Carolina dogs from Indiana hoarding case still need homes, adoption will be available soon

Rachel Smith, The Herald-Times
·4 min read
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Some of the dogs taken from a Bloomington home on March 17 now housed at Bloomington's animal shelter. Officials there said the dogs' owner had fed and given water to the dogs but did not have required permits to breed or to possess so many.
Some of the dogs taken from a Bloomington home on March 17 now housed at Bloomington's animal shelter. Officials there said the dogs' owner had fed and given water to the dogs but did not have required permits to breed or to possess so many.

There's still time for a happy ending in the local hoarding case where dozens of dogs were seized from a near-westside Bloomington house, with some potentially available for adoption as early as this weekend.

About 10 a.m. March 17, animal control officers and police arrived at a residence on North Adams Street with a search warrant in hand. According to a police report, a person who bought a dog from the man living at the house reported concerns to authorities.

Ten dogs from the home had been surrendered to the city's animal shelter the previous day, but when officers entered the 700-square-foot residence, 58 additional canines — a mix of adults and puppies — were found.

These dogs were subsequently removed from what a city news release described as "a hoarding/unauthorized breeding operation."

More:Dozens of dogs confiscated from hoarding situation in Bloomington, animal shelter seeks help

While one was euthanized due to old age and multiple health issues, the others were taken to the Bloomington Animal Shelter for assessment and care.

The influx of new tenants was initially overwhelming, according to shelter director Virgil Sauder. Because the shelter easily reached capacity, about a dozen of the dogs have been temporarily boarded in the animal shelter in Brown County and the Monroe County Humane Association.

While performing intake on the dozens of dogs, the Bloomington shelter took to social media in a public call for bedding, food, cash and other needs. They also sent out a plea for people willing to foster current shelter dogs in their homes, given that this new batch of dogs now takes up the bulk of the shelter's capacity.

Previous shelter overflow:Bloomington Animal Shelter adopts out 85 animals after cry for help with overcrowding

Following that call, the community answered.

Bloomington shelter receives $10,000 in donations, still needs more help

"The response has been astounding. It's been wonderful," Sauder said.

The shelter has so far raised about $10,000 in addition to item donations.

In the biggest display of help, 30 to 40 families applied to foster animals within about a week's time. This sharp increase is especially notable considering that an average week typically garners a single application under normal circumstances, according to Sauder.

While the support so far has been described as generous and wonderful, Sauder said the shelter still needs help. They still are requesting monetary donations to cover the dogs' medical expenses. Monetary donations are accepted at the shelter from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Call 812-349-3492 with any questions.

The shelter is also accepting item donations. Bedding can be dropped off in the white bin outside the front entrance at the Bloomington Animal Shelter, at 3410 S. Walnut St.

Sauder said while many families have applied for fostering, most of the applications are still being processed. The shelter still is looking for more foster families, specifically those who have past experience and are already familiar with the process. To learn more about the dog foster program or to complete an application, visit bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/foster.

Some of the dogs taken from a Bloomington home on March 17 now housed at Bloomington's animal shelter. Officials there said the dogs' owner had fed and given water to the dogs but did not have required permits to breed or to possess so many.
Some of the dogs taken from a Bloomington home on March 17 now housed at Bloomington's animal shelter. Officials there said the dogs' owner had fed and given water to the dogs but did not have required permits to breed or to possess so many.

On the prowl for a Carolina dog? Rescue one in Bloomington

The dozens of rescued dogs have been examined by veterinarians and processed into the system. While some have health issues or additional behavioral needs, the majority have been given a clean bill of health.

With pointed ears and a foxlike snout, the dogs are believed to be of the Carolina breed, which looks similar to a wolf or jackal. The breed typically reaches about 30 to 55 pounds. According to the American Kennel Club, Carolina dogs are "generally shy and suspicious in nature" of strangers. This description is echoed by Sauder, who said staff are now getting an idea of the dogs' comfort levels and socialization needs.

"They're doing well. The majority of them are settling to our routine. They're making steps forward that we'd expect, as far as getting used to staff and staff handling," Sauder said. "We've been lucky that the majority of them seem to be coming along well."

While initially shy, once the dog accepts the human into its pack, the breed has been described as friendly, loyal and affectionate.

Currently, four nursing mothers and their litters have been placed into foster homes. Once the remaining dogs are cleared by shelter staff, more will begin trickling into the foster system — and hopefully their forever homes.

"We'll be looking to place them into either fosters or even into adoption very shortly," Sauder said, with the first of them potentially happening as early as this weekend.

Reach Rachel Smith at rksmith@heraldt.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington animal shelter flush with support after 68 dog influx