A rescue ethical or not shouldn't treat people like this!!!!

Kelley Ward added 25 new photos to the album: A rescue ethical or not shouldnt treat people like this!!!!

4 hrs · 

For weeks now, I have been sent shot of conversations between board members of FTHs. I have quietly sat and read each one and angry thought should I release any of this. They are private conversations and I wasn’t quite sure morally it was right. I also realized the impact it could have on the rescue.

From the moment I quit the bashing of me started and it has continued to this very day. I watched as the call me CL (cunt licker) psycho, watched as they laughed and made fun using my dying dog to boost their day. I watched the screenshots of them screenshotting everything from my page fly in yet still after all said nothing. I watched as the accused me of wrong doings as fosters quit. I watched them call my friends names and say they follow me. I also watched as the repeatedly called not only fosters but adopters, stupid, dumb, fat and old. And still I did nothing. Yeah posted some memes to let them know I knew they were watching my page and what for … something about my dogs, whom are staying right here and will not be leaving. 

Today was the tip of the ice berg I watched as they today accuse me of pitting family and friends against each other. When I left I told them there was at least 8 fosters unhappy for the same reason and yes they eventually left. Not by my hand but because they could no longer be spoken too like they were stupid. Lots felt used and abused.
Now I have all the screenshots which (I’ll repeat again) were not taken by me a merely passed along from the originator. I will welcome any FB investigator to check if I’ve hacked or used spyware on any of their accounts. 

In fact I welcome them checking if any of my equipment has ever accessed any of their accounts they have not. I have done nothing to these women and have been stalked obsessively via Facebook. Not only did I have to block them, their husbands, and one girl’s entire friend list because she checked via her friends but delete myself from their main group to “get away” from them. The day they picked up the dog supplies I was done with them and thanked god. I won’t be posting it all I’m just posting the evidence to a. defend myself and b. show they do everything they claim they don’t

Today a post was made on the president’s fb … and went like this…

· Please share this with who you have been sharing things with: you win!!!! Are you happy? You have destroyed so much in my life! You have put friends against friends but you will never put me against my family! Everyday I have no desire to continue and this is ALL because of you so I do hope you're happy now because you have succeeded in what you wanted to happen!!! The rumours you have spread to put friends against friends is disgusting. You and your minions will never be in my life again and I promise that. You say you do it for the dogs yet you would give up your two dogs when one is sick! That's just horrible! I hope you're happy and that life goes on for you!!!!!
Then again in afternoon

Please don't message me on Facebook as apparently this person has hacked into my Facebook still and is reading all personal messages. Text me if you need to reach me! Somehow this needs to stop and I don't know how!!!!

Both status clearly directed at me and the accusations that I’ve done wrong by them.. false!

Tonight on their main page .. directed at me as well…. I’ll add my rebuttal in wrapped in *****

FROM THE BOARD OF FINDING THEM HOMES.

Social media recently has been rife with accusations against FTH, and many people have been unnecessarily slandered. The unfortuate side effect of this 'campaign' is that a lot of energy is being taken away from the mission of FTH - finding forever homes for dogs rescued from northern communities - and put into countering these accusations.

The intent of this post is to address these accusations, once and for all. No more energy will be wasted on entertaining this 'campaign'. Unfortunately people will have to choose between continuing to support the work FTH is doing, or going their own way. If those who choose to stop supporting FTH want to go ahead and put their energy into helping dogs by setting up their own rescue, we wish them well.

Here is what FTH is being accused of:

1. fosters who are no longer able to foster are being 'kicked off' the foster page
- the foster group exists to allow efficient communications between FTH and active fosters. People are never removed from this group without notification. When fosters let us know they're unable to foster for a while, for whatever reason, our foster co-ordinator messages them prior to removing them from the foster group and explains why they're being taken off the group. When they are ready to resume fostering they are added back to the group. This is done purely for administrative purposes so FTH can tell at a glance who the active fosters are and discuss needs with them….

***there was a comment on my page by a foster who thought she was a foster. she was removed without her knowledge... that they need to ask her about.****
.
2. fosters are being used and abused

- FTH just came through an extremely hectic period when there were very large numbers of rescued dogs, with a subsequent high need for fosters. We are learning as we grow and we've recently instituted a (minimum) 2-week break for fosters between dogs. No one who needs a break is ever denied. Fosters are a very valued group and FTH could not rescue dogs without them.

*****I myself a foster felt used and abused not once was a foster break offered to me until I took one I think it lasted 4 days and was asked to take a difficult dog. Screenshots later will show that they called fosters quitter, my minion, and bitches. They also mention in a screenshot that they are the only ones who are committed to the dogs. ******

3. people are being blocked from seeing posts on the main FTH FB group
- first, it is not possible in FB to block people from seeing posts in a group
- second, even if it was possible, FTH has not blocked anyone from seeing posts on this group

******I was blocked by the president and her sister (not sure what her role is) there for making any posts made by the invisible to me. They have been seen intercepting updates from my fosters and sent via pm to those who have me blocked so I couldn’t see them. AND no I couldn’t see them. If someone personally blocks you cannot see their posts on a group page. They can however see mine as they are admins. I since removed myself from the group.*********

4. FTH only wants to deal with people who can give something to them e.g. services, rides, donations, etc

- FTH consists not only of the board but of many, many volunteers who willingly devote their time and effort because they have a drive to help dogs in unfortunate circumstances find a forever home. Collectively we have hundreds of interactions every week with donors, adopters, volunteers, people seeking information, people wanting to know how they can help, the media, etc. Our reward comes not from atta-boys but from seeing dogs develop fully in their new homes.

*****I personally witness them time and time again replace people when they no longer had a benefit. I been witness to hear when they bash these people because they are quote annoying.******

5. people feel they're being 'unfriended' in retaliation for something they did or did not do
- what started off as a small effort to find homes for a few dogs rescued from northern communities has blossomed into a sizeable organization. In 3 years over 1,100 dogs were rescued and placed in forever homes. People on the FTH board, who are all volunteers with full-time jobs but with a big heart for dogs, were finding it impossible to separate their FTH lives from their personal lives. Before anyone was 'unfriended', an explanation was posted to let others know about the need to regain some control over their personal space. So, there was no vindictiveness involved in this necessary step.

****This one I have no clue about…*****

Now my accusations
Lets start at the most hurtful …. I posted my dog had cancer and that no treatment would be happening… my status was screenshot and send to the president her response was NICE!!!!!! I’ll let you see the despicable post your self
SEE picture one

NOW what rescue laughs and needs a BOOST about a dog having cancer?????
They have repeatedly stalked me, obsessively how many times can one person’s name come up??

Picture 2 notice the name calling Skanky Penski of a former foster and my name…

Picture 3 is a shared screen shot from my page as well as name calling me a bitch by president

Picture 4 them being paranoid about me sending someone to get on the inside and accusing me of righting her replies for her paranoid much?…. I did NOT

Picture 5 is the president calling this particular foster a fucking quitter because she was having family issues and had to take a break.

Picture 6 Is more bitch name calling by the president.. towards me and the foster

Picture 7 my name again brought up as if I had something to do with it

Picture 8 is proof they stalked my page

Picture 9 a screenshot of my page shared

Picture 10 -15 they even trash talk each other!!! The dog trainer, the foster and the foster coordinator and look even their own friend…even the sweetest woman I’ve ever spoken to.

Picture 13 trash talking a foster, commenting they are the only committed people in group*, and blaming me for a foster not accepting a difficult dog

Picture 14 calling me CL (cunt licker) referring to me, you can see on the top line my foster update was forwarded to the person who has me blocked so I can’t see it

Picture 15 16 the adoption co ordinator and president bashing a potential adopter… also a physical threat to me

Picture 17 18 conversation how they are angry that no one will spy and send screenshot of my page

Picture 19 trash talking and calling names

Picture 20 21 president talks to foster/friend about my page sent screenshots …calls me psycho HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU VISITED MY PAGE? And I’m the psycho

Picture 22 23 Again with calling a foster names and sharing my screen shots, checking my friends list etc brags about using her friends account because I blocked them all and she creeped a lot!!! Oh fun!

Picture 24 did they say fosters can take a break well this shows how unhappy they are when you do

Picture 25 heres the adoption co ordinator and the sister bashing foster this one is my particular favourite ..oh that’s me talking in the top

Pictures 26 trash talking one of my friends about how stupid she is and Carrie about the van she assisted in getting for them

And last for this picture 27 shows they used and recruited not only fake profiles to watch me but other board members

This is not all the screenshots sent nor others that I need to think about what to do with ..but this proves in their own words how they treat fosters, friends and adopter. I am not the issue!! People talk and word spreads and you didn’t need my help to have the issues you have you’ve done it alone!
Now stay away from me, my family, my dogs and my facebook profile ... they say its all about the dogs but this looks like high school to me.. and quite frankly I'm sick of it.. I've done nothing to you !

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Dog theft is increasing, and it happens in many ways. Here's what criminals want dog parents to do.

 By Carol Bryant 
Christmas Eve should be a time of peace and solace, but for Cory and Sarah Malchow, it was the start of a nightmare. Sarah was walking her dog when she was attacked from behind and her 4-month-old Pit Bull mix was stolen.

Reports indicate that one assailant grabbed Sarah from behind, held her in the air, and threw her to the ground. Meantime, another assailant approached from behind, unclipped the dog from his leash, and took off in a car.

Dogs rely on us to keep them safe from harm

According to Petfinder.com, as many as 2 million pets are stolen every year. Sadly, only 10 percent are ever reunited with their pet parents. Stolen dogs meet many ends. Some are sold to research labs, others are used by unscrupulous breeders in puppy mills, while still others are forced into dog fighting, among other very disturbing horrific purposes.

To catch a criminal, think like the criminal, right? To prevent a dog from being stolen, think like the low life. Here are eight things dog thieves want you to do — followed by ways you can prevent your dog from becoming a statistic:

1. Leave your dog alone in a car

This is a favored method of pet thieves. Not only are dogs at risk of death in the warmer months from being left alone in cars, but they also can freeze in the winter time. I recall a local story about a gentleman who ran into a shopping mall, leaving his two Samoyeddogs behind for a “short time.” He returned to find the windows smashed and his dogs stolen. The bottom line: Don’t do it.

Know where your dog is at all times and be sure he or she is supervised.

2. Tie your dog up outside, alone

A 7-year-old girl was out shopping with her mom for the Christmas holidays recently and leashed her dog up outside the store. As the duo perused items, a thief was caught on hidden surveillance unleashing Marley, theCavalier King Charles Spaniel. The thief attempted to sell Marley on the streets, where a teacher bought the dog because she felt something was wrong. The dog was eventually reunited with his family, but this is rare. Criminals are waiting for you to leave the leash behind, with the dog attached. If you wouldn’t leave a baby alone outside, apply the same principle to your pets. The bottom line: Don’t do it.

Dogs should not be made to live outside unsupervised.

3. Cruise dog parks and dog-friendly beaches

Look around the next time you let your dog roam off leash to his heart’s content. In my many years of covering dog travel, I have discovered that dogs are stolen from dog-welcoming properties such as dog parks and beaches. Chatting with friends while your eye roams away from your dog is exactly what criminals want. The bottom line: Let your dog have fun, but know where he or she is at all times.

Have fun but be aware

4. Skip the microchip and ID tags

If your stolen, lost, or missing dog happens to luck out and end up at a shelter, the chances of a reunion with you increase dramatically if that dog is microchipped. Though collars can be taken off by thieves, identification tags that remain intact, especially something like a PetHub tag using QR code, increase the chances of reunion. If you move or change phone numbers, update the microchip contact info. The bottom line: Keep identification current and get a microchip.

Is your current contact information on your dog's ID tag and microchip?

5. Leave dogs home alone without supervision

Please don’t jump on me for this one because I know a large majority of dog moms and dads reading this work outside the home. A pet sitter, doggie daycare, or a security system are all viable options to prevent pet theft. Thieves case homes where pets are left alone, and sadly, homes are cased to wait for the right moment that dogs are home alone. The bottom line: If you must leave your dog alone for any significant period of time, ask a neighbor to watch your house and return the favor with a neighborhood watch. I also never leave my dog alone in a hotel room when I travel.

Do you know where your dog is at all times?

6. Let your dog live outside

This hotly contested topic went round and round when I wrote about not allowing a dog to live outside. Reason #864 to never let a dog live outside as his or her primary “residence?” Theft. Recently a dog in Cedar Falls, IA, was stolen from his heated dog kennel right near his owner’s home.KWWL.com reports that thieves in this situation are leaving notes for the owners letting them know the dog is “safe.” Bottom line: Never let your dog outside without your watchful eye.

An indoor dog is a safe dog -- play outside, live inside.

7. Don’t use locks, fences, or alarms

This is a thief’s best friend: The property that is poorly lit, without a secure lock on a gate, and out of view of passersby. “It happened in broad daylight” is something that has become all too common as it relates to pet theft. Use an alarm or bell, and if possible, a security light, so you can hear and see anyone who comes on your property. The bottom line: Good fences make good neighbors. They also keep criminals away, and coupled with pet parent supervision, they keep dogs safe and secure.

8. Be unaware

I tell my pet friends and contacts this all the time: Know your surroundings. I remember watching an episode of Oprah years ago and learning about the book, The Gift of Fear, by Gavin de Becker. Considered one of the nation’s leading experts on violent behavior, de Becker shares how to spot subtle signs of danger — before it’s too late. Do not walk late at night by yourself, have a cell phone handy, and be aware of your surroundings. The bottom line: Know before you go.

As of press time, the Malchows had their dog returned, but this case is very unusual, and they are very fortunate.

Have you ever known someone who had their dog stolen? Got any tips to keep dogs safe from danger? Let me know in the comments below, and let’s stay safe out there.

http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/8-ways-get-your-dog-stolen

It is estimated that nearly two million pets are stolen each year.

Pet theft is more widespread than people think and it is not just confined to “bad” neighborhoods. Pet FBI has had reports of pets snatched from fenced yards, parked cars, front porches, anywhere a pet is left unattended. Occasionally we hear about people whose pets have been taken and dumped by a disgruntled neighbor or an angry spouse.

Most often, there is a profit motive to pet theft. Someone might steal a purebred dog in the hopes of selling it to an unsuspecting individual, or, if the pet is not neutered, to a breeder or a puppy mill. Pets are also collected by Class B dealers to sell to labs. Dog fighting rings snatch breeds that have a reputation as fighters. Dog fighting rings also snatch cats. If you are someone who loves animals, these abuses are too horrible to contemplate and I shudder as I write this, but people need to be aware.

If you are reading this it may be that you think your pet has been stolen. Pet FBI is not a detective agency, although there are pet detectives (Pet FBI stands for Pets Found By Internet, and we maintain a database on line of lost and found pet reports.) We can only offer advice and an expression of sympathy.

Advice for Recovering a Stolen Pet:

1. First, follow the suggestions on our  ‘lost pet action plan ‘ pages. It is possible that your pet was not stolen or that even if stolen, it broke away.
2. Post a lost report. It is best not to mention that you think the pet was stolen. It might make the thief or an honest good Samaritan hesitant to come forth.
3. Presumably, if a pet is stolen, most times it is for a profit motive. Offer a reward, but better not to mention how much.
4. If someone does claim to have your pet, never meet in an out of the way place , never meet alone, and do not hand over money until you have the pet in hand.
5. Put up flyers in prominent places in the area where you think your pet was stolen. Presumably, the thief passes through the area and will see your poster and may respond to the prospect of a reward.
6. File a police report with your local police department or sheriff’s office immediately. A police report will be useful for identification purposes when retrieving your pet and could prove helpful in court if a suspect is brought to trial. If the authorities are hesitant to prepare the report, remind them that pets by law are valuable “property” and their theft is either a felony or misdemeanor under all state laws. By law, the police must take action on your complaint. Be persistent.
7. Sometimes pets are stolen to be sold for a profit, especially pure bred cats and dogs. Some people have reported that they found their pet offered for sale in a classified ad. Check your local newspaper, Craigslist or Hoobly.com.
8. http://petfbi.org/how-to-protect-your-pet/stolen-pets/

5 Ways Thieves Could Steal Your Dog

• By: Laura S.
• October 25, 2015

• About Laura

Editor’s note: This post is a Care2 favorite, back by popular demand. It was originally posted on January 1, 2013. Enjoy!

Sergeant Kenneth Chambers was playing Frisbee with his dog in the parking lot of a Jacksonville, Florida grocery store recently when lightning struck out of the clear blue sky. The young American veteran, in recovery for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rolled down the car windows and placed his Australian Shepard/Blue Heeler Mix inside the vehicle just briefly while he went inside to help his mother with the bags. When he came out moments later, Adalida was gone.

Unfortunately for Sergeant Chambers, and for Adalida, the parking lot scenario placed them in two of the top five high-risk situations for pet theft. And while Sergeant Chamebers’ search continues for Adalida, there are measures that all of us can take to prevent a similar tragedy.

Top Five High Risk Pet Theft Scenarios

#1 Dogs in Autos:

In the blink of an eye, a partially opened window is forced down or the window is smashed and the dog can be removed from the vehicle. It takes 20 seconds or less to abduct a dog and by the time the pet guardian returns to the car, their dog is long gone. The American Kennel Club reports a 70% rise in dog theft in 2012 and a 40% rise the year before. A weak economy is fueling financially motivated dog-napping and a dog in a car is quite simply a sitting duck.

Leaving your dog in the car is a bad idea for so many reasons.

 Prized Breeds or Dogs With Special Abilities:

A purebred dog or a dog with special skills is a bit like a gold watch. Thieves see dollar signs and that’s more than enough temptation. Any dog left unattended under any circumstances can be taken, but there is far greater motivation for criminals to walk off with a dog who can bring in a large sum of cash.

#3 Pets Left in Fenced Backyards:

Everyone loves the convenience of a doggy door, especially criminals. Homeowners who let their pet explore the fenced yard without supervision have the illusion of safety, but police departments across the country will tell you that the theft of these dogs is climbing.

In broad daylight on a single Saturday in November, Corning (California) Animal Shelter Manager Debbie Eaglebarger documented the theft of four Dobermans, four Australian shepherds and two Rottweilers. There were actually other dogs taken that same day but the first few calls were not recorded as the shelter had not yet realized that the town was in the midst of a widespread crime wave. One neighbor saw a man and a woman driving a green pick up truck lure one of the dogs out of a backyard and into their vehicle. All dogs taken that day were purebred, but that is not always the case.

#4 Pets Left Tied in Front of Businesses:

This one may sound like a no-brainer, but particularly in urban areas where people take their pets on their errands on foot, it’s not uncommon to find dogs tied up in front of a bank or grocery store. Typically, these are dogs with a gentle demeanor making them highly susceptible to the commands of a would-be thief.

“Leaving your dog tied up in front of a store is about as ludicrous as leaving your child out front and saying, ‘Wait right there, I’ll be back in 10 minutes,” explains Howard Simpson of Integrated Security and Communications in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. “Do yourself a favor and realize that there are security risks in even the safest of neighborhoods. Being naive makes you a target.”

#5 Strangers in the Neighborhood:

Any strangers on the property can be a risk to your pets. Whether they are invited contractors, deliverymen or activists with a petition in hand, visitors could easily grab a pet during a moment when the homeowner is distracted. In some cases, they are making a mental note of homes with valuable breeds or easy-to-subvert home security that will facilitate a quick dog-napping at a later time. It bears mentioning that it’s not uncommon for cats to jump into the back of truck beds for a snooze and to be unwittingly carried off at the end of the day.

Which Breeds Are Most Likely to Be Stolen?

According to the American Kennel Club, the most-stolen dog of 2011 was the Yorkshire Terrier, followed by the Pomeranian, Maltese and Boston Terrier. Small breeds are targeted by thieves because of their size but also because of their value on the market as a single dog can fetch well over $1,000. Among the large breeds, Labrador Retrievers are a frequent target and Pit Bull Terriers and Pit Bull mixes are frequently coming up stolen for perhaps amuch more sinister purpose.

Dog Thieves: Why They’ll Steal Your Pet

1. Bait Dogs & Labratory Dogs: This is every dog guardian’s worst nightmare. Indeed people involved in dog fighting will gather “bait” dogs to be used as training tools for fighting dogs. It happens in both urban and rural areas and there has been no measurable decline in dog fighting in recent years despite attempts to police against it. And, despite some legislation intended to stop the sale of undocumented dogs to research laboratories, under-the-table purchase of dogs continues and, in some countries, these exchanges are not considered a crime.

2. Financially Motivated Theft: “For the first time ever we’ve seen a trend now where shelters are being broken into and purebred and mixed breed dogs are being stolen,” said Lisa Peterson, spokesperson for the American Kennel Club. In fact, any pure bred dog, particularly puppies, are considered a high-value commodity. Even with a microchip, it’s often too late by the time a pet buyer discovers that they have purchased a stolen dog.  By then, the thief is long gone.

3. Emotionally Driven Theft: What’s often overlooked are the emotionally motivated crimes that rob dogs of their families. This can happen because the perpetrator feels that a dog is not being properly cared for. Some animal lovers will feel justified in stealing a dog that is tied in front of a store or who gets on the loose one day. Other times it’s an act of revenge, and there are many reports of dogs being taken where a former romantic partner is considered the prime suspect.

One very risky move…

Whatever the scenario or the motivation, dog guardians can best protect their dogs with watchfullness. Never leave a dog unattended. Secure your home, including all doors and windows, to the best of your ability and budget. And be wary of strangers in your neighborhood at all times.

Brought to you by the Harmony Fund international animal rescue charity.

Related Stories:

The Neighbor’s Dog Ran to Me for Help

Puppies Saved from Burning House

http://www.care2.com/causes/5-ways-thieves-could-steal-your-dog.html

Dognapped! Frightening Facts of Pet Theft By Yolanda Brooks

A FEW SECONDS WAS ALL IT TOOK FOR CHIHUAHUA PUP LUPÉ TO SLIP OUT THE DOOR AND INTO THE hands of an opportunistic thief. She was at work in Vancouver with owner Emily Olmstead when the door was accidentally left ajar. Despite Emily's swift action to find her, Lupé's whereabouts are still a mystery.

"I miss her more than anything in this world and I don't think I could ever have a dog again," says a distraught Olmstead, who spent the end of last summer scouring the city streets and putting up posters during her heartbreaking search.

While Lupé was snatched in broad daylight, Husky Keymo was taken from his yard in Jacksonville, Florida, in the dead of night. Just after midnight in February, his owner Ella Jones returned to her home and let Keymo off the leash in the front yard. In the time it took her to get ready for bed, Keymo was gone. She noticed food on the sidewalk and believes he was lured away. In the days following his disappearance, she talked to neighbours, handed out posters to everyone she met, drove around nearby streets, and contacted local radio and TV stations. She also posted his profile on thePetfinder.com website and put up a reward for the much-missed puppy.

"A co-worker gave him to me from her litter and the first time I saw him, I loved him," says Jones, her voice shaking with emotion. "He was a companion, he was like my child and I just want him back home."

Emily and Ella, like a growing number of owners, have become victims of criminals who see companion animals as a quick and easy way to make a buck. There are no reliable figures for the number of dogs stolen in North America each year, as the police often don't distinguish between property theft and pet theft. However, the non-profit organization Last Chance for Animals based in Los Angeles estimates that two million pets are stolen every year, and PetLynx, a companion animal registry, estimates that one million animals go missing in Canada each year.

When Dorothy Pizzuti of Atlanta, Georgia, started the pet locator website Dogdetective.com in 1999 it was a site dedicated to lost and found dogs. Today it also features a dedicated section for stolen dogs.

"We've had a lot of reports from people about their dogs being stolen, so that's why I added that option about two years ago," Pizzuti say. "We average 250,000 visitors every month with 1,500 new members joining each month. About 10 percent of dogs reported as lost are reported stolen. It happens more than I thought it did."

With pedigree dogs costing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, it's no surprise that some dogs are stolen and sold on the cheap. Why go to a reputable dog breeder when you can get what you want at half the price? Some steal dogs to use as dog-fight prey, a few may end up in puppy mills for breeding, and others are taken for ransom. Earlier this year, a family from Glendale in Colorado paid $1,500 dollars to get back their Yorkshire Terrier after he was stolen from their car. But there are other reasons for stealing a dog, according to former CBS journalist Linda Fields who runs Findfido.comfrom her home in northern Pennsylvania.

"There are people who actually go around and look for dogs to steal and they are doing it for a number of reasons," says Fields. "One could be that they intend to resell the dogs to laboratories or secondary sources, which is totally illegal but it happens. There are also scammers out there that people need to be aware of. People will call up and say wire me this money and I will send you your dog back when in fact they have no intention of doing that or they may not even have your dog."

Rumours of "bunchers" stealing family dogs for sale to laboratories have been circulating for years and Last Chance for Animals provided concrete evidence of the practice when it launched an undercover investigation of the dog dealer, C. C Baird of Arkansas. Last summer, Baird, who had previously been fined for animal cruelty violations in 1997, pleaded guilty to a string of violations under the US Animal Welfare Act. His wife, Patsy, also entered a guilty plea and a number of associates suspected of stealing dogs are also under investigation. A documentary on the case calledDealing Dogs was shown on HBO in February.

While some police forces will be happy to file a report, it won't be priority number one down at the local station house. The best chance you have of recovering your four- legged friend is to become your own private detective, says Pizzuti.

"Immediately go to shelters and put up posters in your area," she urges. "Start off with a 3-mile radius. If, after three days, you don't have your dog back, go to a 10-mile radius. Wait five, ten days and if you don't have your dog back, go to a 50-mile radius. Just keep going out. Go up to a 100- mile radius because we've had dogs 100 miles from home in three days. Some people will give up after a couple of weeks but we've had people who have found their dogs a year later. So don't give up."

Real animal lovers can play their part by refusing to buy cut-price dogs without the right paperwork or adequate background checks.

"There is obviously a market out there and the problem is that people buy stolen dogs," says Olmstead. "I feel that if you can't afford to buy a dog, you should not buy a stolen dog. People need to be made aware of what goes on." ■

Yolanda Brooks is a freelance writer who recently relocated from London, England, to North Vancouver, BC, Canada. Hailing from the land of Crufts, she thought she lived among the world's biggest dog lovers but she now realizes that North Americans really are world leaders when it comes to canine worship.

http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/dognapped-frightening-facts-pet-theft/147