I don’t personally have any experience with this rescue, however, It’s very telling what kind of organization they really are when every negative comment about them going back to 2014 the “rescues” response is primarily the same on every one.
“NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.”
The exception being one response to someone who had previously adopted from them they were rude and belittling after that person had posted a negative review. Just from reading about others experiences and seeing their responses I can totally understand why they have so many negative reviews.
A doggie dating service? But yet they denied my application to my own dog of 8 years, transferred him 13 hours away to a “foster” multiple states away, a then I hired an Attorney and they “lost him”. Oh wait- he “ backed out of his harness while chasing after a deer”. Why was an 80-year-old walking my dog on a gravel road in the middle of nowhere with over 12 neglected, Australian Shepherd mixes???? How are you involved in rescue and you didn’t step up and say anything about the dog with the paw hanging on by a thread of skin????? Then they ignored me after they lost him and drove around for an hour a day- at most. Knowing I love him and cared about him so much- they failed us both. Not to mention they’re not registered in Florida and are operating and using my dog to solicit donations. They were just ordered to pay $9000 in fines to the Commonwealth of PA for being unregistered there as well. They were also unregistered as a kennel for 16 years until I was able to have them investigated. The whole board needs to be investigated. You stayed quiet and didn’t even try to help- horrible horrible people. I am absolutely suing them and won’t stop bringing awareness to this until Remy is home.
The country is overrun with aussies in need of rescue. So this rescue felt the best use of the donations it garners was not to help the scores of homeless, abandoned aussies out there, but instead to take a dog who has already has a loving owner, work tirelessly to hide the dog from said owner, ignore court orders to return the dog and then either kill the dog or "lose" it in a dumping ground for aussies that's nowhere near any houses, but somehow they were purportedly "walking" it here in the middle of a dumping ground when the dog somehow "got away." While the rescue was not at fault for taking the dog initially (surrendered by the owner's bitter ex), once it was clear that the ex was surrendering the dog out of spite (which he has admitted publicly), the rescue should have graciously returned the dog. She even offered to pay the adoption fee for her own dog. Instead, they hid the dog, changed its name on their website, badmouthed and blocked her, claiming she was an unfit dog parent (proven wrong by hundreds of photos, vet paperwork, etc.), juggled the dog around to various people/places in an effort to keep her from her dog, and then claimed their experienced handler somehow lost the dog while taking it for a walk in an abandoned dumping ground for dogs (and then made no effort to look for the dog). The rescue is now using more of its resources (donated by aussie loving people who want to help dogs) to defend themselves against their actions, which at best involved hiding a dog from its rightful owner and at worst involved killing a dog because they somehow thought they were better at caring for the dog? It's just mind boggling how incompetent, selfish, spiteful and evil this wannabe rescue is. The amount of time, money and resources they've invested in stealing this girl's dog, hiding her dog and covering up whatever they've done to the dog could have saved hundreds of actual dogs in need. This place needs to be shut down. They are not a great or even a good non profit, they are truly a horrible organization that engages in spiteful acts of great harm to dogs and the people who love them. I hope they are shut down and the owner put in prison for her role in this fiasco.
We had a GREAT experience with New Spirit! Communication was great, process was easy and they actually followed through with my references and veterinarian. Our pup was too young to be spayed, so we were given recommendation on when the best time to have it done was. We highly recommend NS4AR! in fact my brother has an application in and is scheduling a meet and greet for next week!
NS4AR 03/08/2025
Great adopter-- glad 99% of them are like this!
Love this rescue! An amazing group of volunteers going above and beyond to help dogs and find them the right home. I adopted my first senior dog from New Spirt back in 2011. I fell in love with group so much that i have been a volunteer ever since!
We met Bluey through our neighbor, who was his foster home, and fell in love instantly! The adoption was easy and we even got copies of his medical history from the previous owner. This is a wonderful rescue group! Buy a calendar!!!
We have adopted four dogs from New Spirit over the years. One was a senior, one was a puppy and two were adolescents. All were healthy dogs with great temperaments. The adoption process is straight forward and smooth, and the volunteers were very caring. I recommend NS4AR to everyone I know. Thank you for helping us find our babies!
Great non-profit. My family rescued from them and it is the sweetest dog. So smart, and super healthy and well taken care of before we got him. Would highly recommend and will continue to support this nonprofit organization. They truly care about what is best for the animals.
Tell the truth. What did you do with Remy? Why did he all of a sudden get “loose” the day after you were contacted by a lawyer and in an area where multiple other Australian shepherds are homeless and hurt? Seems to be a dumping grounds for dogs. Shame on you for not giving Remy back to his rightful owner. Why would you want to keep a dog let alone an older dog from its owner? isn’t your mission to reunite families? This poor woman’s dog was given to you without her knowledge, and you refuse to give it back to her and you all have lied to her, shame on you. Pam, the President of this organization has done nothing but lie about Remy! She has yelled at his owner and a sheriff who went to her residence to collect Remy. Pam you are shady. I don’t trust you and I hope others come to see who you really are and the type of organization You are running because it surely isn't a place of love and comfort! TELL THE TRUTH PAM! we are not going away! The people want answers. No one has asked or pressured me to make this post. as a citizen of the county in which Remy once resided, I am asking you personally for answers! WHERE IS REMY?
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
I never have had a positive experience with New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue, but this story is unacceptable .Everyone should research this for themselves and come to their own conclusion.
These were Pam Caldwell’s (President of NS4AR) words at a board of supervisors meeting in her town in 2007 :
“I think what the citizens want is for them to stand up and make a decision and do the honest thing.”
It’s not too late for NS4AR to do the “honest” thing. I certainly do not expect those at “the top” to change their stance, but hoping someone else with integrity will say “enough is enough”.
As everyone is wishing everyone else a very Merry Holiday season and posting pictures of them hugging their dogs under the Holiday tree , there is an exceptional woman that is without her animal this season due to some pretty unacceptable actions by what I truly believe is backed by a small number of people within NS4AR . The adage “a photo can speak 1000 words” ( and Caitlyn has posted an endless stream of photos of her and Remy ) is held true here.
Maybe no one here is a “bad” person, BUT there certainly have been some really bad choices made. It’s how we turn those choices around that really counts. I know there must be some honest ethical humans that work within NS4AR that vehemently disagree with what has happened here. No one has stepped up to what is the moral, and HONEST response …and that is to return Remy to Caitlyn, his rightful owner. It is very sad for those that do work hard to save animals (rescue will beat you down) within this organization, to also be collectively included with the plethora of negativity you are receiving .
If there are any out there within NS4AR that care about what has developed here and have the ethical and moral drive to do what is right, then PLEASE do it. What has always given rescues a bad name is the few near the top of the ladder, controlling the others that actually do the legwork and sweat in saving these dogs. Someone knows something, and if you are all OK with a controlling board you currently have, then I truly have no words.
Rescues should WANT humans that will fight for there animals under all circumstances, and Caitlyn has gone far and beyond what many would do…but it is apparent NS4AR is looking away intentionally. I am unable to comprehend your rationale. Then again , I was raised to stand my ground for what I believe in, regardless of whose button I may push.
NS4AR has saved dogs historically, but if you wait much longer and not turn this around, you might very well lose everything. Your credibility is already on the downslide. Do you really want to be remembered for this, rather than be remembered for the good you have done?
Hoping the “backbone” of this rescue, which are the fosters and the volunteers will do the right thing…PLEASE !
At this point, there are not 2 sides to situation. Your responses, or lack thereof, don’t hold..and I am pretty sure you know this. Not to even mention the time, energy and donation funds you have spent digging your heals in , but FOREMOST the animals suffering that “really” need help. I would imagine you have violated your Mission Statement , tenfold.
So sad on so many levels !
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
This rescue refused to return a dog that was illegally surrendered to its owner. They then took to slandering her on the internet as well as verbally attacking her anytime she tried to contact them.
This culminated in this rescue supposedly losing the animal while in the care of a foster. At that point the rescue did absolutely nothing to contribute to search and rescue efforts. Furthermore, when the original rightful owner of the dog arrived to the location, several states away, she found a dumping ground for other Australian Shepherds.
This rescue was supposedly walking this dog in a rural area where houses are more than a mile apart that just happens to be littered with injured, neglected, and dead dogs of the same specific breed that they specialize in.
I feel like the evidence speaks for itself. Any money given to this rescue just lines the pockets of Pam, a cruel, hateful, miserable excuse for a human being who has now implicated herself in the neglect, abuse, and death of an unknown amount of Australian Shepherds.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
This is not a rescue this is a place where people lie hide and steal other people’s animals. You stole Remy why are you not giving him back? This poor family had to get a lawyer. She has so much documentation that this is her dog. Why are you refusing to give her back? She spoke with the president Pam directly, and the woman yelled at her. This place is a disgusting excuse for a rescue. Do not help them. Do not go there. Do not donate. Do not take their dogs. Just look up Remy’s story from FL.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
This rescue is known for shady business but now they won’t return a dog to the rightful owner or even tell her what has happened to the dog. I’m not sure how this so called rescue even sleeps at night knowing what they did. Even if she was behind on vaccines that is absolutely no reason to with hold a dog from its owner where the dog was obviously well loved.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
This is not a reputable rescue what so ever. How can they claim that a dog is the same dog when they clearly are not!!!!! Do they think people are stupid. Please look at the following pictures very closely. They say they rehomed Remy and now his name is bandit (they used the same number for both dogs. They are two totally different dogs. Please people take your money and go else where. They are not worth your time or money. These people are nothing but liars!
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
I do not recommend this Rescue to anyone they have no compassion for their animals or the people who Are buying the animals and buying because they are not rehoming these animals they are not caring for these animals. They are not giving them the proper vet treatment that they need. They are solely taking these animals in for profit and selling these animals for profit do not Support this group. They are only in it for the money, not for the well-being of finding your dog a good home. If you are looking to surrender your dog, I would not recommend this place if you even care about your animal at all.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
The charity acts dishonestly and spreads lies about citizens online. They do not follow ethical shelter practices as far as making sure dogs are actually being given up. Their abuses of power are very obvious in screenshots of circulating on the internet.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
This organization claims to prioritize the welfare of animals, yet their actions show otherwise.
I urge anyone considering working with then to think twice. Their approach to animal rescue seems to lack compassion and respect for the bond between pets and their owners. It's disheartening to see a group, which should be advocating for animals, behaving in such a callous and unprofessional manner. I hope for the sake of other pet owners that they reconsider their policies and practices.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
I am deeply disappointed with New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. A woman named Caitlyn, who had shared 50/50 ownership of her dog, Remy, with her ex, found out that her ex had surrendered Remy to this rescue without her knowledge or consent. Caitlyn has pleaded with the rescue, offering to pay the adoption fee, provide vet records, and meet any inspection requirements to bring her beloved dog home. Instead of showing compassion, the rescue blocked her from communicating, deleted any mentions of Remy from their website and social media, and refused her attempts to get him back.
A responsible rescue would prioritize reuniting a dog with their original, loving owner, especially when the owner is willing to do whatever it takes. This experience raises concerns about New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue’s ethics and their dedication to doing what’s truly in the best interest of the animals. I hope they reconsider their policies to prevent more heartbreak for families and their pets in the future.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
disgusting organization that doesn't do what's in dogs best interests. evil, vile humans behind this. it doesn't matter how many "good experiences" people have had when what they are doing with Remy speaks volumes enough.. sick individuals, give Caitlyn HER DOG back! This is now circulating within the Canadian rescue groups. I promise you all, it's in your best interest to do the right thing. you can remove all the posts and info you want, but screenshots are forever special FU to the director who wants to hide now xo
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
This rescue not only withholds animals from legal owners when surrendered by a third party in an act of abuse, but proceeds to defame said owners by implying negligent care of the dogs.
I wouldn't trust this rescue, period, for this reason and others; such as the obvious review "fluffing" where miraculously, after several one-star reviews come in, multiple five-star reviews (one, as of writing, on great nonprofits, and many more on Google) are posted in a very short time span of one another with images to bolster the algorithmic likelihood of recommendation to the average viewer. Notice how some of these reviews do not even pertain to recent interactions with the rescue, such as a review pertaining to Trinity whose owner/reviewer admits passed in 2023? Fascinating timing, and certainly far from coincidental. In fact, several reviews more or less admit to being called in over the situation— Referring to it as "bullying" and "crazy"... How tactful and empathetic. To clarify: This is sarcasm, and you should be ashamed. I would not ever wish a dog to be stolen from loving owners, even if that owner was my enemy, but apparently New Spirit 4 Aussie doesn't get that.
I'd argue this all is a silent admission of guilt, as is the fact they've gone significant lengths to censor anything negative, counterbalance for it with illegitimate or "encouraged" review fluffing, and completely remove evidence of the chapter coming under scrutiny such as removal of social media and personal websites. They also have repeatedly removed and re-added the dog in question to their main site. Not sure why they think that'd help– It's a very recognizable dog.
In the end, this is a rescue actively tarnishing the very idea of rescue work by refusing to prioritize the well-being of dogs in their care, by returning them to owners which they are bonded with. Ironically, they have a history of voicing how shelters and rescues are quite full. If only there was a way to ease that burden by doing the right thing!
In summary:
• This rescue facilitates abuse
• This rescue lies by omission
• This rescue censors legitimate criticism
• This rescue endorses the theft of animals
• This rescue fluffs reviews in order to deceive the unaware
• This rescue, in large, will do unto others what it claims to suffer from
• This rescue does not prioritize animal well-being, but rather personal grievances
See photos for review fluffing, and information on Remy— The dog they refuse to return after it was surrendered by a vengeful ex.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
Absolutely amazing group! Many friends and family have also adopted from New Spirit over the years. All of the dogs that we have adopted have had perfect temperaments and came fully vetted. Every volunteer that I spoke was knowledgeable and polite. The foster home family was also super nice and we still keep in touch to this day! The adoption stats speak for themselves. New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue is doing amazing work helping dogs from all sort of situations!
I adopted a Border Collie cross from here.
The dog was emaciated! This dog had only seen a Vet one time, by the family that surrendered him. He was fixed by a family member so this rescue would take him.
This dog was NEVER Vetted by this rescue. He was never seen given a health exam. He came with out a rabies tag, he was not chipped.
So what exactly did this rescue spend the FOUR HUNDRED DOLLAR FEE ON???
They did nothing for this dog...my Vet was appalled at the BMI of this dog, and alarmed that he was transported across quite a few State lines with out the proper health certificates. I've rescued quite a few dogs. I took this dog because of his heartbreaking condition...and knew I could provide what he so obviously needed. This is not a rescue..this is a dog sale site. I have rescued Aussie Shepherds and the Aussie people in this area all know about the reputation this place has. Adopting out a dog that hasn't even seen a Vet from your organization is not how rescue is done
Let alone NO RABIES TAG. This is basicly a dog sale ...someone got 400 dollars for an emaciated, malnutrished, dehydrated dog.
Shame on these heartless in it for the money, obviously.. because the only thing they did for this dog was give it a ride...
over the years i have rescued two dogs from this organization with no problems. This time around was awful. The person at the rescue talked to us like a drill instructor, demanding how i was to take care of the dog. Anyway we did decide to try a dog and everyone was in agreement and we were very excited. we got our hose ready and all the things we needed to adopt another dog. The night before the pickup the drill instructor called me and lectured me for almost an hour, not letting me get a word in' Hour later I get a text from him telling us we were not getting the dog. after previously rescuing two great dogs from them they did this. I have a heart broken child and no dog. Can't express enough how bad this experience was and how degrading and degrading this man was
.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
Not everyone gets the dog they apply for. We get 5-10 applications for every dog usually. Someone gets the dog, the other don't. That's just how it works.
I was concerned to read some of the negative reviews posted about this organization, containing uncorroborated and malicious rumors about profiteering and deceptive practices. None of this is based in fact. It is a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteers, with publicly available 990s, working on a tight budget. Adoption fees and other fundraisers are used for direct expenses, most of which are veterinary expenses.
Moreover, my personal experience working with the Board members and volunteers is that they are extremely professional, hard-working committed and work on a volunteer basis to foster, re-home and adopt out abandoned and stray Australian Shepherds/Aussie mixes to the right homes. Sometimes they are overwhelmed with applications, and sometimes a certain home is not the right fit for a specific dog.
I suspect that these negative reviews have been written by people who were disappointed to be denied applications for various reasons. NS4AR has a history of successful placements and it is for a good reason that they are so discriminating.
I'm disheartened that anyone would attempt to discredit this organization without merit.
Review from Guidestar
We have adopted two Aussies from New Spirit for Aussies. I know that the vetting that was done came very close to the adoption fee we paid. The adoption fees help not just the dog that was adopted, but also other dogs who have been with NS4AR for years. I found the volunteers we dealt with to be caring and knowledgeable folks. We were introduced to a number of dogs to help us, and the volunteers, decide which one, if any, were the right fit for our family. One dog I was interested in I was told was not ready for adoption at that point. We love the two furry additions to our family to pieces now! Thanks NS4AR!
I agree with the previous reviews - they are not in this for the welfare of the animals. They do not properly screen and interview the foster homes. Bad situation gone worse with this organization. Do not call this organization if you need help - they will not do the right thing by your animals!
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
They re home animals for a profit. Do not look out for the best interest of the animal. Very cold and uncaring people
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
All donations given go directly towards the care of needy Australian Shepherds. Foster homes do NOT get paid or receive any monetary benefit for keeping the dogs until they are adopted, they only receive help for vet bills. All volunteers and members of the Board of Directors receive no financial compensation for any of their work.
All dogs taken into the program come from animal shelters across the East Coast.
Review from Guidestar
I would not adopt an animal from this organization. I found their practices deceptive and dishonest. They do not follow all states animal welfare guideline where they operate and are not registered in all states where they operate.
Their contract is poorly drafted and had clauses in it that are considered illegal by animal rescue league and welfare guidelines. Beware, or just stay away.
It's unfortunate, because there are some sincere and well meaning folks involved.
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.
Review from Guidestar
NS4AR 03/08/2025
This individual has no personal knowledge of New Spirit and is merely repeating defamatory comments made by one applicant who was rejected.