[Sookie]

With all the Yorkies stolen (often for reasons that I don't even want to think about) I do feel a bit worried if someone asks me where I live when I'm walking my four dogs. That's why I started that thread...I don't want to be rude but I don't want to put my pets in jeopardy either.

It's not always the person asking the question "where do you live?" that necessarily scares me but that person could, in all innocence, say to someone else "Did you ever see those four adorable Yorkies that that woman walks around here? They're so cute and I never even realized that they live over there on Main Street". Maybe I am paranoid, but I have lived through way too many Yorkies being stolen in these parts.

You asked if it was a geographical thing. I think that the "fear" part can be geographical in my case. I live very close to one of the worst cities in America. They have been known to have dog fighting rings there; drug abuse is rampant, etc. However, stealing Yorkies and other small breed dogs has become epidemic everywhere and is a serious problem.


PS. I am one of those people who will definitely spend time talking to people about my dogs and often let them hold my puppies, etc. I think that's good socialization for them if the people seem serious and "normal". I just couldn't imagine coming home and not finding four furry faces running toward me and I would do anything to avoid that.