PAWS selected as 1 of 25 Petco Love Story winners
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter, Pioneer Humane Society is one of only 25 winners from across the nation to receive a donation thanks to the love story produced by Matt Fagan about his and Bill Harmon’s story about Gus, the dog they adopted from the shelter. The shelter will receive a generous donation, the amount of which will be announced on Valentine’s Day.
Matt’s and Bill’s previous dog passed away from cancer. Meanwhile, Bill was diagnosed with cancer and he was meeting with a team from the Eastern Oregon Cancer Center to discuss treatment options. On that day, the couple adopted Gus from PAWS.
“People get bogged down in fear sometimes, but Gus never forgot to play,” Matt said in the story.
Gus accompanied Matt and Bill, who are from La Grande, to all of the cancer treatments. Bill is now cancer free.
The love that Gus brought to Matt and Bill will also mean a lifesaving investment in PAWS from Petco Love in partnership with BOBS® from Skechers®. A grand total of $500,000 will be awarded to the 25 animal shelters and rescue organizations across the U.S. Matt will receive a pair of BOBS® footwear and a Petco shopping spree.
“Every pet adoption story highlights the incredible impact of love and companionship,” Petco Love President Susanne Kogut said.
Matt’s story is viewable at https://www.facebook.com/824056561/videos/1070270764494784/.
Photo of (L-R) Gus, Matt, and Bill on adoption day via PAWS
