Twelve dogs dumped at Taylor Park are recovering after days of intensive care, but one puppy is still fighting for his life as police search for whoever left them.
LARGO, Fla. — Eleven of the twelve dogs found abandoned last week at Taylor Park in Largo are showing signs of recovery after days of around-the-clock medical care, according to the rescue and veterinary team treating them.
The purebred Shiba Inus, nine puppies and two adult females, were discovered inside a plastic storage tub at the park. Rescuers say the animals were extremely sick when they were found and suffering from parvovirus, a highly contagious and often deadly disease.
“They literally were on death’s doorstep,” said Jamie McKnight, who runs Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue.
After several days of intensive treatment, including IV fluids and medications, eleven of the dogs are now considered out of immediate danger. Even so, McKnight said their recovery is ongoing.
“Everyone is still on a lot of medications, it’s still around-the-clock care,” she said.
One puppy, named Frosty, remains in critical condition. Frosty was found two days later than the others, and McKnight said his condition continues to fluctuate.
“It’s still minute by minute,” she said.
Veterinarians also discovered Wednesday that Frosty has a severely broken leg, an injury that cannot be addressed until he stabilizes.
“We’re doing everything we can,” McKnight said. “Whatever it takes to save him, that’s what we’re doing.”
Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue partnered with Skyway Animal Hospital to take in all twelve dogs. Their story has gained attention on social media, helping raise donations to support treatment expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars.
“Everyone’s just really invested in making sure these dogs survive,” McKnight said. “I think it’s so beautiful to see in today’s world that everyone came together to help these dogs survive.”
While Frosty’s condition remains uncertain and the other dogs still face weeks of recovery, rescuers say their goal now extends beyond survival — toward eventual adoption into permanent homes.
“That’s the fuel you need to keep going,” McKnight said. “That’s why you do it, to see the puppies playing and peace over their face because they’re well taken care of now.”
Largo police are still searching for the people responsible for dumping the dogs at the park. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Largo Police Department’s non-emergency number.
Donations to help cover the dogs’ medical care can be made directly to Skyway Animal Hospital or to Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue here.