NOTE: Parts of this video have been blurred or audio removed to protect the identity of some individuals. The full story behind this video is below.
Background to the Video of Paula Nourse
“Sherry, a woman who recently lost her Pitbull suddenly, reached out to me about adopting a new dog. She was especially interested in a puppy we had named Sierra. After discussing her lifestyle and home setup, I explained that Sierra would not be a good match. Sierra is very high energy, loves to jump, and Sherry only had a three-foot fence. During our conversation, Sherry became emotional, and I encouraged her to give herself time to grieve before bringing another dog into her life. She told me she wanted a dog not only for herself but also as a companion for her elderly mother, who lives with her.
We then discussed the possibility of pulling a Pitbull named Remi for her under a foster-to-adopt arrangement. A few days later, Sherry called asking if Remi was dog-friendly, since she had already adopted another dog named Stormy. Stormy was also a female Pitbull, and I explained that we do not place female Pitbulls together in the same home due to the potential for conflicts.
Not long after, Sherry called again, this time upset and asking for advice. She said Stormy had shown aggression toward her grandchild as well as a worker who came to the home. I recommended she reach out to the rescue where she had gotten Stormy. She explained that she had adopted the dog from Paula Nourse, but Paula had told her she was busy and would call her back, which had not happened.
When Sherry tried again, Paula told her it was her fault the dog acted out because she had not kept the dog in a crate. Paula also revealed that Stormy had already been returned multiple times and said she would only take the dog back if Sherry paid $1,000, citing her contract. Sherry was distraught; she could not afford that fee and admitted she was afraid of Paula. I reassured her that if she wanted to return the dog, I could accompany her for emotional support, though I made it clear I would not intervene directly.
Before we went, I reached out to an attorney friend for advice. She recommended recording the meeting since Paula had made false accusations in the past, and also asked me to have Paula contact Andrea at IHS, which she did.
Sherry had also shared earlier that Stormy would not allow her to touch her, shook constantly, and had difficulty walking with a limp. She said Paula told her the dog had bad hips and promised to bring her a ramp to help, but never followed through.
When I met Stormy myself, she was visibly shaking and toe-touching on her left rear leg, not bearing weight at all. She walked only on three legs. Sherry confirmed this was how Stormy had been when Paula brought her, and again mentioned the ramp Paula promised but did not deliver.
After Paula took Stormy back, she began texting Sherry, accusing her of injuring the dog while it was in her care.
This was also my first time meeting Sherry in person. With my background as a nurse of 36 years, I would consider her a vulnerable adult. She was visibly afraid of Paula, shaking, nauseated, and overwhelmed with guilt for returning Stormy, as she worried the dog would not be cared for properly. She asked me to read the paperwork Paula presented because she did not understand the legal language.” – A Third Party Rescue in Idaho who wants to remain anonymous.
