[emmyran]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

I agree that it's good for our Yorkies, regardless of size, to get outside to walk, run and play, but I don't think it's necessary that we walk them a mile or so twice a day. We as Yorkie moms also have to keep their best interest in mind and of course their safety. There are lots of ways to keep them socialized and exercised without throwing caution to the wind. There are play-dates instead of dog parks, there are tread-mills to walk and run on when the weather is bad, and our homes and yards to run and play in and invite their friends to come over.
Yorkies are in high demand and too many are being stolen and sold.
I read where a lady who was a retired senior citizen, was out walking her little Yorkie, her "kid", when two men approached wanting to pet her dog then snatched the leash and off they ran. Another girl had her apartment broken into and her tiny Yorkie taken. Another had two guys come to her home to "see" her Yorkie puppies for sale, pulled guns and put the puppies and their mom in lawn and leaf bags and ran. It would be wonderful to just say, we need to live without worry, but sad as it is, it's not a safe place anymore. I won't even walk my girls unless my husband is with me. Even then, we have had two very close calls. The first one my Azrael was attacked. We don't go for long walks very often anymore, but they get lots of exercise and socialization. I think each of us knows what's best for our fur-kids, and should follow our hearts.

Great info about the Yorkie Kidnappers! Thanks! And...I really need someone to walk with us. One of the pond/walking trails I have taken them to a few times, is wonderful and they love it, but sometimes there are strange people just sitting around, watching...and they're alone...no dog or anything. I don't want to be too paranoid, but still want to protect my babies the best I can which means not getting them into an unsafe predicament.