They were found shivering in the cold, chained to debris and drinking from frying pans. Now, nearly 30 dogs rescued from a nightmare scenario in Wabash County face a new, invisible enemy: heartworm disease. Humane Fort Wayne has stepped in to save them, but they need the community’s help to fund the lifesaving medical treatment these survivors desperately need.
A Rescue Mission Amidst Freezing Temperatures
The story began in early January when the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Shelter responded to a property southeast of downtown Wabash. What they found was a scene of neglect that left experienced animal control officers shocked. nearly 30 hound dogs and beagles were discovered living in squalor.
The conditions were dire.
- Dogs were chained to heavy debris or running loose in the freezing cold.
- Many were severely dehydrated and covered in feces.
- Old frying pans were being used as makeshift water bowls.
- Most of the animals had severely overgrown nails and untreated skin issues.
Jen Castro, the manager of the Wabash County Animal Shelter, described the situation as “heartbreaking” at the time. The sheer number of animals overwhelmed the local shelter, forcing them to temporarily close their doors to the public just to process the intake. The dogs were terrified, cold and starving. But getting them out of the cold was only the first step in a long journey toward healing.
The Silent Killer: Heartworm Crisis
While the dogs are now safe, warm and fed, medical exams have revealed a costly complication. Humane Fort Wayne, which stepped in to assist the Wabash shelter by taking in many of the dogs, reports that a significant number of them have tested positive for heartworm disease.
This condition is fatal if left untreated. It involves parasitic worms living in the heart and lungs of the dog, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs. The treatment is rigorous, painful and expensive.
“Treatment for the disease exceeds $1,000 per dog,” stated a representative from the shelter. “It is a long road to recovery, but these dogs deserve a second chance at a happy life.”
The shelter has set an immediate fundraising goal of $10,000 to cover the medical bills. This amount will ensure that every rescued hound gets the injections and monitoring they need to survive.
Community Support Crucial for Recovery
Humane Fort Wayne is relying on its “Angel Fund” to manage this crisis. This special fund is reserved for animals in dire need of medical attention, including those suffering from cruelty, neglect or unexpected illnesses.
How the Treatment Process Works:
- Stabilization: The dogs must be healthy enough to withstand the strong medication.
- Injections: A series of arsenic-based drug injections are administered to kill the adult worms.
- Rest: The dogs must be kept completely calm for months to prevent dead worms from causing blockages.
The organization is urging the public to donate, noting that even small contributions add up. “Your donation not only helps the animals currently in our care but also creates lifesaving options for any future paws that walk through our doors,” the organization shared on their website.
Looking Ahead: A New Beginning
Despite the trauma they endured in the snow and filth of Wabash County, these dogs are showing remarkable resilience. Volunteers report that tails are starting to wag again and the hounds are learning what it means to be loved.
The partnership between Wabash County Animal Shelter and Humane Fort Wayne highlights the importance of shelter collaboration. By transferring the dogs, they ensured that the animals received specialized medical care that a smaller rural shelter might struggle to provide alone. The focus now is entirely on healing so these beagles and hounds can eventually find the forever homes they were denied for so long.
From freezing chains to warm beds, the journey for these 30 dogs is far from over. But with the necessary medical funds, their story can end with a loving family rather than a tragedy.
We encourage our readers to share this story. If you can help, please consider donating to Humane Fort Wayne today. What do you think about the penalties for animal neglect in our state? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. If you share this on social media, please use the trending hashtag #WabashRescue2026 to spread the word.
