Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and a little spooky fun. But for dogs living in shelters, October can feel just like any other month spent waiting for someone to give them a chance. This year, the iHeartDogs community made sure that six very special rescue dogs and their fellow shelter mates weren’t forgotten during the Halloween festivities.
Thanks to our incredible supporters and Hero VIP Club members, our October Halloween Care Package Campaign brought some much-needed treats, comfort, and excitement to deserving dogs in the care of two rescue partners: The Animal Protection League in Indiana and BARK Rescue in Texas.
Each Halloween Care Package was filled with nutritious meals, yummy dog treats (iHeartDogs’ own “Creepy Crack”), a fun new toy, and a warm, cozy blanket. These simple gifts can mean so much to dogs who have already endured hardship, abandonment, or far too much time without a family of their own. And to make the occasion even more special, our six lucky recipients dressed up in their Halloween best!
Meet the Animal Protection League’s Halloween Cuties
The Animal Protection League (APL) in Anderson, Indiana, has faced significant challenges this year, including devastating flooding that forced the evacuation of hundreds of animals. While the shelter continues working toward resuming normal intake operations, many of its dogs remain in foster care. Three of those deserving pups were selected to receive a little extra love through our Halloween Care Package Campaign.
Winston: The Cutest Little Basketball Star
Five-year-old Winston may not be the tallest player on the court, but he certainly wins points for cuteness! This adorable little guy arrived at The Animal Protection League on July 24, 2026, after being surrendered by someone who said they had found him as a stray and couldn’t keep him.
With his unforgettable underbite and sweet personality, Winston quickly wins over everyone he meets. As a brachycephalic dog, he has some difficulty breathing in hot weather, so a calm, comfortable home would be ideal for him. Thankfully, Winston is enjoying life with his foster family, where he gets along wonderfully with his canine siblings.
For Halloween, Winston traded his everyday look for a basketball uniform, proving that you don’t have to be a giant to be an MVP! His Halloween Care Package added some extra fun and comfort to his foster days while he waits for the quiet, loving home he deserves.
Katniss: A Peace-Loving Hippie Girl
Peace, love, and puppy kisses! Three-year-old Katniss embraced the groovy spirit of Halloween with an adorable hippie costume. But behind that carefree look is a sweet girl who has been waiting far too long for a family.
Katniss arrived at The Animal Protection League as a stray alongside her sister on June 20, 2025. She has spent more than a year waiting for her happily ever after, including many months in foster care. With incredibly soft fur and a personality described as “sweet as sugar,” Katniss has so much love to give. She does well with older children and other dogs, although she’d prefer a home without cats.
Her Halloween Care Package was a special reminder that even after months of waiting, she hasn’t been forgotten. And while her hippie costume was absolutely adorable, the thing this peaceful girl wants most is a forever home where she can spread a little love every day.
Apollo: A Real-Life Superhero in the Making
Every superhero has an origin story, and Apollo’s began with a difficult chapter. This handsome young boy arrived at The Animal Protection League on July 23, 2026, after being found as a stray. At just over a year old, he was severely underweight and in terrible physical condition.
Despite everything he’d endured, Apollo remained incredibly sweet. With the help of his rescuers and foster family, he’s getting the care and attention he desperately needs. He also does well with his foster dog siblings as his caregivers continue learning more about his personality.
So, what better Halloween costume for this resilient pup than Superman? Apollo may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but he’s already shown the kind of strength that makes rescue dogs so extraordinary. His Halloween Care Package helped make his foster experience a little brighter, and after such a difficult start, this young superhero deserves all the love, comfort, and happiness the world can offer.
Three BARK Rescue Dogs Got Their Own Halloween Treats
Meanwhile, in Clifton, Texas, our friends at BARK Rescue are caring for dogs with some truly heartbreaking histories. BARK is dedicated to helping vulnerable dogs escape dangerous situations, recover from neglect, and find loving homes through its rescue and transport efforts.
Three of their special residents were selected for our Halloween Care Package Campaign, and their costumes were every bit as memorable as their stories!
Joy: An Angel with a Heart of Gold
Sometimes, a dog’s name tells you everything you need to know about her. Six-year-old Joy was found wandering between local businesses in the Texas heat. She spent time near a nursing home, a Sonic restaurant, and eventually a gas station, where rescuers finally caught up with her.
Despite being alone and vulnerable, Joy greeted the BARK team with an enthusiasm that made it seem as though she knew help had finally arrived. Her rescuers named her Joy because that’s exactly what she brings to everyone around her.
Unfortunately, veterinary testing revealed that Joy was heartworm-positive. BARK immediately began a treatment regimen to help her work toward a healthier future. Through it all, her happy spirit never faded. Her tail kept wagging, and she continued charming everyone she met.
For Halloween, Joy dressed as a beautiful angel — a fitting costume for a dog with such a sweet and loving personality. Her Halloween Care Package brought even more happiness to a girl who has already given her rescuers so much to smile about.
Cadet: A Little Love Bug with a Fighting Spirit
Cadet’s rescue story began on a dangerously hot Texas day. The seven-year-old bulldog mix was spotted running along a highway in temperatures reaching 104 degrees. A kindhearted retired Marine saw him and knew he needed help immediately.
Cadet was in terrible condition. His skin was painfully inflamed and bleeding from constant scratching, his nails were severely overgrown, and he had blisters between his toes. The BARK team named him Cadet in honor of the Marine who helped save his life.
Rescuers rushed him to the veterinarian, where he received an examination and medication. Thankfully, his heartworm test came back negative. His worn-down teeth and overall condition raised concerns that he’d spent much of his life confined, possibly in a backyard breeding environment.
But Cadet’s future is already looking brighter. With medication, kindness, and proper care, he began improving. A wonderful foster stepped forward to help him recover, and he was accepted by a Minnesota rescue where he could continue his healing journey.
For Halloween, Cadet transformed into an adorable love bug! After all he’s endured, this special boy finally has people looking out for him, and his Halloween Care Package was another little reminder of just how much he matters.
Amistad: A Loyal Companion Who Has Waited Far Too Long
At eight and a half years old, Amistad has already spent more than half his life in a kennel environment. This sweet senior came to BARK Rescue from a high-volume shelter where he’d experienced repeated returns and periods as a stray. Sadly, his experiences left him with clear signs of trauma and fear, particularly around loud noises and large objects held by people.
But underneath that fear is an incredibly loving dog who wants nothing more than to be close to someone he trusts. At BARK, Amistad has gradually become more comfortable and confident. His rescuers describe him as loyal, intelligent, affectionate, and wonderfully laid-back.
He doesn’t need a particularly active family or an endless supply of adventures. He simply needs a peaceful place to call home and a person who will love him for who he is. Amistad has spent approximately three and a half years at BARK, still waiting for that special someone.
Because of his past trauma, he would do best as the only pet in the home. However, BARK’s dedicated kennel staff have been patiently working on dog introductions, and he’s begun making encouraging progress.
For a dog who has spent so much of his life waiting, a Halloween Care Package filled with treats, toys, food, and a cozy blanket is a small but meaningful way to show him he’s loved. And while the Halloween goodies were certainly special, our greatest wish for Amistad is that his next chapter will finally include a family of his own.
More Than Halloween Treats: A Reminder That Every Rescue Dog Matters
Winston, Katniss, Apollo, Joy, Cadet, and Amistad each have their own story — and each one deserves a loving home. The iHeartDogs community’s support made it possible to bring a moment of joy to these six dogs and their shelter mates this Halloween season. If you’re inspired by their stories, consider reaching out to The Animal Protection League or BARK Rescue to learn more about adoption, fostering, or supporting their ongoing work.
