Scared someone is going to steal my dog

[Peace2018]

I live in pretty safe area but the population living here is transient and someone who lives in my building approached me about my dog (a very sweet loving pit bull I will call Zeus) today, asking questions about Zeus's breed line and gender. He was sitting in his car in the parking lot at our building and rolled down his window to inquire whether Zeus was a pit bull.

It made me really nervous. I am new to this building and was already feeling anxious about my living situation, but now I don't feel I can leave Zeus alone without fears that he will come and steal him from me to sell on the street, breed, and use for dog fighting. He knows what car I drive so would be easy to know when I am not home.

Zeus is my world and I would be wrecked if anything happened to him.

I tried to tell someone at the concierge and he blew me off like I was a crazy person... and maybe I am. I feel like I need to move again, but I don't know if that's the answer because I don't feel safe in general.

 

[joeylittle]

Hi - do you have PTSD?

 

[littleoc]

I understand this fear. I have a service dog for PTSD who I can't imagine life without right now.

My advise would be to keep your dog on a leash and stay close to him, especially when he's outside. It is possible that the people asking just like pitbulls and were curious about him, but it doesn't hurt to be sure that everything is safe for your little buddy.

 

[Deleted member 541]

I don’t know where you live, but in some areas of the US, pit bulls are illegal to own due to the reputation they have. Might be unfair to the dog, but it is what it is.

And, do you have PTSD????

 

[lostforgottensoul]

He was sitting in his car in the parking lot at our building and rolled down his window to inquire whether Zeus was a pit bull.

I have an American Pitbull Terrier service dog in training. MANY ask about his breed and make comments (most in awe) about him, the stigma about pitbulls, how how he isn't as the stigma paints them. Many still show fear but most are in awe. Best words to discribe how they act. I don't see how they would want to steal him though. People are curious and ask a lot of questions. Many are intrustive but still, people seems to be curious by nature. It's how we learn. Asking questions.

but now I don't feel I can leave Zeus alone without fears that he will come and steal him from me to sell on the street, breed, and use for dog fighting. He knows what car I drive so would be easy to know when I am not home.

Do you lock your doors? Do you leave him tied up outside of a store? I'm confused about this. I also do not know anyone that would willing walk up to a strange pitbull tied up somewhere or attempt to break in with a barking dog, most especially a pitbull. It is why I do not correct barking at the door and encourge it. For saftey.

 

[Peace2018]

Yes I have PTSD, sorry I didn't realize I had to state that upfront.

I could really use some help, I'm very triggered at the moment. This morning I went outside and he had parked backed into the parking space directly next to mine. Tons of other spaces he could have parked in. I really don't want to move, but how I can feel safe here knowing that my dog is not safe?

This was not innocent small talk. I know the difference

 

[lostforgottensoul]

I don't get why you think your dog is not safe. Lock your door and leash your dog. How on earth can someone steal a dog if its leashed or in a locked home? Maybe paranoia issue? Irrational thinking?

Just my 2 cents. Take it or leave it.

 

[Freida]

You didn't indicate if he is a service dog or pet - but theft of service dogs is a real thing sadly. My trainer was adamant that I never let mine out of my site -- even for something as simple as going into a public restroom.

I think its great you are aware he showed an interest that made you uncomfortable. Just because you have ptsd doesn't mean your instincts are wrong. But. Don't let those instincts overwhelm you! Dog thefts are usually crimes of opportunity, which means they don't take a lot of work. People look for easy ways to scoop them up and walk off when they are outside and the owners aren't around. Breaking into your apartment to get him? not easy. So like the others have said - use caution, keep him on a leash, lock your doors.

 

[Deleted member 541]

Maybe consider getting the dog implanted with a locator chip too. It might help you to feel less helpless.

 

[Peace2018]

Thanks for the suggestions. Zeus is microchipped, but have not heard of a locator chip. I'll have to look into that.

He is not a service dog. He's always on leash with me and I don't leave him unattended, ever. The issue is that my unit is not very secure. It only has a key card access because I am in a temporary living situation. I hope to move into permanent housing soon.

This guy knows where i live, what car I drive and will know when I am not home.

 

[Deleted member 541]

The microchip I believe can work as a locator chip. If someone steals your dog, eventually they will have to take it to a vet. Vets check for chips......

Dead Link Removed

 

[joeylittle]

Yes I have PTSD, sorry I didn't realize I had to state that upfront.

Just was asking, since you're a guest, and we often get posts in the anxiety board from people with general anxiety disorder as well.

This was not innocent small talk. I know the difference

@lostforgottensoul is probably right - many people are just flat-out suspicious of pit-bulls, and the odds are very high that your neighbor was asking because they are anti-breed. Are you in an area that regularly has illegal dog-fighting? And, is Zeus spayed/neutered?