Not a Bird, a MAN Swooped down to STEAL MY DOG!

[My guy Charles]

Many years ago I had someone come into my backyard and take our 8 year old poodle, thinking she was a puppy because she was so small. She only went out to use the bathroom so we never let her out for more than 5 minutes. City workers were trimming trees in my neighborhood and could see thru my iron gate and they walked in my backyard and took her. My family fell apart!! Every friend and neighbor helped us look for her, we were always suspicious of the city workmen, they even acted odd when we asked them if they had seen her. We cried, we prayed, it was a miserable week! We had signs and pictures up in a 15 mile radius of our home offering a reward. After a long hard week the doorbell rang and it was the city workers holding Katie, asking for the reward.....which I happily gave them... But I always knew in my heart that they were the ones that took her... I think once they got her home, realized she was not a puppy then saw the reward - they opted to return her for money. She was in terrible shape, filthy dirty - and scared to death... They had not been nice to her from what we could tell. But my children and I have never forgotten that horrible time. I cant put into words how happy we were to get her back!!
Sweet Katie died 3 years ago, she was 18 years old.
We still grieve over her, but after that experience we never let her out of our sight again.
Now with my little guy Charlie I am going to be extra careful when walking him.... I had not thought of anyone grabbing him away from me!! Yikes!! That is so scary and so disappointing that people can be so cruel! I am so happy you got your precious baby back! Thanks for sharing your story so that we can all know to be extra careful.

[aliciagee]

how stupid! ugh!!i hate people like this. why cant people get their own jobs and work for money instend of stealing??? just yesterday my next door neightbors tried stealing swayzee. why cant people work and adopt their own babies??? im glad u guys are ok!

[kjc]

I would continue to dress her up... the more people you have with eyes on her the better (assuming there are more good people than bad).

Also a word of warning: I've heard of thieves with knives that will cut through a leash to steal a dog.

Car and house keys can work as a weapon: put your key ring in the palm of your hand with the keys stuck out between your fingers and make a fist to swipe at an attacker.

Also carry a whistle...they are small and lightweight and make a ton of noise.

Male:female situations are frequently seen as domestic distubances, and many people would be hesitant to interfere: Shouting words like 'Thief' or 'Fire' will bring more attention and a quicker response (hopefully).

Hope you're feeling better... and I agree... a doctor's report will help in court as well as pics of any bruising.

[concretegurl]

I just saw this thread and its way past my bed time so I'll read through it tomorrow.

Thankfully there were two good guys to one bad guy!

I hope they got some good hits in before the police arrived!

It takes a 'special' kind of scum bag to mess with pets, children & the eldery.

What good defensive reflexes you have to kick and yell right away.

Hope the trial and aftermath of recovery for you go well.

Carry pepper spray.

[YazminD]

Originally Posted by bijoux1

I agree that I don't think anyone at all would take any offense to what you said at all!!! Fortunately I have not had a bird take my dog, but we had one come way to close to us for comfort to us on a walk a while back. And the fact is that your experience with that horrible man very much does sound quite similar to the way a predatory bird would swoop in and then disappear just as suddenly!

I am just so glad that Yazi is safe, and I hope that you are feeling better as well!! It is just a shame you ever had to go through this!!

To the poster asking about Buddy Belts, I also am a happy happy customer of Kristen's aka username Maximo, and I can't say enough about her wonderful customer service!!

Originally Posted by yorkiemini

Any attack on our babies, bird or man, is a major concern. Doesn't make any difference who or what the predator is. You did a great job protecting Yaz and should be proud. Truly you did not offend anyone with your title.

Those two guys who helped you are real heros!

Thank you for understanding my perception at the time, and again I pray I didn't offend anyone who may have lost their baby because of a hawk or any other type of bird.
My heart goes out to anyone who has ever went through such a horrible experience!

Originally Posted by Buster Brown

This got me thinking that you really should see a Doctor to press assault charges. They may carry more weight with the police/court system than the attempted abduction.

Thank you for the suggestion, I had to pick up prescriptions on Friday anyway so I called made an appointment to my Doctor also. I'm feeling much better this morning.

[YazminD]

Originally Posted by navillusc

The best defense is always staying alert and aware of your surroundings. Not just with our fur babies, but ourselves, too.

I had 2 men try to get in the car with me back in the '70's in a crowded, well lit shopping plaza parking lot. They were unsuccessful because I had a sort of 'premonition' that something was 'wrong' and was prepared to open my car door, get in, locking the door on the way in so it'd be locked when it shut, and I'd no sooner shut it than the 2 men came out from beside each side of the van parked in front of me, each trying to open the door on their side of my car. My Yorkie-Poo was with me, and he NEVER let anyone touch Mommy's car without "explaining" it loudly and vigorously to them and even HE did not have time to react before they were past the car...or would have been in there with us if I had not been alert...and, thanks to the powers/angels that be...warned of danger.

I do not fear going out alone...never have...but I stop at the door and look around at everyone and everything before going further, and a few other preparedness things. You will likely be a lot more observant from this point on as well, but do not allow it to ruin your life. This may well be the only time something like this will happen. Enjoy all the time you spend with Yaz.

Reading what you went through just have me the chills! Thank God you had a premonition that something wasn't right and reacted so quickly. I shudder to think what may have happened to you and your baby if you hadn't reacted so quickly! What a terrifying experience!
Thank you for sharing your story. I admit I was too afraid to take Yazi for a walk yesterday but you're right, I can't let this incident ruin my life or take Yazi's walks from her that she truly enjoys.

Originally Posted by My guy Charles

Many years ago I had someone come into my backyard and take our 8 year old poodle, thinking she was a puppy because she was so small. She only went out to use the bathroom so we never let her out for more than 5 minutes. City workers were trimming trees in my neighborhood and could see thru my iron gate and they walked in my backyard and took her. My family fell apart!! Every friend and neighbor helped us look for her, we were always suspicious of the city workmen, they even acted odd when we asked them if they had seen her. We cried, we prayed, it was a miserable week! We had signs and pictures up in a 15 mile radius of our home offering a reward. After a long hard week the doorbell rang and it was the city workers holding Katie, asking for the reward.....which I happily gave them... But I always knew in my heart that they were the ones that took her... I think once they got her home, realized she was not a puppy then saw the reward - they opted to return her for money. She was in terrible shape, filthy dirty - and scared to death... They had not been nice to her from what we could tell. But my children and I have never forgotten that horrible time. I cant put into words how happy we were to get her back!!
Sweet Katie died 3 years ago, she was 18 years old.
We still grieve over her, but after that experience we never let her out of our sight again.
Now with my little guy Charlie I am going to be extra careful when walking him.... I had not thought of anyone grabbing him away from me!! Yikes!! That is so scary and so disappointing that people can be so cruel! I am so happy you got your precious baby back! Thanks for sharing your story so that we can all know to be extra careful.

Oh I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Katie. I'm so happy to see you got her back and had 18 years with your little girl. Thank you for sharing your story also because it just goes to show that you can't trust anyone! I would have never given a thought that someone like City Workers would do such a such a horrible thing to Katie and your family! It really sickens me to know they only returned her because they realized she wasn't a young pup but took the Reward from you also!
Yes, please be extra careful with your little Charlie and I pray you'll have 18 plus wonderful years with him also.

Originally Posted by aliciagee

how stupid! ugh!!i hate people like this. why cant people get their own jobs and work for money instend of stealing??? just yesterday my next door neightbors tried stealing swayzee. why cant people work and adopt their own babies??? im glad u guys are ok!

I don't know what to say, this is even more shocking! Your own next door neighbors! I truly don't believe some people have a heart!
I looked at the guy who took Yazi right in his eyes, but he didn't show any emotions! I should have realized something was wrong. It was all about making quick money!
Please keep a good eye on Swayzee and your neighbors!

[LawDog Bows]

Oh WOW! That is so scary! What a blessing that you had two angels to come help you and thank goodness they got the bad guy and your little one is safe!

[YazminD]

Originally Posted by Belle Noir

I am so glad that he wasn't able to steal your dog. This is why the girls are not allowed to go dog walking without their uncle as a body guard.
I don't have to worry, because apparently at 5 foot 1, I am quite intimidating. I am told I have this mess with me and die aura, lol. But it's true, if someone tried to steal my dogs I would kill them.

For future reference, carry a big stick if you can, if you can't, the skin under the arm and inner thigh are VERY tender and if you pinch and twist there, it WILL hurt. Try it on your self, gently.. Then imagine doing it to someone else.

If someone is going to be that nervy to try to snatch your dog while you're holding the leash, and the attack you, you have every right to do your best to hurt them badly, I feel.

I agree, a thank you to those two heroes is called for. Thank goodness there are some people that were raised right and will step up to the plate when they have to. It's a shame they were the only ones. That others walked past, and did nothing is a sad state of affairs.

Originally Posted by kjc

I would continue to dress her up... the more people you have with eyes on her the better (assuming there are more good people than bad).

Also a word of warning: I've heard of thieves with knives that will cut through a leash to steal a dog.

Car and house keys can work as a weapon: put your key ring in the palm of your hand with the keys stuck out between your fingers and make a fist to swipe at an attacker.

Also carry a whistle...they are small and lightweight and make a ton of noise. Male:female situations are frequently seen as domestic distubances, and many people would be hesitant to interfere: Shouting words like 'Thief' or 'Fire' will bring more attention and a quicker response (hopefully).

Hope you're feeling better... and I agree... a doctor's report will help in court as well as pics of any bruising.

Thank you for so many great ideas and techniques to protect myself and Yazi. These are things I hadn't even thought of, even it the past few days.
I did order 2 cans of Pepper Spray first thing this morning. One's to use on humans and the other is to be used against dogs.
Wildfire Keychain Pepper Spray - Hottest 18% OC - Large 1.5oz.
Dog Pepper Spray Canine Repellent - Muzzle Mace Brand

I've had so many discussions with my co-workers many times about getting Pepper Spray to protect Yazi from stray dogs for over a year now and never followed through.
In my heart, I just never really wanted to harm another dog by spraying them but really NEVER thought I would ever have to fight a human!

Kcj, After reading your comment about continuing to dress Yazi is making me have second thoughts. The two gentlemen told the officer's that they noticed me in the store with a dog because she was all dressed up in red. To be honest, I didn't even see them in the store because it was crowded but I'm so grateful they noticed Yazi!

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by YazminD

Reading what you went through just have me the chills! Thank God you had a premonition that something wasn't right and reacted so quickly. I shudder to think what may have happened to you and your baby if you hadn't reacted so quickly! What a terrifying experience!
Thank you for sharing your story. I admit I was too afraid to take Yazi for a walk yesterday but you're right, I can't let this incident ruin my life or take Yazi's walks from her that she truly enjoys.

...

I don't know what to say, this is even more shocking! Your own next door neighbors! I truly don't believe some people have a heart!
I looked at the guy who took Yazi right in his eyes, but he didn't show any emotions! I should have realized something was wrong. It was all about making quick money!
Please keep a good eye on Swayzee and your neighbors!

I think you DID realize something was wrong. Had you NOT had your own 'premonition'/'intuition' I doubt you would have even noticed the guy walking down the street toward you...but you DID notice him. Not only that, you were PREPARED for an attack even without realizing it because you were holding tight to Yazi...consciously realizing you had no intention of letting go!!!

I also think it is a good thing that Yazi drew the attention of the guys in the cell phone store. Because they noticed her...favorably...and you because she was with you, they had their own 'premonition' (intuition?)when they saw weird stuff happening to you...and no Yazi in sight...outside.

The night that event happened to me, I was walking out of DeMoula's grocery store in Lowell, MA, and as soon as I stepped through their front door, I had the weird feeling something was bad wrong. I stopped, and looked around and saw 2 men coming out of the package (liquor) store further down the shopping plaza, and I 'just knew' the 'something wrong' had to do with them. But, they were a considerable distance away. I could have had a DeMoula's employee...they carried your bags to your car at the time...walk me to my car, but I only had a tiny bag...and you NEVER think something will happen for real...but instead, I checked the distance between me and my car, and between me and them, I got my out my car key for the door in my hand ready to be inserted into the door lock and mentally went through the exact sequence of steps I planned to take...walk swiftly and straight to my car, etc. as I said before...and I executed those steps exactly. I was also prepared, holding the key like that, to jab it into an eye, if need be...but I was hoping I was wrong about my intuition...I wasn't. Those same 2 guys 'appeared out of nowhere' (as the saying goes...lol) and I'd have been had if I hadn't been aware. I must have looked an easy target to them....but they were wrong. lol

Honestly, to this very day, I NEVER LEAVE A BUILDING WITHOUT HOLDING THE KEY IN MY HAND ready to insert it into my car/house door lock...or an eye...and I keep my door keys ring small so it all fits into my hand easily! lol And...I am not being paranoid...just prepared. This technique will help ensure you don't drop or lay down your keys in a store, too, since you'll check for them at each exit door.

I grew up in a maximum security prison town, so was taught some simple, preparatory things growing up. This was not the first time I might have been taken...my mother calling my name stopped one big guy who was about to wrap his arms around me...I was a young teen/tween, still in the car, back to the door, picking up my books, backing out of the car, and she had already stepped onto the porch, but was looking back at me, watching, when he came out of the shadows and started reaching for me.

As children we did lots of very simple things to be safe, and a very easy one is to carry in your pocket or hand some trial size aerosol can. You don't need pepper spray, especially if there is a legal controversy about it where you live. Perfectly understandable/explainable to carry are hair spray, glass cleaner, and disinfectants...glass cleaner is perfectly explainable if you wear glasses/sunglasses, carry a camera, etc., disinfectants in case you need a public rest room, hair spray is self explanatory for men and women. All sting the eyeball...and trial size aerosols are available doggone near everywhere so no reason to run out of personal protection. After all, you only need time to reach a truly safe place where you are unseen, secured, or in the presence of other people.

I hope nothing like this ever happens to anyone...ever again.

[Maximo]

KJC and Cat make a great point about dressing Yazmin -- that it makes an impression on the good people, the people who will come to your aid if something happens.

Carla, this makes me happy thinking that you and Yazmin can still enjoy fashion and that it actually a positive when it comes to safety.

[YazminD]

Originally Posted by msyorktown

I'm very happy I could make you laugh, after the day you had, and ancora_imparo as well, I hope!
I drive a bus for the local tranit authority here (public transit), ppl often ask me if I have any problems on the bus, with unruly passengers and such....after 16yrs, no not really, I guess just the look on my face tells people, 'don't mess with me, I don't play'...that stance has gotten me sent to sensitivity training!!! LOL! Management claims I'm too serious...I'm not really, that's just me.
The guy that tried to take Yazzy from you would not be walking right now..had I been in your position...not bravery at all, just adreneline would have taken over...I'm like a lioness when it comes to my 'kids' (skin or fur)...leave them alone and all will be well....come to close without permission, and see who emerges...And it would be ME going to jail....
Have you been to see your doctor...how are you feeling?

First I would like to say I'm sorry for so many posts but for some reason I didn't receive emails from everyone's replies and it may be my computer but it's not allowing me to reply to more than 3 post at a time.

I still say you have more "Huspa"/courage than I do or did that day! This post is also making me laugh, "sensitivity training"! Thank you.
God forbid if anything like this were to happen again, hopefully I'll think back on your post, (without laughing) and truly become a lioness to protect my cub!
Oh and the Pepper Spray I just ordered is gonna help too!

[Buster Brown]

Glad to hear you are feeling better!

[YazminD]

Originally Posted by navillusc

I think you DID realize something was wrong. Had you NOT had your own 'premonition'/'intuition' I doubt you would have even noticed the guy walking down the street toward you...but you DID notice him. Not only that, you were PREPARED for an attack even without realizing it because you were holding tight to Yazi...consciously realizing you had no intention of letting go!!!

I also think it is a good thing that Yazi drew the attention of the guys in the cell phone store. Because they noticed her...favorably...and you because she was with you, they had their own 'premonition' (intuition?)when they saw weird stuff happening to you...and no Yazi in sight...outside.

The night that event happened to me, I was walking out of DeMoula's grocery store in Lowell, MA, and as soon as I stepped through their front door, I had the weird feeling something was bad wrong. I stopped, and looked around and saw 2 men coming out of the package (liquor) store further down the shopping plaza, and I 'just knew' the 'something wrong' had to do with them. But, they were a considerable distance away. I could have had a DeMoula's employee...they carried your bags to your car at the time...walk me to my car, but I only had a tiny bag...and you NEVER think something will happen for real...but instead, I checked the distance between me and my car, and between me and them, I got my out my car key for the door in my hand ready to be inserted into the door lock and mentally went through the exact sequence of steps I planned to take...walk swiftly and straight to my car, etc. as I said before...and I executed those steps exactly. I was also prepared, holding the key like that, to jab it into an eye, if need be...but I was hoping I was wrong about my intuition...I wasn't. Those same 2 guys 'appeared out of nowhere' (as the saying goes...lol) and I'd have been had if I hadn't been aware. I must have looked an easy target to them....but they were wrong. lol

Honestly, to this very day, I NEVER LEAVE A BUILDING WITHOUT HOLDING THE KEY IN MY HAND ready to insert it into my car/house door lock...or an eye...and I keep my door keys ring small so it all fits into my hand easily! lol And...I am not being paranoid...just prepared. This technique will help ensure you don't drop or lay down your keys in a store, too, since you'll check for them at each exit door.

I grew up in a maximum security prison town, so was taught some simple, preparatory things growing up. This was not the first time I might have been taken...my mother calling my name stopped one big guy who was about to wrap his arms around me...I was a young teen/tween, still in the car, back to the door, picking up my books, backing out of the car, and she had already stepped onto the porch, but was looking back at me, watching, when he came out of the shadows and started reaching for me.

As children we did lots of very simple things to be safe, and a very easy one is to carry in your pocket or hand some trial size aerosol can. You don't need pepper spray, especially if there is a legal controversy about it where you live. Perfectly understandable/explainable to carry are hair spray, glass cleaner, and disinfectants...glass cleaner is perfectly explainable if you wear glasses/sunglasses, carry a camera, etc., disinfectants in case you need a public rest room, hair spray is self explanatory for men and women. All sting the eyeball...and trial size aerosols are available doggone near everywhere so no reason to run out of personal protection. After all, you only need time to reach a truly safe place where you are unseen, secured, or in the presence of other people.

I hope nothing like this ever happens to anyone...ever again.

Oh my word! Reading your story more in depth had to be absolutely terrifying at the time! I'm so, so sorry you went through that nightmare with those men!
You must have a lot of inner strength also not want to just shut down and be afraid to leave your home. If it weren't for your instincts, God only knows how that situation would ended!
Thank God your mother was vigilant in keeping an eye on you when you were possibly going to be kidnapped also. We know how that would have ended.
I know I keep repeating "Thank God", but I don't know of any other expression that comes to mind with the thoughts that such horrible evil people exist in this world!
I'm so glad you were taught to be vigilant and knew how to protect yourself even at such a young age and can now help people like me learn to be more aware of our surroundings and to share so many ideas on how to use every day common items like aerosols and simple keys for protection. Thank you.
I grew up in an orphanage that was fenced in to keep the public out until I was a teenager so I lived a pretty sheltered life.
Never feared people and have actually laughed when my BF has been upset about me being out with Yazi after dark. I've told him no one would ever "bother" to attack me,
I just never considered they would go after Yazi.

Originally Posted by Maximo

KJC and Cat make a great point about dressing Yazmin -- that it makes an impression on the good people, the people who will come to your aid if something happens.

Carla, this makes me happy thinking that you and Yazmin can still enjoy fashion and that it actually a positive when it comes to safety.

I agree Kristin. I'm thinking now they did make a good point also! At first I was thinking that because she's the only dog around here that I've seen dressed up, I may be drawing too much attention to her.
On second thought, she's pretty well known by all the shop owners on the Blvd.. A lot of them step out of their shops or have us step in to see what's she's wearing that day. The majority of them know and call Yazi by her name. I know most of them could at least identify her if need be.

[Perrella]

I just read through this....this is so horrible, I can't even imagine how terrified you were and holding onto your baby for dear life. I'm so glad you both are ok, home safe and sound. Bless you both...hugs.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by navillusc

The best defense is always staying alert and aware of your surroundings. Not just with our fur babies, but ourselves, too.

I had 2 men try to get in the car with me back in the '70's in a crowded, well lit shopping plaza parking lot. They were unsuccessful because I had a sort of 'premonition' that something was 'wrong' and was prepared to open my car door, get in, locking the door on the way in so it'd be locked when it shut, and I'd no sooner shut it than the 2 men came out from beside each side of the van parked in front of me, each trying to open the door on their side of my car. My Yorkie-Poo was with me, and he NEVER let anyone touch Mommy's car without "explaining" it loudly and vigorously to them and even HE did not have time to react before they were past the car...or would have been in there with us if I had not been alert...and, thanks to the powers/angels that be...warned of danger.

I do not fear going out alone...never have...but I stop at the door and look around at everyone and everything before going further, and a few other preparedness things. You will likely be a lot more observant from this point on as well, but do not allow it to ruin your life. This may well be the only time something like this will happen. Enjoy all the time you spend with Yaz.

How completely frightening! Thank goodness you had that little feeling, that momentary perception of a potential problem - it saved you! I read a book about "gut" feelings recently that was so interesting and helped me understand how instantly our brains sense things about people & situations & how beneficial trusting that instinct usually is. I think it doesn't hurt to be just a bit paranoid out in public or around strangers in this day and time! I mean, watch HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell and some of those shows, watch almost any newscast & the stories will curl your hair!!!!

Once I was going to ride up in the hospital employee parking lot after dark with a guy who didn't "look" right, got into the elevator & stepped right back out, walked back onto the concourse & blended back in with the crowd. Just something about that guy weirded me out in a heartbeat & I was outta there. Never had that visceral reaction to anyone happen before or since and never saw him again but I could not stay in that elevator car with that guy after those doors closed for some reason! I always wondered why that happened but I now know from reading that book that there was some perceived slightly threatening or worrisome oddness about him that my brain picked up on that I consciously did not! So I believe in following that little gut feeling or still small voice or prickle that warns you.