No Watchdog here

[Kathryn]

First let me explain that I have been through two weeks of absolute H. E. double sticks, and give some background.

I am a senior manager (fund raising and communications) for a non-profit human services organization working with kids and families. A week ago Monday, the police arrested our new Executive Director (two months here) for criminal sexual conduct and child porn --- and our Board acted quickly to fire him immediately. He had not had contact with youth or families in our organization, but served as the director for a shelter for abused youth in another state for over 10 years.

I got the job of spokesperson for the media and also the job of notifying our contract managers, funders, colleagues, etc. I pretty much wiped out after about three long, long days. (We did all sorts of background and reference checks, by the way. He had no record.)

So you can imagine my anxiety on Monday night when the news truck shows up by my home! And the truck of the infamous, salacious reporter who goes for shock. I hadn't given face-to-face interviews earlier, though I know TV usually wants them. But I wanted the security of a written statement and used it.

DH and I decided to leave the house so we wouldn't be home if they tried a "gotcha." We turned off all of the lights left for exactly and hour and 15 minutes (the length of the news show in question). In that time, someone came into our backyard screen porch, broke into our kitchen window, crawled over the sink and robbed us. DH had a LOT of electronics.

Now here's the real scare: Allie was fenced into the kitchen the whole time they were in the house. We have motion sensors on our alarm system but didn't install them in the kitchen area so that we can leave Allie out in that small place. The burglars came in right next to her, worked next to her, left over the kitchen sink again right next to her.

I am so so grateful that they didn't hurt my dog. She barks like crazy whenever another dog comes within range, so I guess the burglars weren't dogs...

When the police showed up they said, "We see you have a dog!" as she was dancing around their feet asking for pets and treats. They knew she was useless as a deterent.

More sensors will be installed this afternoon, and Allie is going to have to spend her days in her crate in the laundry room.

But I feel lucky because Allie was okay, and didn't even seem scared...

[Cairns2]

Kathryn,

What a horrible ordeal! Glad you and your family are ok!

I cannot imagine the stress both from the burglary and the incident at work.

I wanted to write to tell you to ask your alarm company about pet motions. We have them in our house. They are good up to 40 lbs. They won't work with a cat who can jump really high but for Cairns they work fine. My two can jump on the couch and walk freely without setting off the alarm.

Stay safe!

Cynthia

[Eliz222]

What a horrible experience to go through! I'm glad you and your DH are ok and that Allie was not harmed. I'm sure Scout and Finch would bark at an intruder at first, but become fast friends in a few minutes.

[Lisad]

Kathryn,

What a terrible ordeal!! I am sorry the entire list of events happened but so glad to hear that Allie is safe and sound. Thank God nobody hurt your precious pup!! Glad you are installing more safety measures. Too bad these things happen.

[tlwtheq]

OMG..sometimes life just throws it all at you at once. I'm so sorry, but glad that Allie is OK. It's interesting that the burglary happened when you thought the press might be camping out trying to play gotcha. Ya gotta wonder...nah, they wouldn't actually break in to try to get a story, would they?

[bradl]

Holy cow.

You've confirmed our suspicions. I'd expect the dogs to be trying to show the burglars where the cookie jar is, attempting to score some belly rubs, and that's about it.

I too worry most about intruders fearing the dogs as 'witnesses' and hurting them. So glad Allie is OK.

[CathyAnn]

Kathryn....I am truely sorry to hear all that you are going thru!

I know the feeling of someone being in your house. Such a feeling of violation.

Glad to hear you are all safe!!

Cathy

[savannahsmom35]

OMG! That is so scary! I often worry what would happen to Savannah if an intruder broke in or if there were ever a fire in the house while no one was home. I can't even stand to think about it... I wish I could bring her everywhere with me.

I am glad that Allie was fine. Too bad she can't talk and tell you what they looked like!

[Tracy A.]

You've confirmed our suspicions. I'd expect the dogs to be trying to show the burglars where the cookie jar is, attempting to score some belly rubs, and that's about it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Glad to hear eveything/one is okay- And I do have the pet sensors installed with our security system. I haven't had any issues at all with them.

Brad- I always used to Joke with my last dog, that if anyone broke in he'd show them were the safe was in exchange for a cookie!

I think I may take my Mother up on her training offer for the boys- Mett & Bratt will be at my parents house when we go on vacation later this year- My Mom is a Schutzhund trainer, and wants to teach the boys what to do if someone breaks in.... like bark your head off til you see someone, then run and hide....

Edited to add: But knowing my mother she'll want to send me home with a German Shep. as protection for her 'grand puppies' should someoen try to break in

[tena]

Wow what a lousy few days you have had. I am glad Allie is fine, it was probably pretty stressful for her to. I worked as a journalist for awhile and no longer do that work because to the type of stuff you experienced, some folks are unreal.

[Kathryn]

Cynthia -- thanks for the heads-up about the sensors that are pet-compatible. We had one installed along with other security measures this afternoon. Now, about $600 later, the entire house is even more secure, and Allie can stay in the kitchen area anyway. Glad I learned about this in time.

[Cairns2]

Hi Kathryn,

I am so glad that worked out for you! I pray you never need to put them to the test! Take care! Woofs and wags to Allie from Emma and Eric!

Cynthia

[bubba]

I hope your days get better! We have been broken into twice, once when my husband was home and they locked the westies we had at the time in the bathroom. Prior to that they never barked....after, they never stopped! The second time, I came home from work (husband was at our lake place over Labor Day), to find a burglar in our house, he heard me and tried coming out a window but didn't make it, and finally came out another to get away (double keyed locks are a wonderful thing!). He was later caught and is now in prison for quite a long time.

Remember, call your homeowners and get a reduction for the alarm system. Although, I think you can write your losses from the burglary off on your taxes next year, but be sure to check. If your husband is like mine and his electronics, I can only imagine what he is missing!

Keep a stiff upper lip...we will keep good thoughts for you!

pat.

[toomanypaws]

I somehow missed this post. What a horrible ordeal you went through. I'm just glad the happy ending is Allie was unharmed. I know Hannah would welcome any intruder, but Kiara will bark and Abbey would go balistic. I have to crate her and Kiara anytime I've had workers to my house.

Glad you got more security too.

[ParNone]

Sorry about the burglary, but glad to hear they left Allie alone.

I haven't found either of my Cairns to be very good watchdogs. Well for humans that is. The time my sister accidently let a Cat into my house, they didn't exactly roll out the welcome mat for the Cat. The fur was indeed a flying. But for people, they've never met one they didn't wanna meet and greet with.

I had a Charles Manson looking type guy, bike up behind me and Maddie one night. He said "Hi" in real smarmy way. Scared me, but Maddie was happy as a lark to see him. Tail wagging and trying to get over to him for a pet. I yanked her up off the ground and hightailed as fast as I could away from him.

In comparison, a guy came walking up behind me and my Collie the other night and the Collie went ballistic. Those Collies, they got a bark that could wake the dead. I think it scared the bejabbers out of the guy or maybe hurt his ear drums, cuz he took off running trying to get away from us as fast as he could.

Les...

[tena]

Sophie will growl at spooky people who are walking on our side of the street while she is being walked, and she would try her mightiest to keep anything from entering in the house uninvited if I am inside.

But she wouldn't protect the house if home alone, she retreats to my bed, her protection is limited of course but her heart is willing

[brin145]

Wow, I'm so glad to hear that Allie's okay. You have made me realize that I should not be lax about setting my alarm. A few months ago, I asked my dad to go to my house for me and he set if off by mistake. When the security company made the phone call asking him for the password, he gave them the wrong one. (just got a little confused). They called me at work and I had to assure them that the man was my dad and please call off the police. Anyway, since then I haven't been setting it. Our system has the pet compatible sensor also. This post has a made me realize how important it is to set it. Thanks.