Is it paranoid to think someone might want to steal my dog?

[rabiesandpeewee]

This post might get left with no comments, but that's okay, haha. I'm just wondering...are other people worried about their dogs getting stolen, or injured, during a break in of their vehicle? My dogs don't look like anything you could get real money for. I'm not really sure what a thief would want with them, but what if they get mad, and just hurt the dogs to be mean? This is actually one of my biggest fears.<br><br>Am I being crazy? I'd love to hear that I'm being crazy.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[cyndi]

I'd be more worried about my dog wandering off.<br><br>If I was in the city, I might be more worried about someone taking my dog. 20 (plus) years ago, someone did try to steal my two standard poodles. It didn't turn out well for all involved. As the person was walking across the parking lot an earthquake occurred. One of the dogs freaked and bit the woman. She let them go and they returned to where I had left them. Someone else called the police to report a dog bite. The dogs were both white and unclipped. Even though their shots were up to date they ended up quarentined in VERY expensive&nbsp;and posh Laguna Beach kennel. Later, the woman was identified as a known dog thief. She had been detained numerous times for stealing dogs and it was thought she was selling them to labs.<br><br>The solution is to keep your dog close. Stumpy is tied unless I am keeping a close eye on her. She wouldn't, however, go willingly with a stranger and pity the person who tries to pick her up or restrain her. She's got issues.

 

[bk2valve]

I am totally with my sister C here. If you are prone to worry, I can think of many things more important to worry about than that. My dog has issues too and I pity the person who tries to catch her first and then detain her. <br><br>My dog is a watchdog before she is anything and usually if anything is moving within a block, she is alert to it and warns me and she is not left alone that much in the van.<br><br>On the other hand you may have a prize winning dog with papers and live in a place where you are liable to get broken into regularly and should worry...I don't know. If so and there is any chance in the world, I would hope you will come out to the outback desert of the southwest where your bigger concerns are water and shade...<img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">&nbsp; <br><br>Hugs,<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[rabiesandpeewee]

Cyndi...an EARTHQUAKE! What a strange sequence of events. Your poor dogs...why did they need to quarantine them? Also, wouldn't stolen standard poodles gather more money if the person was trying to sell them as pets? I thought most lab dogs were extremely mut-like. Why couldn't the labs just get dogs from the shelter?<br><br>Bri...no prize winning dogs, here. My little one is half chihuahua, so she COULD be seen as a Paris Hilton dog, but she's very weasel-like, and everyone is always telling me how weird she looks (she's the best little hunchback rat dog in the world!). The other one is probably pure bred beagle, but she's about 14. The shelters are full of old beagles.<br><br>My dogs have issues, as well, but they are terrified of everything, and would just shiver and submit to anyone who tried to take them, unfortunately. I AM in the city. People breaking into cars is a regular occurrence around here. HOWEVER, no one is going to know they're in the van, because the windows are tinted, and they make almost zero noise. I'm just worried about what happens if it gets broken into while I'm at work, or at a movie at night, etc. Hopefully someone who is breaking into a work van expecting tools will decide that dog napping is more trouble than its worth.<br><br>I've been looking into all kinds of security features, like an immobiliser, or a security system that alerts me if the van is broken into (for my 1,700 dollar piece of junk van ). Dunno what to do. I think I'll have to figure out something before I leave the dogs in the van, though.

 

[ccbreder]

You should be aware that many communities have laws against leaving pets alone in a closed vehicle. Consequences range from lectures to fines to pet seizures. Depending on the Animal Wardens mood.

 

[rabiesandpeewee]

I have a very silly idea that is making me feel MUCH BETTER. I took two old dog shirts and wrote:<br><br>MUTT<br>WORTH<br>$0<br><br>and<br><br>OLD<br>WORTH<br>$0<br><br>Now, if some bonehead drug addict thinks they can get anything for the dogs, at least the shirts will make them give them a second look. It's not a gps tracking device...but I think it will do. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/crazy.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>P.S.- My dogs are worth much more than their monetary worth, but only to me. They won't give kisses to anyone else! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[rabiesandpeewee]

Thanks. I checked out my state's laws and there aren't any details on it. Given what I know about animal control in my city (disgraceful), I am pretty sure I'll be fine, but I will do some more research.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I hope it would be obvious that I would not leave the pets in the van when it's hot. However, it will not kill a dog to be in a van for a little while when the interior is 70 degrees. It just won't.

 

[ShesJustJodi]

While I do think we have bigger worries, I don't think it's totally unreasonable to imagine pets being stolen. As some posters have already mentioned, it does happen. I would be heartbroken if anything happened to my Annie. Corgis are a popular breed, and she is a mini, bred from two healthy, small adults. Fully grown at just 2, she is the size of a medium cat. (I know this because I have 3 at home, small, medium and largeLOL)

 

[ccbreder]

Thanks. I hope it would be obvious that I would not leave the pets in the van when it's hot. However, it will not kill a dog to be in a van for a little while when the interior is 70 degrees. It just won't.

<br><br>I didn't want to imply you would endanger your pets. I don't think you would. You and I know pets can be well off and happy in their home. But there are some controllers that are by the book.

 

[MK7]

get real money for. I'm not really sure what a thief would want with them, but what if they get mad, and just hurt the dogs to be mean? This is actually one of my biggest fears.<br><br>Am I being crazy? I'd love to hear that I'm being crazy.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

<br><br><br>Depends on where you live. Near inner cities, where there's bound to be illegal Dog Fighting...it can be big money in gambling for gangs and even organized crime. "Bait dogs" are highly desirable. Basically, any type of dog of any condition and size is thrown in to let the prized Pit Bull kill it for practice, taste of blood, etc. All part of its training before the real fight. Tens of thousands of dollars in gambling bets can be riding on them. <br><br>Then there's stealing dogs to sell to labs for medical experiment. <br><br>I used to think it was absurd for animal shelters and such, who advertises on Craigslist, offering free dogs for adoption.....yet requires that an exhaustive questionaire to be filled out, in-person interviews, domicile inspections....then a $200-300 fee.&nbsp; But now I realized that it's due to scumbags who seeks to adopt your pet to use for the above.&nbsp; And I'm pretty sure there are other awful purposes that I haven't read about...hopefully, none involves food services nor restaurants.<br><br>Also, you never know how much your dog is worth to someone. I was surprised to find out that my mother's little Toy Poodle is worth $500-600 used and cost $1200 new from a pet store (maybe $800 directly from the breeder). So every time we let it run around the yard alone, that's like a yapping iPad that would gladly go with anyone who offers it a nice piece of chicken + some attention.<br><br><br><br><br>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

@MK7&nbsp; what you said X 2 I live on the outskirts of&nbsp;&nbsp;a bad area, pits and corsos in every other yard 2 miles away. Don't think they are family pets.

 

[pawsaroundoz]

Whilst I do not worry about my dogs being stolen I am always really concerned about what might happen to them if anything happened to me....hence there are notes all over the motorhome and in every notebook/diary/wallet/purse and bag I own as to who to contact!<br><br>Annie

 

[rabiesandpeewee]

I didn't want to imply you would endanger your pets. I don't think you would. You and I know pets can be well off and happy in their home. But there are some controllers that are by the book.

<br>I don't think you did imply that! I have gotten nasty notes on my windshield for simply leaving the dogs in the car while shopping. Think 60 degrees, water bowl, gone 1 hour, and threats to break the window. Some people just assume that cars kill dogs in minutes, no matter what the conditions. Not trying to imply that you're one of those people! I still am not sure if there is a law against having dogs in cars. I will need to further research this law (I need to do this with many laws!).<br><br>MK7...very good information to know! I just cringe at the thought of a "bait dog." I'd much rather my dog be killed for food than be brutally ripped apart by a fighter dog. Terrible. I know my city has dog fighting. For the record, if anyone hurts my dog, they will get what's coming to them. I'm going to do my best not to worry too much, because I've done what I can <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> Windows are blacked out and I even installed little mini alarms, and an extra lock on the inside, on the back doors and side doors. Yes, Toy Poodles are worth a bunch of money. They are such good dogs (smart and loyal), but I wouldn't want to let a furry Ipod romp around my yard, either!<br><br>Dragonflyinthesky...ick. People can be very cruel!<br><br>Pawsaroundoz...thanks for the tip! Maybe I should keep a card that says something about the pets...and keep it with the drivers license? It couldn't hurt!

 

[twokniveskatie]

I have a card that I wear with my drivers license in a lanyard around my neck. It has all of Mutt's info, a description of the van and license plate numbers, rabies certificate, vet info and emergency contacts. It directs the people to a door pocket in the van with all vet records. If I pass out in a store or someplace, someone will be able to find Mutt quickly.

A couple days ago I stopped off in a little town in NM called Mesilla. One of my favorite places in the southwest. It has a historic plaza with nice shops and restaurnts and beautiful architecture. I specifically wanted pictures of the church there. When I got there it was really hot, so browsing through the shops was out of the question. I crossed the street to snap some pics of the church and heard this loud screaming like an animal hit by a car. I almost fainted cause I thought Mutt had gotten out of the van. Turns out he was just unhappy at being left behind. before I could cross back over to the van, it was surrounded by angry people saying "call the police" and "break the window, people who leave dogs to suffer should be locked in their car...." mutt has never fussed about being left in the van, but had just been in a situation where we were apart quite a bit, and I think (hope) he was just unsettled by that. Either way, I got to see how folks react to animals being left in a vehicle.....

 

[yesican]

<p>Wonder what those small minded people would think of me!&nbsp;<br><br> Pita goes everywhere with me...The work I do is 10 hour shifts and she's in the car the entire work day.&nbsp; We go for about 1-15minute break and 3-5 minute breaks during that time between patients.&nbsp; She loves it.&nbsp; Sometimes I have to coax her out.&nbsp; Guess she thinks I'm going to drive off without her and she won't let that happen.<br><br>Those small minded people think that everyone's life is just like theirs, and every animal reacts just like theirs, and life should go on just like theirs, and they'll pass laws to keep everyone living in the life of theirs, and anyone who doesn't look or act and behave just&nbsp;like theirs is evil and criminal. <br><br>Well...in my way&nbsp;of thinking, they can have "theirs" and stick it up their waazoo.&nbsp; I'll just drive off into the sun and&nbsp;out of their little bubble and live my own life; they can have theirs.&nbsp; The end!<br><br>Rae</p>

 

[MK7]

Maybe you can put a sign in the window stating that there's adequate ventilation (ie. roof vent/fan), how long you're gone....dog temperament (ie. it likes to yap at people passing by, but not really in physical distress), there's water in the van......maybe even place a big, display thermometer inside the middle of the van (that they can see) to show the temperature (not near the window, because the sun will cook it, giving a much higher reading).&nbsp; And even your cellphone number.

 

[twokniveskatie]

I hear ya Rae. Most people dont realize that we take special precautions and put a great deal of thought into our circumstances. Many people dont, but I know living our lifestyle makes me much more aware of situatikns lume that.

Here is a post done by a friend of mine who has a different perspective on these situations:

http://thereluctantpaladin.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-heat-danger.html?m=1

Here is my response at the time:

http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/06/vandwelling-heat-and-dogs.html?m=1

 

[yesican]

<p>MK7...I will not bend to the controlling needs of others...however, I do listen to good advice if there is somewhere I am lacking.&nbsp; If I'm dumb enough to leave my pet in a heated car for extended periods, then a correction in behavior is warrented.&nbsp; If I have to run in to go shopping, it'll take me but a few minutes, it is no one's frickin business.&nbsp; Most of the complainers are just that...people trying to impose their will and control on others because they lack it in themselves.&nbsp; <br><br>Katie...thanks for that post...Your friend seems quite controlling as well...She's imposing her views of what dogs think on others and insisting its what all dogs are feeling.&nbsp; Pita DOES want to go everywhere in the car with me and half the time doesn't want to get out.&nbsp; Granted, dumbasses should not be allowed to bake puppies in vehicles, but 99.9 chances out of a 100 there is not hotdog on the nights menu.&nbsp; Like your friend said, most of the time the vehicle is gone before she even gets there meaning that those people&nbsp;&nbsp;were only there briefly and the person&nbsp;with the big schnoze who placed the complaint&nbsp;was imposing their will on someone else.<br><br>The point I'm trying to make out of all this is that regardless of your concern and care for your pooch, there will always be someone there to try and dictate their views on how you should care for your best bud.&nbsp; If you know you are not harming them, they need to keep their snotty shnoze out of your business.&nbsp; Like Katie, I don't go where Pita's not wanted for any length of time that would harm her health.&nbsp; And,&nbsp;I won't waste my time coddling others with a note of my intentions.&nbsp; But, I do like how Katie has alerts concerning her pooch in times of an emergency.&nbsp; Great idea!<br><br></p>

 

[twokniveskatie]

Rae- for the record, Palladin is a guy He has been a a dog officer for a long time. I do not always agree with him but I have a lot of respect for the fact that he has seen animals going through some horrible stuff, often at the hands of their owners. One incident made me cry....he had to respond to a homicide scene and pick up a dog whose "mom" had been murdered in a domestic dispute and the husband was being carted off to jail. I have forgiven him some of his jaded attitude.

I have stuck my nose into situations where i thought animals were abused or endangered. I guess its all a matter of perspective. I try to remember that. I thought it was clearly the right thing thing to do to report a farmer who dragged a reluctant cow down a dirt road behind his tractor with a chain. He thought i was meddling.

Our neighbors have a dog that is tied out 24/7. I reported them when the dogs floorless coop fell over and he was coated in ice during a freezing rain. I submitted pictures of the dogs coop under water. The only way the dog could get out of the water was to stand on a tire. And sleep on a tire. Heaven knows how he ate, cause they pour his food on the ground to feed him. There was no dry ground in reach of his chain for 2 days.

Btw that family has threatened to shoot me for being nosey. I try to remember that when people are getting on me about my dog. They are just as convinced that they are right as I am. Sometimes its hard to know what ceosses the line.

Hey Owl, wanna go on a mission to PA?

 

[yesican]

"...however, I do listen to good advice if there is somewhere I am lacking. If I'm dumb enough to leave my pet in a heated car for extended periods, then a correction in behavior is warrented."&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>Needing correction for blatant neglect or abuse is one thing.&nbsp; Having to write a note while you're shopping so people won't report you and have your pet removed is another.&nbsp; Most individuals don't know where to draw the line.&nbsp; Everyone lives within the confinds of their own little bubble and anything that doesn't fit within that realm of knowledge is evil and wrong, (that includes the wrong-doer&nbsp;as well as the tattletaler).&nbsp; Things are not always as they seem.&nbsp; For this reason I avoid crowds as often as possible, but need to dwell among them from time to time, so knowledge of things such as where this discussion went is important so that we can avoid problematic situations that occur when people don't understand your situation.<br><br>And, for the record, I don't believe in animal cruelty or neglect and would report it if the person was not willing to see the harm he/she was doing.&nbsp; More often than not, people are trying to exercise&nbsp;control over another...makes them feel&nbsp;&nbsp;important or powerful or both, but often times their false concern causes increased pain to the one they are supposidly helping.&nbsp;<br><br>I don't know why I got on my high horse about this.&nbsp; Guess it was the thought here that we should explain our every deed to the world so other's won't get the wrong impression&nbsp;and think we are abusing&nbsp;our pets.&nbsp; Reality is, Pita is a spoiled puppy and is adored by her owner...90% of the time, Pita gets what Pita wants...she is definately not abused and anyone who would come up to me and say they think she was being abused because she&nbsp;sits in the car...well...they'd get an earful.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>Rae&nbsp;<br> <br><br>