The NERVE of some people! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ancora_imparo · 10-22-2012, 05:02 AM

A few days ago, I walked Jaeger to the neighborhood IGA grocery store. I'm legally blind and cant drive, and our dog trainer recommended to take him there (in lieu of somewhere "better" like petsmart) because it has a steady stream of people and I could get there on foot.

It's a small, overpriced store, but its the only one within a few miles, so if you have transportation issues, this is the place to go. Jaeger and I were sitting on the curb quietly, and an old african american lady and her grandson walk by. She asks in a frail, high voice if I was giving away my dog. I thought she was kidding, but she wasnt.

Startled, I made a joke and told her no, not today, that I'd keep him. It shook me up a bit-not that she'd ask, even, but that people would just walk their dog down to the nearest store and hand over a living creature. From the way she acted (polite, matter of fact, non confrontational) it gave me the impression that this is a common occurance here.

Then, a few days later, I'm walking Jaeger, and there are two young kids (8-10)playing football. The boy comes over, and asks to pet my dog, so I let him. The girl comes over, doesn't really ask (though she sort of pauses) and we all start chatting. I know some of y'all dont let strangers handle your dogs (and I'm starting to see why!) but Jaeger's a bigger guy and loves people (plus, we're training him for therapy work and he needs all the manners lessons he can get!) so I usually let people approach with the stipulation that they let me dictate how things are going to go down.

Both kids seemed "nice" but it was easy to tell that the boy's parents were more hands on then the girl's, just by their behavior. The girl asked me things, in a non confrontational sort of way, as kids do in their innocence. You know "can I pick him up, can I walk him, can I have him," etc etc. I didnt think much of it and explained that he was working to be a therapy dog to help others, and that was an important job. She commented about how he was an "easy" dog, and I explained that he certainly wasn't and I had to train him all the time or he thinks he runs the place, plus we've had potty training issues. We started chatting about the boy's football game, and the next thing I know, the girl had turned to my blind side and grabbed Jaeger's leash, yanking it out of my hand and running away.

In a panic, I called to Jaeger (who could tell something was wrong.) He veered, and lunged, and threw her little body off balance, yanking the leash out of HER hand and ran right at me, where I scooped him up. I explained why she was being inappropriate in as calm voice as I could muster, and explained dog theft was illegal, even if she "wanted" him. I then walked immediately home.

In any other situation, I'd have marched her to her parent's house and possibly told the kid off. I know if Jaeger hadnt come to me I'd have had no issue chasing her down and tackling her (as gently as possible) to the ground. The thing is, I could tell by the way she acted before the incident that she probably didnt have the most attentive parents, and she truly didnt know any better. I hoped the way I handled it made her understand. I was afraid if I took her to her parents they either wouldnt have cared or would beat her (she didnt have any marks on her, but I just had this feeling....) and neither of those situations would have done any good in the long run.

Seriously, people. MY dog. MINE!

TeresaM · 10-22-2012, 06:39 AM

How very scary!! I would have been livid and not at all civil to that brat. I don't care how indifferent her parents may have been, I'd of been talking to them and letting them know that they were darn lucky the police hadn't been called about this. Don't care how poorly a child is raised, if they are old enough to be out playing unsupervised, they are old enough to know right from wrong. And snatching the leash from your hand and running away with your dog is wrong! And that brat knew it. So glad Jaeger came back to you and all ended well.

Yorkiemom1 · 10-22-2012, 06:42 AM

You are a better person than I am! At the very least, I would have called the police! Juvinile deliquent! That is the problem with these little brats that live on the streets and raise themselves....but they need correcting!

Oddsock · 10-22-2012, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeresaM

How very scary!! I would have been livid and not at all civil to that brat. I don't care how indifferent her parents may have been, I'd of been talking to them and letting them know that they were darn lucky the police hadn't been called about this. Don't care how poorly a child is raised, if they are old enough to be out playing unsupervised, they are old enough to know right from wrong. And snatching the leash from your hand and running away with your dog is wrong! And that brat knew it. So glad Jaeger came back to you and all ended well.

Totally agree.

ancora_imparo ..You did so well. So patient. I hope the girl learnt from you. She mostly likely knew what she was doing was wrong. Bad background doesn't mean she can't learn to make good choices. Here's hoping she meets more people like you. Well done to Jaeger.

My lil friend · 10-22-2012, 07:26 AM

WOW I can not even imagine someone trying to run off with Mina!! You handled the situation in a kind and gentle manner,but ya she knew she was doing wrong. I was aproached by an 8yrold the other day that just put his hand out. I placed my hand infront of his and said "you must ask",he had no problem with it,but his dad looked at me like I was a criminal. I explained to the boy,making sure his dad could hear, that when you aproach a strange dog,you should move slowly and always ask. That if a dog bites him,the dog would be punished even if he was the one being foolish. Dad got it! They both understood. Suddenly I was the good guy for a teaching moment.
I am so glad that you were able to get your baby back!

yorkietalkjilly · 10-22-2012, 07:38 AM

You showed remarkable restraint under the circumstances!!! That girl knew enough to "play" you and get your dog from you when she knew it was wrong! Stealing a dog from a disabled person? I imagine I would have had a hysterical, verbal fit, unceremoniously taken my dog back and called the cops on those kids! Anybody tries to run off with Tibbe whatever their age is going to have a hard lesson to learn that day! I have to hand it to you in the diplomacy department - you were far kinder on her than I would have been. If parents don't teach children how to act, then I guess those they steal dogs from must!

What a great 4-legged little boy you have that assessed his situation and knew to go to mommie at all costs under the circumstances! Kudos to you for instilling that in him and him for reacting like a champ!

LILBIT1 · 10-22-2012, 08:28 AM

Wow I woulda called PD

dlaureanonw · 10-22-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

You are a better person than I am! At the very least, I would have called the police! Juvinile deliquent! That is the problem with these little brats that live on the streets and raise themselves....but they need correcting!

Caro · 10-22-2012, 09:00 AM

That's crazy! Can't believe someone would try to snatch the dog right in front of you (child or not). I think I would've flipped had it been me.

celstu1 · 10-22-2012, 10:25 AM

ooohhh scary!!!! A long time ago, on here actually, someone wrote that she went to an ice cream stand with her husband and had her dog in the car with them on a leash. Her husband went to order while she stayed IN the car with the dog letting him poke his head out the window and greet people. A man came by and started talking to her and petting her dog. The man then tried to grab her dog through her car window, but thankfully he was on a leash and the guy could not get him away from her w/o causing a scene. Since then, I put my dogs on leashes all the time outside of the house. There are people out there who would literally take your dog from your arms. Yorkies are precious and they are EXPENSIVE. Too bad, what people do not realize is that the expense of them does not stop with the buying of them. If they cannot afford to BUY a yorkie, they cannot afford to own one. We all know this all too well. The grooming, the teeth cleaning, the spay or neuter, regular vet visits, they also tend to be picky eaters requiring the best of foods, hard to house break, requiring new flooring eventually (not all of them, but mine are for sure! I had to replace the living room floor and next is the master bedroom floor).

BiewerYorkie · 10-22-2012, 10:34 AM

I keep both hands on my furkids if someone wants to pet them. Too many wierd kooks out there.

Louise

yorkietalkjilly · 10-22-2012, 12:00 PM

I'll admit it never occurred to me that somebody would just grab Tibbe & run until this thread but I'm going to be a lot more careful of him when out from now on!

Teresa Ford · 10-22-2012, 12:39 PM

So sorry this happened to you.

WJandPenny · 10-22-2012, 02:05 PM

Ancora- I am also legally blind so I know all too well what you mean about transportation issues. There is a grocery store about a km away and I too will be walking there with my dogs. I laughed so hard about your tackling comment.

This totally scares me though.

YazminD · 10-22-2012, 04:06 PM

Oh dear lord, someone told me earlier on my post that there was another story of someone trying to steal a dog!
I assume this was your story.
I'm so sorry you went through this and I really don't know how you kept your composure, Child or not!
I'm so happy for you that Jaeger listened to you and came running back. I can understand you feeling sympathy for the little girl possibly coming from a bad situation at home but if she was brave enough to grab your dog? I don't honestly know what I would've done if it were me at the time. I guess I would have accessed her reaction to my lecture about stealing someone's dog.
After what I went through this weekend with a man trying to steal my dog, I don't know if I can trust anyone again!

I really am happy for you and Jaeger that everything turned out okay. Please, just be very cautious of anyone you allow to pet your precious baby.

10-22-2012, 05:02 AM	#1
ancora_imparo YT Addict Join Date: May 2012 Location: Douglasville, GA USA Posts: 354	The NERVE of some people! A few days ago, I walked Jaeger to the neighborhood IGA grocery store. I'm legally blind and cant drive, and our dog trainer recommended to take him there (in lieu of somewhere "better" like petsmart) because it has a steady stream of people and I could get there on foot. It's a small, overpriced store, but its the only one within a few miles, so if you have transportation issues, this is the place to go. Jaeger and I were sitting on the curb quietly, and an old african american lady and her grandson walk by. She asks in a frail, high voice if I was giving away my dog. I thought she was kidding, but she wasnt. Startled, I made a joke and told her no, not today, that I'd keep him. It shook me up a bit-not that she'd ask, even, but that people would just walk their dog down to the nearest store and hand over a living creature. From the way she acted (polite, matter of fact, non confrontational) it gave me the impression that this is a common occurance here. Then, a few days later, I'm walking Jaeger, and there are two young kids (8-10)playing football. The boy comes over, and asks to pet my dog, so I let him. The girl comes over, doesn't really ask (though she sort of pauses) and we all start chatting. I know some of y'all dont let strangers handle your dogs (and I'm starting to see why!) but Jaeger's a bigger guy and loves people (plus, we're training him for therapy work and he needs all the manners lessons he can get!) so I usually let people approach with the stipulation that they let me dictate how things are going to go down. Both kids seemed "nice" but it was easy to tell that the boy's parents were more hands on then the girl's, just by their behavior. The girl asked me things, in a non confrontational sort of way, as kids do in their innocence. You know "can I pick him up, can I walk him, can I have him," etc etc. I didnt think much of it and explained that he was working to be a therapy dog to help others, and that was an important job. She commented about how he was an "easy" dog, and I explained that he certainly wasn't and I had to train him all the time or he thinks he runs the place, plus we've had potty training issues. We started chatting about the boy's football game, and the next thing I know, the girl had turned to my blind side and grabbed Jaeger's leash, yanking it out of my hand and running away. In a panic, I called to Jaeger (who could tell something was wrong.) He veered, and lunged, and threw her little body off balance, yanking the leash out of HER hand and ran right at me, where I scooped him up. I explained why she was being inappropriate in as calm voice as I could muster, and explained dog theft was illegal, even if she "wanted" him. I then walked immediately home. In any other situation, I'd have marched her to her parent's house and possibly told the kid off. I know if Jaeger hadnt come to me I'd have had no issue chasing her down and tackling her (as gently as possible) to the ground. The thing is, I could tell by the way she acted before the incident that she probably didnt have the most attentive parents, and she truly didnt know any better. I hoped the way I handled it made her understand. I was afraid if I took her to her parents they either wouldnt have cared or would beat her (she didnt have any marks on her, but I just had this feeling....) and neither of those situations would have done any good in the long run. Seriously, people. MY dog. MINE! __________________ jamie and Jaeger

10-22-2012, 06:39 AM	#2
TeresaM Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TX Posts: 3,358	How very scary!! I would have been livid and not at all civil to that brat. I don't care how indifferent her parents may have been, I'd of been talking to them and letting them know that they were darn lucky the police hadn't been called about this. Don't care how poorly a child is raised, if they are old enough to be out playing unsupervised, they are old enough to know right from wrong. And snatching the leash from your hand and running away with your dog is wrong! And that brat knew it. So glad Jaeger came back to you and all ended well. __________________ If you think dogs can't count, put 3 biscuits in your pocket, then give him only 2. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B. & Bonnie Lane

10-22-2012, 06:42 AM	#3
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	You are a better person than I am! At the very least, I would have called the police! Juvinile deliquent! That is the problem with these little brats that live on the streets and raise themselves....but they need correcting! Last edited by Yorkiemom1; 10-22-2012 at 06:44 AM.

10-22-2012, 07:38 AM	#6
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	You showed remarkable restraint under the circumstances!!! That girl knew enough to "play" you and get your dog from you when she knew it was wrong! Stealing a dog from a disabled person? I imagine I would have had a hysterical, verbal fit, unceremoniously taken my dog back and called the cops on those kids! Anybody tries to run off with Tibbe whatever their age is going to have a hard lesson to learn that day! I have to hand it to you in the diplomacy department - you were far kinder on her than I would have been. If parents don't teach children how to act, then I guess those they steal dogs from must! What a great 4-legged little boy you have that assessed his situation and knew to go to mommie at all costs under the circumstances! Kudos to you for instilling that in him and him for reacting like a champ! __________________ Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis

10-22-2012, 08:28 AM	#7
LILBIT1 Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Riverside County, Ca Posts: 867 Blog Entries: 9	Wow I woulda called PD __________________ http://instagram.com/wafflesthewonderdog/ https://www.facebook.com/wafflesthewonderdog Kathy Waffles

10-22-2012, 07:26 AM	#5
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	WOW I can not even imagine someone trying to run off with Mina!! You handled the situation in a kind and gentle manner,but ya she knew she was doing wrong. I was aproached by an 8yrold the other day that just put his hand out. I placed my hand infront of his and said "you must ask",he had no problem with it,but his dad looked at me like I was a criminal. I explained to the boy,making sure his dad could hear, that when you aproach a strange dog,you should move slowly and always ask. That if a dog bites him,the dog would be punished even if he was the one being foolish. Dad got it! They both understood. Suddenly I was the good guy for a teaching moment. I am so glad that you were able to get your baby back!

10-22-2012, 09:00 AM	#9
Caro Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pompano Beach, FL, USA Posts: 37	That's crazy! Can't believe someone would try to snatch the dog right in front of you (child or not). I think I would've flipped had it been me.

10-22-2012, 10:25 AM	#10
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 10,534	ooohhh scary!!!! A long time ago, on here actually, someone wrote that she went to an ice cream stand with her husband and had her dog in the car with them on a leash. Her husband went to order while she stayed IN the car with the dog letting him poke his head out the window and greet people. A man came by and started talking to her and petting her dog. The man then tried to grab her dog through her car window, but thankfully he was on a leash and the guy could not get him away from her w/o causing a scene. Since then, I put my dogs on leashes all the time outside of the house. There are people out there who would literally take your dog from your arms. Yorkies are precious and they are EXPENSIVE. Too bad, what people do not realize is that the expense of them does not stop with the buying of them. If they cannot afford to BUY a yorkie, they cannot afford to own one. We all know this all too well. The grooming, the teeth cleaning, the spay or neuter, regular vet visits, they also tend to be picky eaters requiring the best of foods, hard to house break, requiring new flooring eventually (not all of them, but mine are for sure! I had to replace the living room floor and next is the master bedroom floor). __________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz

10-22-2012, 10:34 AM	#11
BiewerYorkie Zachary's Mom Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 879 Blog Entries: 1	I keep both hands on my furkids if someone wants to pet them. Too many wierd kooks out there. Louise

10-22-2012, 12:00 PM	#12
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	I'll admit it never occurred to me that somebody would just grab Tibbe & run until this thread but I'm going to be a lot more careful of him when out from now on! __________________ Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis

10-22-2012, 12:39 PM	#13
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	So sorry this happened to you. __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.

10-22-2012, 02:05 PM	#14
WJandPenny Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 50	Ancora- I am also legally blind so I know all too well what you mean about transportation issues. There is a grocery store about a km away and I too will be walking there with my dogs. I laughed so hard about your tackling comment. This totally scares me though.

10-22-2012, 04:06 PM	#15
YazminD My ♥, My Soul, My Love Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Akron. Ohio Posts: 2,898	Oh dear lord, someone told me earlier on my post that there was another story of someone trying to steal a dog! I assume this was your story. I'm so sorry you went through this and I really don't know how you kept your composure, Child or not! I'm so happy for you that Jaeger listened to you and came running back. I can understand you feeling sympathy for the little girl possibly coming from a bad situation at home but if she was brave enough to grab your dog? I don't honestly know what I would've done if it were me at the time. I guess I would have accessed her reaction to my lecture about stealing someone's dog. After what I went through this weekend with a man trying to steal my dog, I don't know if I can trust anyone again! I really am happy for you and Jaeger that everything turned out okay. Please, just be very cautious of anyone you allow to pet your precious baby.