The $30,000 price tag on a peaceful life

A New York couple is being accused of dognapping nine premier pooches by a Westchester shelter owner. the two parties are currently locked in a legal battle over eight adorable boxer-shepherd puppies and their mom.

The couple claims in a lawsuit that Smith harassed them, doxxed them, caused them to get death threats, and forced them to uproot their lives when they decided to keep the nine dogs they fostered from her — when she demanded them back .

Smith, whose organization claims to have saved more than 6,000 pooches since its inception in October 2018, filed a countersuit alleging they kidnapped the dogs — and that they remain hers.

From Facebook post to death threats

The drama that has upended their lives all began when they answered a Facebook post in mid-January 2025 asking for emergency fosters for a dog named Paisley.

On Jan. 10, 2025,Sara Obstarczyk contacted Smith. Smith asked minimal questions before sending over a single-page, unsigned foster agreement.

After clearing an 11-dog adoption with their landlord, Smith’s two young daughters transported the dogs to the couple’s apartment.

A Good Dog Rescue's questionable tactics

The couple spent thousands of dollars on food and supplies... Smith told them she had an approved adopter in Westchester County who was seeking a male dog, so Smith wanted to pick up all the male dogs so this one adopter could meet them.

But the couple didn’t feel like it was safe to have the dogs in her own custody. Smith rejected their offer to pay the full value of all the dogs to adopt them all.

Smith then reportedly posted their photos, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses on her organization’s Facebook page.

Who is the real victim here?

They were hit with an onslaught of anonymous phone calls, emails, and text messages, escalating into death threats.

The couple fled Manhattan with nine dogs in tow, leaving behind a trail of controversy and unanswered questions.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The couple's lawsuit alleges that Smith's organization, A Good Dog Rescue, Inc., has a history of questionable tactics and has been accused of harassment and intimidation by previous clients.

According to the lawsuit, Smith's organization has been accused of doxxing and harassing clients who have tried to leave the organization or speak out against its practices.

The couple's lawsuit also alleges that Smith's organization has a history of overcharging clients and failing to provide proper care for the animals in its custody.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The couple's lawsuit names an unnamed buyer who allegedly purchased one of the dogs from Smith's organization, but the buyer's identity has not been disclosed.

The couple's lawsuit also alleges that Smith's organization has a history of selling dogs to unqualified buyers and failing to provide proper care for the animals in its custody.