Am I the Only Paranoid One?

[BRIDGIT]

I feel the same way. The dogs were outside playing and the fence was open. A man found them and was going to put up signs to find the owner. A lady came up behind him and told him she would pay her for the puppy so she can breed her. I was so glad that the man found them before that awful woman. Anyway, I think the same way you do about someone stealing my dogs and I think it's perfectly normal to feel that way.

 

[nvin]

Originally posted by Amy Lyn
I have a strange post, but was curious to see if I was the only nut out there who thinks like this. And please, I won't take offense if you all tell me I need professional help!

I always get really worried about people stealing my dog. My husband thinks I'm nuts.

Just to give an example, I had to drop off some film to be developed at the mall today before I went to an appointment I had (to get my baby and Wagner's picture taken). So I drove to the mall and had to leave Wag's in the car for a little bit when I went to drop it off. I was so afraid someone was going to see him and think "gosh, he's a good looking dog, I'm going to take him" or "oh, a Boxer, must be a good fighting dog, let's snatch him." I kept telling Wagner that while I was gone he was to sit really low in the car, he needed to stay down and hide (like he understood a word I said!). I felt a huge relief when I came out and saw him laying in the backseat! This isn't the only time I've felt this way.

My husband and I got in a big fight while we were travelling with our first Boxer, Clark, one time. We stopped at a rest area just outside NYC and I refused to leave the dog in the car by himself while we went to use the restrooms.

I'm always afraid that people that come in our house (repairs, deliveries, et cetera) will see Wagner and want to come back and break in later to steal him. I saw a worker in our neighborhood look very intently at Wagner one time when I was outside with him, he slowed down and stuck his head half way out the window and watched him the whole time. I was convinced that he wanted to steal him. I don't even live in a bad part of town! That's what makes this so nuts.

You never know though, some people think Boxers are good fighting dogs and are mean and will want them for that purpose, some may think a good dog is too expensive to buy so they'll steal someone else's or they may just think he's too cute and will take him for their own.

Oh, boy, I think I need help!

Hello
I don't think you need help, you have a breed of dog that is more human than some people I know. You keep looking after Wagner.

Nvin Neil Vincent Owner of Luther See Members Gallery

 

[LeahNPro]

I know how you feel- you aren't paranoid! Boxers just seem to attract attention(espcially pups) and while that makes me proud to be their mom, I can't help worrying that people will like them so much that they will try to steal them.
I guess that if you love them, you can't help worrying about them. It just seems to come with the territory, I worry about my skin kids the same way when I'm in a crowded mall or what have you.

 

[buddy'smom]

I don't think you need help at all. Your fears are well founded and justified. Certain breeds of dogs are deemed stealworthy from some low lifes and boxers just happen to be on the list.
Before moving to this larger city, I had the fear but it wasn't as prevelent. We lived in a smaller town, most knew everyone or knew of you. My gosh even the taxi drivers knew my dogs. (But that is another story LOL ) I would run into the variety store to get whatever and leave Kailee in the car, but it was a quick in and out. I did allow Buddy to lounge out in the yard on his own, and I would have allowed Kailee the same priviledge if she wanted it. Mind you, I made very frequent checks outside the whole time he was out there.
Then we moved here. After a very early warning from my son to keep a closer eye on Kailee in this city, I do not allow her to be left anywhere alone. Not in the car, not outside. One day while I was at work my husband had Kailee out in the car with him. When he and Kailee picked me up, he had a small bag of groceries in the car. Immediatly the alarms went off, and I asked if Kailee was with him when he ran into the grocery store. He said yes, but it was only for a few min. the car doors were locked with the windows down a tad and she was fine. I freaked (and that is putting it mildly) then explained to him, this is not a small town here, people are not as friendly, no one knows us or Kailee, and she is at more threat of being stolen. I also pointed out that Kailee will go with Anyone, which has been proven to us over and over again that Kailee fears no one. Once it was all spelled out to him, he realized that he had taken a terrible chance. Now he too is very watchful over her. So in my opinion you are being a very responsible owner, and if you need help then a lot of us on here do.

Jean

 

[Nedra's_momma]

I agree with the above. Dog thefts for fighting rings or breeding mills is VERY common. I live in an urban area and theft for the fighting ring is a very,very real fear that is not at all unfounded. In fact a very large ring just got busted last month over on the east side.

I will not leave Nedra in the car by herself, not even if it is only for 5 minutes. I will not leave her out of my sight in public EVER. If hubby or I can't stay in the car with her while the other runs errands, she doesn't go, plain and simple. I can see this as a very big problem with single persons that own dogs. I am glad that I have hubby to car sit N while I am in the stores. I feel bad for the dog owners that don't have someone to do so.

While I understand it can be hard at times, I strongly encourage any pet owner not to leave their dog alone in public. Not just for the dog's safety but out of respect for other people. I can't count the amount of times that I have seen people leave their dogs tied unattended to a fire hydrant outside of a street shop while they went in to talk to someone or to browse the store. Every time I just want to wring those people's necks. In the meantime, I have to walk my dog past them calmly while their dog is barking and lunging at her... GRRRR...

I sincerely wish that well behaved dogs were allowed in more public places. Sometimes I feel that pet owners are actually encouraged to leave our dogs at home in crates... :(

 

[boxerma]

Well, I think you've certainly hit on an interesting topic! I too, have always worried about Bingo. And you brought up taking the film in. I usually use our old address when I have to write on the envelope because usually the picutures are mostly of Bingo :p and I don't want anyone to know where he lives. I have mostly worried about the aspect of someone stealing him because of the "oh gee, good fighting dog" concept. We are very careful who comes to the house and when anything needs to be done, we try to do it ourselves. Our sink was clogged for 2 weeks because we refused to hire a plumber. It's really too bad you have to worry about such things but I really don't think I could take it if someone took Bingo. EVen when someone comes to the house and notices Bingo I never know if I should say he is friendly or not because if they think he is, they might take him and if they think he isn't they might take him! I always try to keep him out of sight.

Also, I will only take him in the car that has an alarm on it and only go in stores I can see him in or that I know are safe. I also worry about kenneling. If you are gone for a week, how do you know what they do with your dog while they aren't open? They could use them for breeding or for whatever horrible thing. I can let my mind wander as you may see!:rolleyes: But I think it's a valid concern and i think most of us take safeguards against anything happening. Like I said I worry most about the stealing thing. There is such a misconception of the breed out there, that someone that uneducated would do just that.

Oh yes, and even another thing, we are going to be getting a new car in the summer, and we aren't even considering one without the tinted windows in the back (an SUV) or an alarm on it. The what if's would kill me also wondering what was happening to him.......Your concerns are valid but try to enjoy them too. If you do your best to protect them, then you take most the risk away. We live in a town where people leave their dogs hooked to parking meters while they go in and get their Starbucks and I think they must be CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[scribe1128]

It looks like I'm in good company here! Whenever I take Titus on a ride to the store with me, the weather is cool enough I can keep the windows up and the car locked. If anyone Titus doesn't recognize tries to get close to the car, he furociously barks. Lady, on the other hand, would go with anyone who shows an interest, so I don't take her in the car as much.

 

[None-removed]

I don't think it's paranoia, I think it's prudent and responsible pet guardianship. I am the same way - and have only become this way in the last few months.

I don't want to breach any confidences, but there is a BW member and friend whose dog was stolen from his home by a fighting ring and found dead a few days later. Since that hit so close to home, I am ultra careful now. Bax will growl and bark if a stranger gets too near, but I don't know how he would react if someone that really wanted him called his bluff and tried to take him...would he bite or would he go peaceably? Therefore I try to limit any possiblility of it ever happening.

It's scary what some people will do.

 

[Rowdy Boys]

I too agree with everyone that's posted here.

I am glad Bridget put her two cents in too, because I remember reading about what happened to her. She was very lucky. So many people aren't honest and would see a good looking, well-trained boxer and keep it.

My boys are my children (but my company will only let me count our daughter Justice for the relocation - bummer), and if something ever happened to them, I would be devastated - just as if something happened to Justice.

I watch them like a hawk - just like Justice.

You're just being a good parent and doing your job. I don't think of it as being paranoid, I see it as being a responsible dog owner.

 

[Jaclyn]

ahhh, now I don't feel anymore! It is my worst fear that Ozzy will be taken away from me. The other day someone was in our backyard while we were at work (my baby stayes in the house of course)...and the first thing that went through my mind is that someone was looking to see of Ozzy was in the backyard. It scares me too. So no we aren't we all just lovicon our boxer babies like skin babies. :D