Table Talk • August 19, 2026
By now, most of you have seen or heard about the horrific photographs and videos of the Border Collies abused by owner Paige O’Donnell in Florida. Many who knew this lady have expressed their disbelief about the condition these dogs were in, and the conditions of the home where they were kept inside with their breeder. During better days, this individual was a respected exhibitor, breeder, and fancier. Many have a hard time understanding how this happened and the deplorable conditions where the dogs were kept. There are those that voice outrage about the conditions, and the misery these poor dogs endured. I think we all agree that our dogs depend on us to care for them. They depend on us to ask for help if circumstances change so drastically that we are unable to give them the love, care and support they deserve.
In this case, something went horribly wrong, and despite neighbors reaching out to authorities for help, and numerous visits by animal control, it took years–and a search warrant–in order to discover the actual conditions inside this home. Fortunately, the dogs have been safely removed and, as of Sunday, all the dogs have been medically groomed since coats their coats were so severely matted and coated in fecal matter.
Humane Society staff and volunteers describe how the dogs are responding positively to the care they are being given, and how their personalities changed immediately when they were cleaned up. To the staff and volunteers of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, THANK YOU for your kindness, patience, compassion and efforts to prepare these dogs for the next chapter of their lives. The Humane Society can use our help in the form of monetary donations http://hstc1.org/Emergency-Medical-Fund.
It is my hope that as a community we learn from this situation. This was a person who, at one time, loved her dogs. This was not a puppy mill or a backyard breeding operation, or a dog fighting ring. This was one of our own. We may never know how or why this happened, but we CAN try to avoid situations like this in the future by asking questions like:
- Who is missing?
- Who haven’t we seen at a show lately? Who stopped posting on social media? Who stopped answering the phone? Who suddenly appears to have too many dogs and seems overwhelmed? Who keeps saying they are fine when our gut tells us they are not?
Here is what you can do:
- Call them.
- Knock on their door.
- Offer to take a couple of dogs for a while.
- Say, “I have not seen you for a while, and I have been worried about you. What do you need? How can I help?”
- Don’t let the next person disappear.
All dogs deserve safety, care, clean surroundings, good food, and loving homes. The person deserves appropriate intervention, boundaries, treatment, and support so the cycle does not begin again.
Protect the animals fiercely while recognizing the person who failed them might also be suffering. However, this does not absolve them of guilt for their actions.
Save the dogs. Protect them. Advocate for them. Hold people legally accountable for their negligence. Whenever possible, leave a bit of room for humanity as well.
Heads up to all fanciers! Please note that the 2027 Kentuckiana Cluster in Louisville will be held a week earlier this year due to venue availability. Mark your calendars for March 11-14 so you don’t miss one of the largest clusters in the country!
The American Kennel Club has announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 Eddy Award, which recognizes breed Parent Clubs that provide outstanding education resources about their breed. For more information, contact Guy Fisher at AKC Club Development.
I was saddened to hear that as of January 1, 2027, photographer Rhonda Cassidy will no longer be traveling to shows. However, she would love to have you drop by her place for a photo shoot! Best wishes to Rhonda and Mike for a glorious retirement where they’ll be spending more time with family while enjoying their grandkids and some deserved R&R!
Happy Anniversary to Edwin and Kelly Shupp. Cheers to many more great adventures!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Andrea McIlwaine, Alicia Morrison Jones, Marina Rose, Nicole Munneke, Janice Hayes, Tatum Bartlett, Carolyn Scheible, Sam Mammano, Megan Cloudman, Dana Cline, Shota Mai Hirai, Larry Fenner, Bonnie Linnell Clarke, David Miller, Christi Chism, and David Johnson.
Life is short, my friends. Always choose happiness. Do not look back with regrets. Look forward with hope and courage, love in your heart, and peace in your mind.
Be safe out there my friends, and remember, tomorrow is never promised. Give your dogs an extra hug, and tell your loved ones you love them. If your travels bring you to Santa Barbara this week, I look forward to seeing you! Until next time…
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