Originally Posted by YazminD (Post 4039246)

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.

Originally Posted by marlenemaria (Post 4039120)

Thank god your baby is safe and you are safe.

How so very scary -it's amazing how we find the strength within to fight for our own, I will tear someone apart if they try to hurt my babies.

I haven't read through all the posts, but can someone tell me where I can purchase a buddy belt - I'm not comfortable with my harness now :(

Is it crazy that I'm afraid to take my babies for walks in the neighborhood or even go anywhere with them? I am so fearful people will see where I live and try to break in (I have an alarm, but was thinking of cameras too) I live in an enclosed community, not the type of area crime is an issue, but I'm just so afraid something will happen to my lils, people can be so envious :(

Originally Posted by DBlain (Post 4039143)

Wow in broad day light in front of busy stores, who would think such a think could happen. So glad you are both safe. What did they say about him having access to any reports with your home address on it, sure how the police are not forced to givet that type of info out.

Originally Posted by Maximo (Post 4039198)

I am a retailer of Buddy Belts. You can see them on my website: Buddy Belt Harness, Leather Dog Harness

Two Luxury Editions will be added by this evening: Gold and Pearls

Originally Posted by Maximo (Post 4039266)

Carla, you are very sweet to think of other people's feelings. Although I have not had a dog harmed by a hawk, I don't think anyone would be offended by your title. It is very appropriate because it conveys the shock and a warning that birds are not the only threat that can swoop in.

I understand your concerns too about teaching Yazmin to like people, and about dressing her up. She will likely attract just as much attention nekkid because she is so adorable. I'm angry for you that the simple joy of taking your doggie out for a stroll has been robbed from you. I pray you will feel at least semi-comfortable again one day, but I understand not being completely comfortable. When I walk my boys, I feel like I am always on edge looking for loose dogs.

Originally Posted by lisaly (Post 4039273)

You have not been insensitive at all. My heart is breaking for you. That man took away your feeling of joy walking your little girl and your feeling of security. I, too, love walking Katie and the fact that she loves people and is so friendly toward them. My pharmacy has a huge display of products like pepper spray that I will now look at after reading what happened to you and Yazmin. I still think it's a good thing that she doesn't fear strangers and that you socialized her so well. I hope that you can once again feel joy when walking your precious little girl.

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly (Post 4039283)

I haven't had a baby taken or killed by a bird but I wouldn't think your title was offensive to them. You were just making a title that pointed out there are other predators out there besides birds and critters. Who would ever think a person could just walk by and grab one of our babies out in public? I honestly never even thought of it consciously until I saw your thread so thank you for getting my attention with the thread headline and posting the story so we could all be more aware. I still think what you did was incredibly brace and you are a hero for fighting back. Hope the medical exam shows nothing but a big bruise and doc says time will fix it. Hold little Yaz tight tonight and stay safe out on those streets!!! (I'll bet that guy will run the other way if he ever sees you again!)

Originally Posted by yorkiemini (Post 4038786)

Oh No:eek::eek::eek:

So glad you and Yaz are OK. Just too scary.

When someone attempted to steal Cali out of my car the detectives pushed the part about trying to steal the vehicle because the penalty is greater for that (or assault) than for pet theft.

Originally Posted by Maximo (Post 4039266)

Carla, you are very sweet to think of other people's feelings. Although I have not had a dog harmed by a hawk, I don't think anyone would be offended by your title. It is very appropriate because it conveys the shock and a warning that birds are not the only threat that can swoop in.

I understand your concerns too about teaching Yazmin to like people, and about dressing her up. She will likely attract just as much attention nekkid because she is so adorable. I'm angry for you that the simple joy of taking your doggie out for a stroll has been robbed from you. I pray you will feel at least semi-comfortable again one day, but I understand not being completely comfortable. When I walk my boys, I feel like I am always on edge looking for loose dogs.