Local Heroes Evacuated 101 Dogs, With Help From iHeartDogs Hero VIP Members

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 ...