This is really scary. A few years ago I was on AOL and had posted about wanting a great dane or a mastiff. A girl named Sarah from California contacted me and told me that she had great danes and mastiffs that had been rescued from very abusive homes. She said that they had very little time left and that they were free.

I asked her if she had certain colors, ages, etc. She said she had all ages, colors, markings, and sexes. All I would have to do would be to pay for the dogs to be shipped to me.

After reading your page about 'Duke', I think this is the same girl. I have always remembered her because she told me she was a teenager who rescued on her own and after all the talking we did I backed off because something didn't seem right.

This was a little over 3 years ago. It is really scary to think that she has been doing this for so long. It seems so incredible!
Name and email addy withheld


June 2, 2000

Hello,
I have had an experience with Sarah and "The Clyde Foundation". Recently, posted on one of the boards I belong to, was a plea needing someone to adopt a teacup poodle. I jumped at the chance of being able to help fill a need and emailed her saying that I was interested. She, in turn, called me collect (as I had advised) and told me the adoption fee would be $96.00 and would I please wire the funds by Western Union along with using the name of the dog for the identification question. I did but was duely warned by Western Union that many times that is used because a true identification is not given so it cannot be traced.

I contacted Sarah and we made arrangements for her to ship the dog by Delta across the US and that I would pay the shipping COD. I agreed. We hung up and then Sarah called back saying I would have to send the shipping fee upfront to her rather than pay COD. I was very reluctant and wary after her doing this. Finally she changed back to paying the shipping COD. I called Sarah back to find out the identification number for the dog when on Delta and she was not home but I talked with her "mother" who seemed anxious for her to get out of rescuing and get back to her studies. Sarah, I was told, would return my call.

When it started getting late and no return call, I called her back and was told that the dog had found a home in that area. I was told that my money had not been picked up and that I could get it back at Western Union. Sure enough, the next day, when I went to pick up the money, it was there and had never been touched. The final clencher on this is the very next day, I was called by Sarah and told that this teacup poodle was available again and did I want to adopt her? I told her an emphatic "NO".
Name and email addy withheld



From Sarah, sent to me on June 2, 2000

I added a few of my own comments to her statements.

Look LISA I made a simple mistake when I thought it was Dulcie. I mean what if it was your dog huh? And I would have said "Nah that's stupid I shouldn't call and bother them" you would have never known....and I would greatly appreciate it if you would take my FULL name and ADDRESS of the Internet... I don't need any net psycho's coming to my door, and with my name and exact location I am sure anyone can find me. So PLEASE remove it.
I never posted her full name nor her address. She has had no problem posting her own full name and address all over the net, so I am wondering why she is so paranoid now that she has been exposed?

As far as the other animals that I have "scammed and lied about" I dont think so. I NEVER EVER received money for the Great Dane, I had admitted to her in the end before any money was sent it was not Baxter.
After weeks of emails, and after a Dane rescuer in So. CA went to meet her to check the dog, Sarah never showed up. Then, she finally admitted to making the entire story up.

And I do not make up my stories to get animals homes. I only save the ones with abused, neglected backgrounds, because I know no one else will take them in. No, I am sorry for what you think I did to you, but in reality it was a simple mistake...and I am sorry for every person who thinks they were scammed.
The same "mistake" was made with the other woman with a missing Dalmatian, and I guess the same "mistake" was made about Baxter. I am sure I will be hearing of more "mistakes" regarding missing dogs.

But all the money I have received or had sent was through Western Union and there IS a way to check on whether I picked it up, or it was returned to the original sender. I have not scammed anyone for their money, and all the money I have gotten for a couple of my dogs has gone TO the animals...Duke's donations went to Duke....he had a vet bill of $600+ and a kennel bill of $175+ ..... not to mention some extras.
I have confirmation of at least one large donation by an organization that went to Duke's vet bill, and know of several people who sent large amounts of money for his treatment...and his first foster mom lost over $700 to try to help him.

All I can say is I am sorry that you think I am scamming people because I am not....and as far as rescue goes, I have completely stopped, and well, it is kinda in a way because of you, but mostly because I have to finish school, and everything now. I am only a kid, and yes I have made some mistakes in my past...BUT I am sorry for every single one of them, and my interest is there at heart...I have good intentions but am pulling away because I am not 100% sure on how to go about running my rescue....I am really sorry about the mistake I made with Dulcie, and I hope your dog is in heaven now where she is free from any pain, and free from anyone but you.... you were her mother and she knew it....and I hope she is somewhere where she can be looking over you....I have stopped rescue so you no longer need to "warn" people about me. And PLEASE leave (name deleted) alone...she has nothing to do with anything you think ever happened.
I never posted Duke's benefactor and Sarah's innocent enabler's name on my site.

She was Duke's guardian angel, and nothing less. She is going to make a wonderful rescuer if she ever decides to get into it...she has alot of compassion and cares a great deal about the animals! But hey I am going to stop writing now. All I wanted to say was I AM SORRY from the bottom of my heart.....and please remove my personal information off the net because I do not need anyone knowing my name and location....Keep up your rescue, your benefiting many animals, and saving many lives..... Have A Very Nice Day!!!! :)
Once again, her personal information has never been posted by me, and I have only stated her general location. Los Angeles CA is a very big area.


Here's another gem from Sarah....

You are one lame .... I am not scared stiff you moron, I just don't want my personal information slandered all over the net. But whatever you keep your stupid crap up, I am out of rescue. But whatever your opinion doesn't matter....and as far as the poodle went I POSTED WHAT THE OWNER TOLD ME, then when I saw it, it was clearly WHITE and not apricot, and I never said 8 months idiot, I said "4 months" and then my vet said it was at least 6! Heh, you need to get your stuff straight before you post. . . Later
I do apologize for getting the ages mixed up. This was some time ago, on a bulletin board...I remember the disparity in the age of this pup, as it was posted without an explanation that I could see. My apologies.


June 4, 2000
I got an email from several rescuers that Sarah is still looking for dogs to rescue. I knew she would not stop.

I received an email just a bit ago from a woman who lost her Dalmatian pup three days before Thanksgiving. He'd been gone a while, and she had him listed on some lost and found sites. She got a call from a teenaged girl in So. CA, who claimed to have her pup. She wanted gas and travel money to bring the dog to her and also needed $300-400 sent for an imperative surgery, as her Dal had been attacked by another dog. The woman asked if the dog had (an identifying mark) and when this girl said yes, the woman knew it was NOT her dog. The girl would not accept that, and insisted that she had her missing Dal!!! The woman felt as though hope were snatched away from her to ever recover her pup, whom she had bottle fed nearly from birth.

NOTE: This particular case may not be related to Sarah, but to some teens in Redondo Beach. They were arrested, after scamming a woman with a lost Rottie out of $650, who later found her dog dead, thanks to an ACO who contacted her and let her know that a deceased dog matching her flyer's descriptions was found. Another opportunity to let people know...NEVER send a dime to anyone until you have your lost dog in your hands! These particular teens preyed on this woman and several others, and they were all around the age of 15-16 years old. Where are these kids learning this? And where are the parents of these kids? It is not confirmed if these same teens contacted this woman or not. She no longer has her emails regarding this.


From yet another stolen pet victim of Sarah:

what Sarah did was very painful to our family.....she made us relive a horrible time... and put my kids as well as myself and many others through alot of unneeded pain. She is a little bit** and God will see to it that she is properly taken care of for what she is doing.
Name and email addy withheld, but this is the woman in FL who had her Great Dane stolen, and Sarah claimed to have him.
Note: This is interstate fraud.


From a person involved in Lab rescue:

Hi:
I happened onto your website tonight and just want to let you know that a group I am with (name deleted) has also had dealings with this Sarah.
We were quite suspicious of her stories as they didn't check out when we called vets, shelters, etc. to try to verify info. She applied to us for funds on a couple of occasions and in one case for sure the dog died so app. was withdrawn. Anyways we never did give her any money and we changed our by-laws so that minors could not apply for funding. Thanks for the warning on your website. It's good to know my instincts about her were correct.


All of the following are from Duke's adoptive mom, about her experiences:


His rescuer it seems was his worst enemy. (She is referring to Sarah.)

She got 175.00 from me too....( snip ) She must be stopped!!! I see her as Duke's executioner. He might have been saved in the proper enviroment. With a behaviorist to work with. He was not an evil dog. Only a dog with evil demons on his back.

Hi Lisa,
I dont have "paperwork" per say..I have reference numbers..I Western Unioned money...The first was 75.00 (it cost 100.00 as there is a 25.00 fee) that was the adoption fee. She told (name deleted) she only recieved 50.00 It was sent under her boyfriends name (let me look for address I'll pass it on later) Adam.
Second, I sent 100.00 (125.00 with fee) Now this is second hand but (name deleted) later mentioned to me that she claimed she sent that to Duke's first adoptive mom.

I had no interaction with her after the last 100.00 I sent..I almost did not send that money as it was that phone call she told me she was 17. I called Western Union too, by the way after I learned that Sarah said she only recieved 50 bucks... Not true.. All $$$$ were picked up.. I will not respond to her e-mail..It is centered on her own feelings of defense..I am not interested...It is Duke who is important to me...And others who may be suffering at the hands of a irresponsible, selfish kid here who needs to be put in her place.

I asked Sarah about his "nervous habit" specifially..She replied that he puppy bites..I responded with well thats not a nervous habit...my sons 8 month old puppy bites etc.... "Yeah I know" she said "you understand"....I asked about his first adoption, which I now realize was NOT an adoption but a placement for foster care..because...(name of foster mom in IL deleted) believed he was to be put down.
She told me he was abused there and she relayed a long story of abuse..I did not question this...I should have...I should have asked for her number..I didn't.

I do not believe for one minute he was abused by a vet...The paper work shows that treatment was DECLINED!!!! He was taken to another vet.. They did do some flea and tick bathing...I think.... gotta double check....Those words...VERY Agressive, unpredictable, muzzeled for exam, lungeing..

I constantly conveyed to EVERYONE I talked with ... that Duke was to be my son's dog...a sleeping companion, buds for life....It is on the application I filled out..And listed on there also....The question: One reason you would change your mind and not keep the dog....my answer: Agression, unprovoked towards my son. I expressed I would not "count" fear bite...I take that back.....I did not realize at the time what fear biting was...I was meaning, giving him time to fit in, realizing there were nerves to adjust...That is not what I saw. I saw agression. Spooky, unpredictable ways... He was carrying alot of issues....there were some real scary moments...He was jumpy, real jumpy and skittish...not just being in a new place skittish....but watchin his back skittish. He had no trust.

Sarah also led me to believe she worked with (name of legitimate Dalmatian rescuer deleted). I thought they were in the same office...When I told (deleted) that she was stunned. Lots of lies Lisa..too many..How many animals & people will suffer before it ends.


There is someone here that may be able to help...I'm not sure...But I heard alot about another "abusive" lady...(boarding kennel and owner names deleted)...


Let me say...I just read the e-mail page in regards to Sarah...I did send her $$$$$ It was picked up by Adam M*******...( this was verified through WU) And She also Lied, this I know...to (name deleted) saying she got 50.00 instead of 75.00. ( icalled WU to make sure the right amount was delivered)...The other 100.00 she claims went to (name of foster mom in IL deleted)....I doubt she has recieved anything!
NOTE: I checked with the foster mom, and she has never received a dime from Sarah. Must be another oversight or "mistake" of Sarah's.


Sarah had told me this situation was urgent..that there was a kennel bill and that the kennel owner had grown "fond" of him...said she would not release him until bill was paid. It was my understanding of the situation the way she was talking, that he was not being cared for very well there...lousy food, bad kennel conditions... she said if I may quote her "She's being a bitch about this".

I have an e-mail page I'm not sure what it is... It was in his papers...a request for donations to be sent to (boarding kennel owner name deleted)... listed her adress... it was insinuated to me also that she may have received donations and pocketed them???? Also that she had had a computer crash and lost vital information in regards to bills & how much was owed etc....please this is second hand info...I do not want to indight anyone that should'nt be...I'm trustin you here..I am not a idle gossip spreader, but feel there is something deeper at stake here...


First Vet said these things all documented...)Unpredictabe, lunging, Very agressive) Lots of scrawling and it's hard to read...seems they had him for a few days...but that part is very clear.


June 5, 2000

from another person:


I just read your page about Duke and the extra page about Sarah and the Clyde Foundation. If she is out of rescue, she hasn't been for long. I do rescue for American Pit Bull Terriers and was contacted by someone who had found a dog and needed to place him in rescue -- I was full with a waiting list and her foundling had dog aggression problems so I told her that I couldn't help. She emailed me back and said that the Clyde Foundation was going to build a new kennel just for him and that they would take him in.

I was concerned as I know most APBT rescuers in CA and had never heard of this group. I emailed a couple of APBT rescue lists and asked questions but, no one else had heard of it, either. I asked the original contact to let me know what happened and to give me more info on this group. I never heard from her again so, I don't know if she actually took the dog. This must have been in May or late April -- I can't find the original email, now.

Thanks for putting this page together -- the more info that is shared on people like this, the less chance they have to hurt the next dog, or person.

Sincerely,
Name and email addy withheld


June 6, 2000

This is the perfect email, exactly what I am looking for...posted as written:


I too have had dealings with Sara and her foundation approximately 1 month ago in relation to a teacup poodle she had posted to the site first it was one color then another color. The dog was in dire need of a new home or would be going to the shelter. I emailed Sara and told her I would buy the dog and arrange to get it shipped into Canada (the Yukon to be exact) and that it would take a bit of time to get everything arranged. It took 3 emails just to get a mailing address from her to wire the money to. I checked my email late one evening after being out all day working on getting flights etc., arranged and papers needed to get the dog across the border and she had emailed saying that if the dog was not on a flight by 7:00 p.m. that night it would be too late the dog would be at the pound. It was later than that so I emailed her and said sorry I guess this is the end of it. Thinking the dog was no longer around or available I arranged another poodle rescue and had received the dog when I get another email from her days later saying she still had the dog and did I still want it and on the other hand she told me the owner had taken to the shelter. I suggest beware and if you do not live close enough to see first hand what she is offering check elsewhere as there are many animals in need of rescue and many reputable people to deal with.

You have my permission to post this to your site.
Name and addy withheld



More will be posted as it comes in.

If you have had a run-in with Sarah, please let me know. Please make it brief as possible, just as you would like it seen on this page. Due to time constraints, it will be easiest for me to copy and paste your experiences. PLEASE be sure to include a statement IN your email that I have permission to post your info on this page, for Sarah's Burn Victims so that my time is not spent emailing back for permission. This is imperative...I am swamped with emails and do not have help doing this. Thanks. I would also appreciate the url to Duke's page and the background on Sarah posted on rescue lists, breed lists, rescue and breed bulletin boards. The more this message gets out, the more can be warned to ALWAYS check the source of where donations for animals is sent...whether it is by Sarah or by someone else. (Legitimate rescue groups are struggling...resources are too few and they need those precious dollars!)
The url for the background on Sarah is http://www.eburg.com/~dalmatia/duke.html

E-mail me at: dalmatia@eburg.com