The team at The Animal Protection League (APL) in Anderson, Indiana, was caring for more than 300 animals when historic floodwaters threatened the shelter in mid-August. Staff initially prepared for the possibility of an evacuation, urgently asking the community for crates, kennels, sandbags, foster homes, and helping hands.
Soon, preparing was no longer enough. The entire building had to be evacuated as quickly as possible.
Among the animals who needed a safe way out were 101 dogs.
A Community Rushed In to Help
Central Indiana endured repeated rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain from August 11–17, 2026. More than a foot of rain fell in some areas, triggering widespread flooding and driving the White River at Anderson to a record crest that exceeded the previous record set in 1913.
As the danger grew, community members rallied around APL. Volunteers helped move animals and supplies, foster families opened their homes, veterinary and rescue partners offered space, and the evacuated dogs were taken to temporary placements, including a local fairground barn.
APL’s director later reported that every one of the approximately 300 pets evacuated from the shelter found an emergency foster placement or was pulled or housed by a partner rescue. Considering the scale and urgency of the operation, it was an extraordinary outcome.
The shelter itself, however, was left with approximately two feet of water inside for around 48 hours. Because of its location next to the city’s water pollution control plant, APL had to treat the floodwater as potentially contaminated by raw sewage. A restoration company was brought in to clean and sanitize the building before animals and staff could safely return.
From 101 Dogs to Just 23 at the Shelter
The emergency evacuation became an unexpected “clear the shelter” event. Some dogs were adopted. Others stayed in temporary foster care while the building was restored. And some foster families discovered that they could not bear to say goodbye.
By September 5, only 23 dogs were at the shelter, compared with 101 on the night of the flood.
APL’s team continued working through extraordinary circumstances. Staff repaired damaged areas, replaced flooring, installed a new sink and cabinets, sorted supplies, and kept bills and administrative work moving from the road. The adoption team held meet-and-greets in the dog park so promising connections between people and pets did not have to wait.
Volunteers traveled to Middletown Animal Hospital to walk dogs being boarded there. Others helped refresh the shelter with new paint. APL also obtained outdoor kennels for its veterinary technician’s farm, creating emergency space for as many as 10 dogs whose temporary placements might not work out.
Even while recovering from its own losses, APL found ways to help neighboring pet owners and another rescue that had suffered even greater flood damage. That spirit of service is at the heart of the organization and the community that surrounds it.
Hero VIP Club Support Helps Care Continue
Long before the flood, iHeartDogs Hero VIP Club members were helping APL and other shelters meet everyday needs through donations and dog care packages packed with collars, slip leads, toys, and treats. Those gifts provide useful supplies, nourishment, enrichment, and comfort for dogs waiting for homes.
When disaster upends every routine and forces more than 100 dogs into emergency placements, reliable support becomes even more meaningful. Hero VIP Club members helped strengthen APL’s ability to continue caring for dogs through disruption, cleanup, and the long process of rebuilding.
The impact can be seen not only in repaired spaces, but also in dogs sleeping safely in foster homes, meeting potential adopters, enjoying walks with volunteers, and receiving the daily care they need while their shelter recovers.
Thank You for Helping APL Begin Again
APL’s director summed up the experience with a hopeful truth: “Beautiful things come from tragedy.”
The flood caused fear, displacement, and extensive damage, but it also brought out an overwhelming wave of compassion. Hundreds of animals reached safety. Foster families stepped forward. Dogs found adoptive homes. Staff, volunteers, rescue partners, veterinary teams, donors, and neighbors worked side by side to help APL begin again.
To every iHeartDogs Hero VIP Club member who has supported APL through donations and care packages: thank you. Your generosity is helping this resilient shelter continue giving dogs the safety, comfort, and second chances they deserve.
When the water rose, an entire community rose with it, and you were part of the support that helped carry APL forward.
