Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Dogs Made A Home Inside A Large Pipe In Soaring Heat

By: Julie Hunt
Julie Hunt is an avid dog lover and writer for iHeartDogs.com, and has a background as a veterinary technician. She rescued a beautiful former bait dog named Rory.Read more
| September 13, 2024

No animal deserves to be cast aside. That’s why it is so important to acknowledge those who step up and help innocent creatures who have been poorly mistreated. One such person, a man named Jim Tietsort, was driving through Kennewick, Washington when he stumbled upon a heart-wrenching sight. He discovered three abandoned dogs using a large pipe as their makeshift shelter. Concerned for their wellbeing, Tietsort tried to help but couldn’t catch the frightened pups. Determined to find them a safe place, he took a photo and shared it on Facebook, hoping the community would come together to aid these helpless dogs.

juliesaraceno2/TikTok

The post caught the attention of a local animal lover, Nikki Surgeon, who immediately decided to help. She drove to the location where the dogs had been spotted, but despite her best efforts, she initially couldn’t find them. Still, Nikki wasn’t one to give up.

The dogs were dumped during the height of summer. The temperatures continued to soar into the high 90s, and Nikki knew she had to act fast before the dogs perished in the heat. But she was still unable to find them.

juliesaraceno2/TikTok

More determined than before, Nikki returned the next day and finally spotted the dogs. Unfortunately, the scared pups evaded capture. Determined not to leave them behind, Nikki joined forces with another kind-hearted community member, Sandy Orton. Together, they began visiting the area three times a day, determined to win the dogs’ trust.

Diabetic Senior Was Abandoned With Her Deceased Sibling
Diabetic Senior Was Abandoned With Her Deceased Sibling

Merida is a senior who was found abandoned in a backyard with her sibling who had passed away. She was left to fend for herself as an 11-year-old with diabetes. Thankfully, Kanoa Rescue Foundation stepped in to save her, but she still needs your help!

After two days of patience and persistence, Nikki, Sandy, and several other community members managed to catch two of the dogs. However, the third dog, a cautious female, remained elusive. Finally, on the fifth day, they held their breath as the timid pup allowed them to slip a collar over her head. Despite her initial wariness, she seemed to sense she was now safe and quickly warmed up to her rescuers.

juliesaraceno2/TikTok

With all three dogs safely in their care, Nikki and Sandy ensured they received the medical attention and tender loving care they desperately needed. Going above and beyond, Nikki opened her home to the rescued pups. She affectionately named them Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze (also known as Canyon, Pebble, and Sierra by the shelter). It was heartwarming to see how these dogs, despite their traumatic past, began to show their playful, intelligent, and loving sides.

juliesaraceno2/TikTok

The shelter is currently seeking someone to foster or adopt these dogs on a long-term basis. If anyone in the area is interested, they are encouraged to submit an application to Mikey’s Chance Canine Rescue. Nikki’s only wish is for these three dogs to find the love and comfort they truly deserve. Click below to see Buddy, Baylee, and Blaze’s rescue video.

Please ‘SHARE’ to pass on this story to a friend or family member

@juliesaraceno2 If you’re unable to foster or adopt, please share. ♥️ #adoptme #rescueme #rescuedogs #tricitieswa #kennewickwa ♬ Past Lives – Mason

Click ‘SHARE’ below to pass this along to a friend or family member