05/09/2026
The post going around about the 8 puppies abandoned in Durkee has a lot of people understandably angry. But the hard truth is this is not unusual for us. We see situations like this over and over again with puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats in Baker County.
We do not have a public shelter here. We rely almost entirely on the community. We need our village.
Right now, our biggest need is foster homes. If we had even one, two, or three open foster homes available, those puppies could have been taken immediately instead of ending up dumped in desperation. That does not make what happened okay, but it is the reality of what happens when there are no resources left.
The anger directed at the Animal Clinic is misplaced. They are a compassionate group of people who care deeply about animals, but they are a veterinary clinic, not a public shelter responsible for housing every unwanted pet in the county. Expecting them to absorb every animal, let alone multiple, that someone wants to surrender is simply not realistic.
The man who attempted to leave these puppies was also not truthful. The puppies were not abandoned. Their mother was not hit by a car. Unfortunately, the same story was successfully used on us last December and we saved four (still nursing) puppies. We have also spent years trying to help spay and neuter animals from this property, scheduling appointments and offering assistance, only for people not to show up.
The blame for this situation lies with the individuals who failed these animals.
But if we want fewer situations like this, outrage alone will not fix it. We need solutions.
We need foster homes.
Fostering does NOT mean being trapped with an animal forever. You decide what works for your home and lifestyle. You can foster occasionally, seasonally, short-term, or only certain types of animals. We provide food, supplies, and veterinary care. You provide a safe place and some compassion.
You are always allowed to say “now is not a good time.” There is no pressure and no judgment.
The animals need us, and we need you. That is the only way this works in a community without a shelter.
Take your outrage and put it into something tangible. Become part of the solution.
Please consider reaching out, asking questions, or having a conversation with us about fostering. Join the village. Get involved. It truly makes the difference between animals being safe… or not.
Call us at 541-519-7387 or fill out a foster application online at bestfriendsofbaker.org