I was just watching the local Channel 7 News here in the Boston area, and they did a whole segment on dog thefts being on the rise, even since the beginning of 2008.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) has issued a warning on their website for everyone to use caution along with ways to safeguard their pets from thieves.  The dognappers are taking Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Corgis and many other purebred dogs, along with many of the newer designer “hybrid” dogs.  They have also broken into a breeder’s home, held them at gun point, and went off with a new litter of Yorkshire Terriers.  Please click on the link below as it has some great advice on how to better safeguard your pet, purebred or otherwise.  I especially paid attention to the part where they talk about being careful who you talk to while out walking your dog.  I am sure we all get stopped by people asking about our dogs, and of course as a proud Shiba Mom I love to talk about Kitsu.  However if someone starts asking questions like ”how much is your dog worth”, or ” does he have papers” or “is she a show dog”, etc., be on the lookout and be mindful of your surroundings and situation.   Kitsu was a rescue, but thieves do not know that and could see him being worth money, along with every other dog out there, purebred and otherwise.  They can always sell any dog for an adoption fee, and make that fee high, on many online classifieds.  This article helped me, and I hope I can pass it on so that ALL of our precious pups are safe and sound.

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3467

Never leave your dog unattended, whether in a car or in your yard ~ Better safe than sorry!