PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12) — Just days after 36 Border Collies were rescued from what authorities described as a severe animal hoarding situation in Palm City, shelter workers say the dogs are beginning to show signs of hope.

The dogs were removed from a home on Southwest Alligator Street where Martin County deputies reported finding deplorable living conditions, including feces, urine-soaked materials, and debris throughout the residence. Homeowner Paige O’Donnell was arrested and faces animal cruelty and improper confinement charges.

Now, all 36 dogs are in the care of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, where staff members have spent the past several days working around the clock to help them recover physically and emotionally.

“It’s been completely insane. We’ve been working our tails off, no pun intended,” said Humane Society spokesperson Sarah Fisher.

According to Fisher, many of the dogs arrived severely matted, under-socialized, and frightened of human interaction. Since arriving at the shelter, the dogs have received vaccines, deworming treatments, medications and extensive grooming.

Some of the grooming challenges have been staggering.

“Yesterday we shaved one of the puppy’s mats off, and it was three pounds just on the puppy,” Fisher said. “So, you can imagine the big dogs are probably at least double that.”

The dogs range in age from puppies younger than four months old to adults believed to be as old as six years. Shelter workers say the younger dogs appear to be adjusting more quickly, while many of the older dogs remain fearful and withdrawn after what may have been years of neglect.

“Overall, they’re all very under-socialized and scared,” Fisher said. Staff has only been able to work on 10 dogs so far due to their extreme conditions.

See also: Animal Services responded to Palm City home roughly 20 times since 2020

Some dogs have required sedation for grooming and medical treatment. Others are beginning to slowly warm up to staff members. Fisher says every dog is progressing differently, but many still have a long road ahead.

“They’re going to take a lot of time to really come out of their shell,” she said.

The recovery effort comes just weeks after another large animal hoarding case in Martin County, leaving shelter staff emotionally exhausted but determined to continue helping animals in need.

Still, Fisher says the community response has been overwhelming.

After photos of the dogs were shared online, donations from across the Treasure Coast began pouring in. Community members have provided monetary support, supplies, and encouragement for staff caring for the rescued animals.

“The amount of support is so heartwarming. I can’t even believe it,” Fisher said. “And our staff is so grateful.”

For now, the dogs cannot be adopted while legal proceedings continue. Once the case is resolved, the animals will be spayed and neutered, continue rehabilitation, and eventually be placed in foster homes or adopted by families prepared to meet their needs.

That process could take weeks or even months.

But despite the challenges ahead, shelter workers say they’ve already noticed a change in the dogs since they first arrived.

“From yesterday to today, I think they realize that they’re safe now,” Fisher said. “And you can see just a small transformation, and it just brings everybody’s spirits up. So, they haven’t fully given up.”

If you’d like to help, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast says its most urgent needs are wet dog food and monetary donations to support the ongoing care and rehabilitation of the rescued Border Collies.

The shelter is also currently over capacity and is seeking foster families willing to temporarily care for other dogs and cats in its system, helping free up much-needed space as these animals recover.

Fisher says the shelter also has a ‘Name your price’ adoption special until further notice.

“We have a ‘name your price’ adoption special until further notice too. (12:31) So, it’s a good time to adopt.