Dumped Dogs Growing In Pendleton

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By Kyle Trompeter

Summary

These puppies are barely six weeks old. They already survived being dumped on a freeway, only feet away from speeding cars.

Story Published: Dec 22, 2009 at 6:10 PM PST

PENDLETON - These puppies are barely six weeks old. They already survived being dumped on a freeway, only feet away from speeding cars.

"We got a phone call from a lady whose husband is a truck driver. He found a box on the side of the road by Pilot Rock with eight puppies in them," said Pioneer Humane Society's Carrie Winterton.

They are safe now here at Pendleton Grain Grower.

Originally there were eight dogs. Three have been adopted. If you are looking for a nice Christmas gift, you might want to hurry.

Cute as they are, they represent a growing trend in Pendleton.
Before the eight rescues here, the humane society took in 11 dumped dogs the week before. That's nearly 20 dumped dogs in the last two weeks. The total number for 2009 is the highest it's ever been.

"Oh the dogs that have just been dumped off at people's houses, we're talking about 200. We don't even have a shelter yet. We're managing out of a thrift store right now," said Winterton.

On nice days like Tuesday, some of the dumped dogs stay in outdoor cages like this. But these dogs need permanent homes.

"We just need the community to step up and start helping us with the animals. Help us get this shelter up and built and going. Come out and volunteer and be foster parents and anything else you can," said Winterton.

Anything else you can to stop this trend of dumping the helpless.