Last of 5 Dogs From Baker City OR Abandoned in Snowy Mountains Adopted
BAKER CITY, Ore. — Nearly two years after five young dogs were abandoned in the snowy forests near Tipton Summit, their story has reached a hopeful ending.
In late April 2024, shortly after a spring snowstorm, the dogs were found cold, frightened, and hiding inside a metal culvert about 40 miles southwest of Baker City. Today, all five are safe, well cared for, and living in loving homes.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Dick Haines, a retired Forest Service ranger who helped lead the rescue. “Things were pretty uncertain at the beginning.”
Haines, who has worked with rescue dogs for more than 15 years, volunteers with New Hope for Eastern Oregon Animals. He said some dogs recover quickly from trauma, but others need months of patience and trust-building before they’re ready for adoption.
The rescue began on April 30, 2024, when Forest Service employee Morgan Solomon spotted the dogs near Tipton Summit. Haines began searching the following day with volunteers from Best Friends of Baker. Three of the dogs were rescued quickly by a local couple, but two remained missing.
On May 7, Haines returned to the area and discovered the remaining dogs hiding inside a culvert along a forest road. With no cellphone service and limited supplies, he drove long distances to find food and assistance. Along the way, a Forest Service employee shared his lunch to help lure the dogs out. Baker County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Rosin later arrived and helped rescue the animals, even crawling into the icy culvert to bring one dog to safety.
“All five were fearful and withdrawn,” Haines said.
Two of the dogs were adopted soon after the rescue by experienced owners. The remaining three entered New Hope’s sanctuary and later participated in the Powder Pals program, where inmates at Powder River Correctional Facility help train rescue dogs for adoption.
“The amount of trust-building these dogs needed was unusual,” Haines said.
Over time, all three completed training and were adopted. Three dogs now live in Baker County, one was adopted by a family in McMinnville, and the final dog, Lilly, found a home in Union County earlier this year.
“The outcome was really good,” Haines said.
The man responsible for abandoning the dogs, Joseph Wallace Berkheimer of Baker City, pleaded guilty in June 2024. He was fined $1,000 and ordered to complete 40 hours of community service. The fine was donated to New Hope for Eastern Oregon Animals.
During sentencing, Berkheimer apologized and said he regretted his actions. The judge emphasized accountability and the importance of treating animals responsibly.
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, law enforcement, and community members, what began as a heartbreaking situation ended with five dogs getting a second chance — and warm beds to sleep in at last.
CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL SOURCE
About Post Author
You must be logged in to post a comment.