Driver Finds Three Babies Living in a Pipe in the Middle of Nowhere
Rescuing Abandoned Dogs: A Community’s Effort to Save Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze
Earlier this month, Jim Tietsort was driving through Kennewick, Washington, when he encountered a heart-wrenching scene: three abandoned dogs huddled in a large pipe that had become their makeshift shelter. Realizing the urgency of their situation, Tietsort attempted to catch the dogs but was unsuccessful. Determined to find help, he posted a picture of the dogs on Facebook, appealing to the community for assistance.
Nikki Surgeon, a local resident, saw Tietsort’s post and was deeply moved by the plight of the abandoned dogs. Despite the sweltering 98-degree Fahrenheit weather, Surgeon felt compelled to act. She ventured out to the location where the dogs had been seen but was unable to find them on her first visit. Her resolve, however, remained steadfast. “For somebody to dump dogs where they have nowhere to go and there’s no shelter — and it was like 98 degrees out — it’s terrible,” Surgeon told The Dodo. Her determination to rescue the dogs was evident, and she decided to return the next day.
Rescuing Abandoned Dogs: A Community’s Effort to Save Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze
The Community’s Persistent Efforts
On her second attempt, Surgeon finally spotted the dogs but still faced the challenge of capturing them. Recognizing that the dogs were frightened and wary, Surgeon enlisted the help of Sandy Orton, another compassionate community member. Together, they began visiting the dogs three times a day in an effort to earn their trust. “We were pretty persistent, because we were like, ‘We’re not leaving them. We’re going to get them one way or another,’” Surgeon explained.
The Community’s Persistent Efforts
Their persistence paid off within two days, as they managed to capture two of the dogs. However, the female dog remained elusive and skittish. It took a full five days of dedicated effort before Surgeon and Orton were finally able to slip a collar over the female dog’s head. The breakthrough moment came when the dog, once realizing she was safe, began to show affection and trust.
“All she needed was to be reassured,” Surgeon remarked. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze (also known as Canyon, Pebble, and Sierra at the shelter). With the dogs now secure, they received the medical attention and tender care they urgently needed.
A New Lease on Life
Nikki Surgeon didn’t stop at rescuing the dogs; she took her commitment a step further by opening her home to them. The trio—Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze—settled into their new temporary home, where they were showered with love and attention. Despite their traumatic past, the dogs began to reveal their playful, smart, and loving personalities. Surgeon’s dedication and compassion provided them with a safe space to heal and regain their trust in humans.
The local shelter, Mikey’s Chance Canine Rescue, is now urgently seeking long-term foster homes or adoptive families for the three dogs. The shelter is working hard to find suitable placements for Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze, ensuring that they continue to receive the care and attention they deserve. Anyone interested in fostering or adopting these resilient dogs can submit an application to the rescue organization.
A New Lease on Life
A Call for Compassion
The story of Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze underscores the power of community action and the profound impact that individuals can have on the lives of animals in need. Nikki Surgeon’s relentless efforts and the support of other community members highlight the importance of compassion and dedication in animal rescue. These dogs, who once faced uncertainty and fear, now have the opportunity to find loving forever homes where they can thrive.
“All they need is a loving home,” Surgeon said. The dogs’ journey from abandonment to safety serves as a reminder of the difference that one person’s determination can make in the lives of animals. With continued community support, Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze are on their way to brighter futures, filled with the love and care they have long deserved.
