Thank you and so many others for being so caring and supportive. It's really helpful to know that YT members understand the fear and shock one goes through while trying to protect our babies.
I can understand why you would be fearful of taking your little ones out alone. With them being so small, even a child could snatch them up so easily!
I have to say though, until you mention little ones being taken by Hawks and other wild animals, I didn't realized what an impact this incident really had on me!
It made me take notice of my own title of this thread. This man picking up Yazi and with one swooping motion... then she disappeared! His actions reminded me of a bird swooping down and pick something up and I couldn't get that image out of my mind!
If I'd been thinking more clearly, I would've realized how insensitive this would be to others who have lost their little ones to Hawks and other birds of prey!
I can only imagine how devastating and heartbreaking this had to be for their owners and I pray I haven't offended anyone and if I have, I'm truly very sorry.
Yazi's less than 2 years old, has a lot of energy, loves going for walks down the Blvd. and the attention she gets from all the shop owners and strangers I've allowed to pet her along the way. I've actually encouraged her not to fear strangers and wanted her to be well socialized in public.
Since this incident, I've wondered if this is now a big mistake! Because she is so friendly towards strangers, this may be why she didn't bark, growl, or even try to break away.
If I can get my nerve up to walk her down the Blvd. in the future, I'm checking into purchasing pepper spray to carry with me.
A store on line has different types, one to use on humans and one to use safely on animals.
I'm also thinking it may be better not to dress her up during our walks because I know this brings a lot of attention to her also.