Fourteen dogs rescued from floodwaters surrounding the Jackson County Animal Shelter are currently being cared for at Gigi's in Canal Winchester, Ohio. The dogs, brought to safety on September 10, 2026, are now being monitored by veterinary and behavior teams that are providing medical treatment and support as they adjust to their new environment.
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Gigi's Animal Shelter responded promptly to the flooding, which forced the Jackson County facility to seek assistance. Ashley Friend, a staff member at Gigi's, reported that their team was loaded and ready to respond within 30 minutes of receiving the call. The rescue involved collaboration with shelter staff and search-and-rescue crews, with some animals transported in rowboats.
At Gigi's, the rescued dogs are housed in quiet rooms equipped with soft bedding, food, and toys, allowing them to decompress. Aditi Czarnomski from Gigi's emphasized the importance of letting the dogs acclimate without unnecessary stress. Support staff are providing enrichment and behavior assistance to help the dogs adapt further.
Gigi’s regularly transports dogs from rural shelters in Appalachian Ohio to their facility, emphasizing veterinary care, behavioral support, and facilitating adoptions. The average stay for a shelter dog at Gigi's is about 13 days, after which some are adopted directly, while others are placed with rescue partners in areas with a higher demand for adoptions.
As the dogs receive care and support following their rescue, some may be ready for adoption in the coming days, marking a significant step in their journey toward finding permanent homes.