[Lissy]

At the beginning of the year, one of the fence panels for our yard was blown down. This was due to a combination of high winds and dirt that was dumped against the fence from when the neighbor put in a pond. My Bichon was playing in the yard, and I admit I wasn't supervising as the yard is completely fenced in (except for that part between the neighbor's) and she's well-trained so she wouldn't leave the yard anyway.

Well one minute she was out there playing, and the next, she was gone. My father and I called and called for her, and she never appeared. (She comes when called.) So we talked to the neighbor and his response was that he had just got home and he had left the gate to his yard open so she could've ran out that way. His manner was a little odd so we suspected that he may have taken our dog. But of course, it couldn't be proven... and the police pretty much brushed it off as a civil dispute, telling me I needed a lawyer instead.

Seeing as we had no proof, there was really nothing we thought we could do. But just today when my father was near the fence because we're planning on finally getting it fixed... he heard barking coming from the neighbor's house. Barking that sounded much like my Bichon. My Bichon has a very distinct bark, as she mostly squeaks rather than barking normally.

All I want to do is confirm whether they've taken my dog... but I'm not sure how to go about it. If the dog in their house isn't my Bichon, then I guess nothing I can do. But if it IS my Bichon, I want her back. Anyone have any ideas?

By the way, I'm sorry this is so long.