diamond, bringing him into a home that already includes a pup adopted from the shelter. "My wife has been looking for a dog, and this was the perfect opportunity." Taylor said.

Meredith Brackbill lives in a dorm at Walla Walla University, and is unable to adopt a pet, so she routinely comes to the shelter to visit the animals. She came out to the dealership with two friends to visit with the animals and was seen holding Darla. "I love Darla," she said.

Sam Jackle of Walla Walla adopted a beautiful orange and white 2-month old kitty as a surprise for her two young children. "We adopted a kitty last year and the kids have done such a great job taking care of him, I decided to add another cat to complete our family."

Ultimately 42 adoptions were finalized, and seven more were on home trial. Thank you, McCurley Integrity Toyota, Walla Walla!