I had a large group of teenagers one time "jokingly" threaten to steal Madeleine. I got out of there fast. You just never know and I would rather be overly cautious than be naive.

Yes, I fear it a lot. With all these yorkie nappings going on how else are you suppose to feel? I too take extra precautions. I feel a little more at ease when we go out for walks or having people over to the house only because of Daisy. She is a big dog who really loves everyone but would never let anyone hurt us or the other dogs. I don't know what I would do without her around. I do hope to get a doberman next year for added security to protect me and the others. A little over the top but I really love the breed so why not? It is just an added bonus that most people fear them.

I wanted a Yorkie for so long, and just went ga-ga over them when I'd see one on the street. Knowing how much it made me happy when an owner allowed me to pet their dog, I determined that if I ever was blessed with being "owned" by this breed, I would be similarly generous. When we first got Abigail, I let anyone and everyone who showed interest pet (and sometimes) and hold her. We live in a small town, and one can be lulled into a false sense of security that "everyone knows everyone" and nothing bad will happen. Boy, did that attitude change in the last year! With all the theft of (in particular) Yorkies, I've changed my tune and I don't care who thinks I'm overprotective/paranoid. Why take a chance on loosing Abbie, just to keep from hurting a stranger's feelings?Soooooo TRUE! I went with friends to an outside cafe' one day last summer, and I took Abigail along. Well, people are always stopping to speak to her, or comment; but this one guy actually knelt down to pet her and STAYED there for quite awhile. I kept a tight hold on her leash - becoming more and more uneasy at his presence. Then, when I pulled on her leash to pick her up, it was UNhooked!! He had to have unhooked her leash, at some point, when he was scratching her back! Well, I picked her up, and he moved on down the street. I should have confronted him there and then; but, I was (if you can believe it) STILL trying to think how her leash came undone 'accidentally'!! I go overboard at times trying to see the good in people, and can be rather naive :rolleyes: And, I'm in Smithfield!!

Yes, it concerns me everytime I take Ellie to a petstore, to a park, or on a walk. I'm sorry to say it doesn't get easier.

i dont' like to go to pertsmart anyways, but the ppl there that want to pet them, I don't know and can't trust. And theres limited places that I take them by myself, or I have my BF with me. I even fear leaving them outside. I def don't leave Dakota without me. And I leave Aubrey out there for a few mins.

I would be VERY leery of that! Don't ATMs have a limit of $200?? He would probably get you away from the store and grab her!

I remember reading when you posted that! Scared me to death!! If I remember wasn't an older guy? You just can't trust anyone, unfortunately!

Quite frankly I tend to be naive...maybe dumb is more apt. I NEVER worried about anyone taking Murfee until I got on YT and learned so much. I have a tendency to always believe the best in people and Richard and I have left Murfee in the truck when we went camping and had to stop and eat. We always parked where we could see the truck but now we always eat where someone can go in and get the food and bring it out. I don't leave him in the car alone anymore and don't like people getting around us when we are out. So I guess now I could say yes I am paranoid.

:p Yes! Well, I guess "older" is relative, depending on which side of 30 one is ;). I'm 55, and he looked to be my age or older. Of course, today's 50 is the new 30 I'm told! :p

yeah i don't let my baby out at petsmart or petco at all..She's always in a bag and always attached to the leash hook in the bag..I know people think i am over protective but i don't care..I don't ever let her out of my sight in public. When we were in nyc, and eating outside, there was this crazy lady who was just standing next to us and just looking at my baby for a long time until i let her know that my eyes are on her..gosh so many crazy people out there..

I don't worry about someone STEALING her, as in snatching her from me or anything like that. In fact, the thought has never crossed my mind.

The thing I worry about is that if she ever got out and got lost (which I can't imagine happening because she doesn't run off) that someone would keep her and I'd never see her again. And she wears tags and is microchipped.

I hardly take mine any place, but to the vet or groomer for fear of someone trying to snatch them. I have a big fenced in yard with a 6 foot fence, so most people don't even know I have them. I'd rather be safe then sorry.

I think about it all the time! I have been in petsmart and have had an eldery lady take martini out of my hands to pet her and then start walking. I chased her down and was not to nice about geting my pup back. I think sometimes pepole don't think in my case. But you have those people who this is their motive to take others dogs. I trust NO one. If someone wants to pet mine I hold them I will not let them hold any of my pups. Just becareful!

Agreed
 

I totally agree with the board. It is insane to think that people could do this. And now i think of leaving her home alone and I wonder if that is the smart thing to do. Because someone said that they had their house broke into for the dog. I am leary about walking her just for the fact that I don't really want people to know I have her. I think I am just going to have to designate a paper area for her.