Florida is known for its wild headlines, but this one is both heartbreaking and heroic. In Venice, a 92-year-old woman beloved in her community as the longtime owner of Ballard’s Farm Supply, faced down two brazen thieves who stormed her store and stole her three dogs. Despite being shoved to the ground and beaten, she shouted the words “Not on my watch!” Her story has since gone viral and turned her into an unlikely symbol of courage in the Sunshine State.
Outrage in Florida
According to deputies, the suspects entered the farm supply store pretending to browse. Instead, they allegedly snatched three of the owner’s small dogs and tried to make a quick getaway. When the elderly woman demanded they return her pets, the confrontation escalated into violence.
Investigators say the suspects shoved the 92-year-old to the ground and struck her before running off with the dogs. Despite her injuries, she screamed, “Not on my watch!” a phrase that neighbors say reflects her fierce determination to protect what she loves.
Authorities released details of the suspects and are urging the public to help identify them. Security footage reportedly shows the women stuffing the dogs into a bag before rushing out the door.
The story has sparked outrage across Florida and beyond. On Facebook, locals shared messages like, “Beating up a 92-year-old woman over puppies is unthinkable—these women need to be caught.”
Others praised her courage: “At 92, she fought harder than most of us would. She’s an inspiration.”
Animal lovers quickly rallied behind the victim, spreading the story with hashtags like #NotOnMyWatch and #JusticeForBallardsDogs. Community groups in Venice are already organizing to raise awareness and support the woman while law enforcement works to recover the stolen pets.
Officials confirmed the victim is recovering at home, still shaken but unwilling to give up on finding her dogs. “She’s tough. She wants her animals back,” one deputy told reporters.
Her words, “Not on my watch!” have already gone viral, becoming a rallying cry for pet owners, seniors, and Floridians fed up with senseless crime. While the stolen dogs remain missing, the community is united in hope that justice and the pups will be returned soon.
