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FISHERS, Ind. — The Humane Society for Hamilton County is “racing against time” after the heat went out in two kennel areas, leaving 11 dogs in danger.
They are hoping the public will foster the animals until they can make repairs.
Two of the kennel areas at the Fishers shelter have lost their heat. Those areas house a combined 11 dogs.
“This is a dire situation,” said Lily Darling, community engagement manager. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of the dogs in our care. The loss of heat in these 11 kennels has created an urgent situation. By fostering a dog, even for just a couple of nights, you’re not only helping that animal but also making room for us to move dogs into warm, safe spaces.”
The shelter houses 130 dogs but has limited heated kennels available.
Fostering an animal is a temporary commitment to house a dog in a warm, loving environment. Often, that is, until the animal is adopted. In this case, it is until the shelter can repair the heating system.
“We are asking the community to please come in and foster some of our dogs so that we can play a little bit of Tetris and move some of those 11 dogs into heated areas of the building,” said Darling.
Interested in fostering a dog? Here’s what to bring:
*Some dogs may be excluded due to being unaltered, too young or needing specialized care.
There’s a diverse range of dogs to choose from. Darling said the shelter is staying open late Wednesday to welcome anyone willing to volunteer and temporarily foster for a few days while they get the heating system repaired.
“While they do have fur, it’s not going to keep them warm in these temperatures. These dogs are going to be freezing,” Darling said.
The lack of extra space could have a terrible impact on the animals, according to Darling.
“It can result in sickness. They’re going to be cold and achy. Think about when we go outside and it’s cold and it hurts. The way it affects us it’s going to affects these dogs as well,” she said.
Carly Middleton said she and her dog, Roger, didn’t hesitate to answer the call for fosters.
“I loaded Roger up in the car and off we went,” she said. “We had a meet and greet and are taking home a dog named Phineas.”
“That is our community stepping up and helping because we are doing everything we can,” said Darling.
So whether it’s a warm kennel or a warm home, Darling said the most important thing is that the dogs are safe.
“If we can get these dogs into comfortable spaces where they are warm, loved and taken care of, that is the best thing we can do,” said Darling.