That's sounds like a nightmare. Fortunately, nothing happened to you or your dog. This could be script for a thriller movie.
Just had a prowler outside my window... terrified me.
- Thread starter AdoraBelle Dearheart
- Start date
OP
OP
Thank you! I know this is a fish forum, so pretty wildly off topic, but hey, that's what general chat is for isn't it?
But I genuinely think of you guys as friends now. I have friends in real life too, don't get me wrong- although my closest friends of 15-20 years or so live quite a distance away, we're still close. But I'm definitely more socially isolated while caring for parents and tied to the house for the majority of the time, and didn't want to be waking my friends at 6am when there's not a lot they can do, and they have to be getting to work, so I automatically wanted to post here and talk with you guys! I've just texted my friends for now and not gone into detail about how creepy it was, can tell them more about it once they've finished work and can call. But I needed to get it off my chest, and the advice helps! Thank you
I wondered about those!!
Some of those trail cameras take really good footage. I know that's probably the really expensive kind, but I'm not even concerned right now about catching the person, my main worry is just whether I can check that there's no one hiding at the back of the house before I open the back door and let Pixie out, so even with a more basic camera, that would still work to see, or to get an alert if someone is there.My sensible side is thinking he just saw the open window and an opportunity, and since it definitely won't be open at night now(!) chances are that he'll never come back. But the side of me that has seen a lot of true crime knows that horrible things do happen, that there are some seriously evil people around, and how bold he was to come back a second time, and continue standing by the window after I'd shouted and he knew I'd seen him peering in, not moving away until I was right at the window and moved the curtain. I know it's not just young and beautiful women that are victims...
They really are! She's the reason I've always felt safe leaving it open, I know how alert she is to noises outside, and would let me know if someone was there, and she did! She's a good girl. The poor girl has been on edge and jumpy too since, barking at every little sound. I've tried to stay calm, but she's part collie, and incredibly attuned to my body language, tone of voice and mood. She barked and growled at the policemen too, lol, until I reassured her they were safe and welcome. One of them looked at her, offered a hand for her to sniff and told her she did a good job, haha. She really did, she's had lots of fuss, praise and treats.
I'm also half thinking about a second dog... I've always wanted a German Shepherd... !
As a family, we've always had two dogs at a time. Company for each other while we're out, you know? But when I got Pixie, my folks still had Jack, our Springer/Cocker, and they were my doggy daycare for Pixie while I was at work, and I'd often take Jack with Pixie and I on day trips, training sessions and walks, since my folks were getting on and couldn't take him far, and so Pixie grew up with an "older brother" dog. They got along well enough, but weren't super close and affectionate with other, and Pixie would get very jealous if my attention was focused on him. Like if I was fussing and praising him, she'd squeeze herself between me and him and try to physically block him and get my attention back! lol. If I fuss other dogs at the park, she'll bark at me.
Because of that, when Jack passed away, I didn't consider getting another dog. Caring for folks and all the other pets was enough, but mainly because I thought it would break Pixie's heart if she had to share me with a new dog. She's very clear that I'm her person. You have multiple dogs, have you ever had similar issues? With Jack it was easier. He was here first, could remind her to share, and she'd give pleading puppy dog eyes, but accepted Jack since she'd grown up with him. But I feel like bringing a new dog in would really upset her, especially since a puppy needs such intense training in the early days, and even an adult rescue dog would need a lot of attention as it settles in and needs training.
I completely understand! The laws and culture are as different as can be, between Texas and the UK! lol. I wish I were in Texas... here, not only no guns, but most any self defence items are illegal. Can't even have pepper spray or a taser. Ridiculous. I'd love to be able to have pepper spray mainly for dog on dog attacks after a staffy nearly killed Jack. Let's just say that my dog walking bag doesn't have any illegal items in it. But it does have a lot of dog treats and poop bags, along with a pot of pepper, a thin dog lead (in case I find a stray at any point, but also would easily slip around a dog's neck), and my gardening multitool, which has secateurs, and lots of sharp pointy things. It's only for pruning back the bramble that often overgrows the hedges that line the park entrances, and sometimes grow at eye height, or dog tangling height. But you never know when it might be handy as a last resort...
You guys can't even own pepper spray?...wow
As far as the cameras go, if all you want to accomplish is to be able to see outside the house from the inside of the house, there are inexpensive options for that, as well...and yeah, I'd keep that window shut now, at night for sure
Among my 3 dogs, Marley is the queen, she keeps the other two in check, lol...what she DOESN'T like is when her kingdom is invaded by the 2 grand-dogs, who just happen to be visiting (staying with us, along with our daughter and SIL) this week....that disrupts everything...I can't pay to much attention to the GDs, or she pouts...she's a daddy's girl
As far as the cameras go, if all you want to accomplish is to be able to see outside the house from the inside of the house, there are inexpensive options for that, as well...and yeah, I'd keep that window shut now, at night for sure
Among my 3 dogs, Marley is the queen, she keeps the other two in check, lol...what she DOESN'T like is when her kingdom is invaded by the 2 grand-dogs, who just happen to be visiting (staying with us, along with our daughter and SIL) this week....that disrupts everything...I can't pay to much attention to the GDs, or she pouts...she's a daddy's girl
OP
OP
It really does. When I heard the heavy breathing, and looked up to see the curtain moved and raised, it felt like my heart stopped. I've seen a lot of horror films, and this really did feel like I was in one. As I was explaining it to the police, I wondered if they'd even believe me. They seemed like they did, but I'm sure police officers are well used to placating paranoid nutters too. But I saw him move away from the window, and Pixie being the one who drew my attention to it both times is the only reason I know it was real. Part of my brain is trying to downplay and dismiss it as a half asleep dream. But I was wide awake, I'm used to being on call from my previous job, and as a carer for my parents, and Pixie's reaction was different from her usual quiet grumble about a fox. She knew someone was there.
It's dope and dopers. Dope fiends looking for something to steal to sell for dope. I hate dope.
Wow Belle. That must have been absolutely terrifying for you. I'm so sorry.
Hopefully it never happens again and you can get some good rest tonight.
Definitely look into a camera system that has a good night mode on it!
Hopefully it never happens again and you can get some good rest tonight.
Definitely look into a camera system that has a good night mode on it!
you might also buy some solar spot lights that go on at night if motion is detected....that and dog barking should scare away anyone prowling around your property.
Hi Adorabelle,
I'm so sorry to hear of your ordeal. Gather some friends around you for the next few days until you feel more settled.
Pixie is a heroine!
She did sooooo well alerting you in the nick of time. Give her a hug from me! I think she is all you need, and she definitely deserves your full attention since she came to the rescue twice in one night.
Definitely keep the windows closed and locked. Look at improving the gate (Taller, anti climb bar, spiked top) and blocking access to the back door - fence/ high wall? Security lighting is a good shout Fishmanic. And the camera of course.
The first thing about burglars is that they are opportunists. The second thing is they are opportunists. The third is ... they are opportunists. The only other thing about them is they are prolific. They will be out for hours travelling a neighbourhood or even a county every night of the week. Days too if they're the most desperate types (crack/ spice/ heroine users whose habit effects the hours they are "available for work"). When just one career burglar gets a custodial that region's property crime rate can drop 50-80%. So the best defence is to up security and let them move on to an easier target.
I'm really hoping it was a burglar that thought you would have gone upstairs to bed.
Take care
x
I'm so sorry to hear of your ordeal. Gather some friends around you for the next few days until you feel more settled.
Pixie is a heroine!
She did sooooo well alerting you in the nick of time. Give her a hug from me! I think she is all you need, and she definitely deserves your full attention since she came to the rescue twice in one night. Definitely keep the windows closed and locked. Look at improving the gate (Taller, anti climb bar, spiked top) and blocking access to the back door - fence/ high wall? Security lighting is a good shout Fishmanic. And the camera of course.
The first thing about burglars is that they are opportunists. The second thing is they are opportunists. The third is ... they are opportunists. The only other thing about them is they are prolific. They will be out for hours travelling a neighbourhood or even a county every night of the week. Days too if they're the most desperate types (crack/ spice/ heroine users whose habit effects the hours they are "available for work"). When just one career burglar gets a custodial that region's property crime rate can drop 50-80%. So the best defence is to up security and let them move on to an easier target.
I'm really hoping it was a burglar that thought you would have gone upstairs to bed.
Take care
x
Also if you can get a lawn sign that states that property has surveillance and an alarm system…also a lighted lamp post next to the sign would help.. use led bulbs in the lamp post for lower cost
Also is you can get a lawn sign that states that property has surveillance and an alarm system…also a lighted lamp post next to the sign would help.. use led bulbs in the lamp post for lower cost
Alice B
Fish Herder
I have a camera system. And if someone were brave enough to enter my house, well they are unlikely to. The dogs sleep indoors, my largest weighs 80 pounds, noisiest weighs 38 by barks like a chihuahua. The postman can't leave a box on my porch in daylight without the dogs going off. I love my camera system. I installed it myself in 2015. Caught the burglar across the street on it, good enough to ID him. I'm sorry you had this experience. It is very scary. While I have a shotgun, I rely on dogs and the baseball bat behind my front door
OP
OP
I've seen your pack of dogs! I think anyone who entered your home uninvited would very quickly regret it, from the dogs alone! They'd pack up and eat him, lol. I would definitely feel safe in your shoes, with all of them guarding!
This isn't the first time Pixie has acting like a guard dog, actually. Our row of houses are semi-detached with long back gardens, then there's a small stream running along behind the row of back gardens. One afternoon like -3-4pm I went to make a coffee and opened the back door to let her out for a usual pee break, not really paying attention. Usually she'll just trot about and go have a good sniff around, and that's how she first went outside. But then I saw her freeze for a moment before going berserk; charging down the garden at full speed, stopped a few feet away from the fence and was full on snarling and barking furiously, almost baying, in a way I've only heard that one time in her 10 years.
I looked and saw two teens or young adults who were walking along the banks of the stream and right behind our garden, and Pixie was stood four square, whale eyed and baying/barking in a way that said "you're not getting past this line". She's a sweet looking black and white spaniel, not a threatening looking dog usually, but they ran as if I'd set the hound of the baskervilles on them! Probably some addicts looking for things to steal from sheds and people's gardens while people are at work or on the school run.
Pixie got roast chicken and liver for dinner that night! Her favourites.
She really is a sweet thing most of the time! But there's a good guard dog streak in her!
Years ago, I had a little 15 lb Bichon Frise. She alerted me and scared off a thief attempting to steal my wheels off my car. Another time she alerted me when thieves were stealing a neighbor's car in front of my house. i ignored the warning and heard about the car theft the next day. Dog's have very acute hearing..they hear things that we don't.
Absolutely amazing what dogs can hear. Also, your house and your yard do not belong to you , they belong to the dog and every single dog everywhere is super territorial and possessive of what is theirs. When they bark go find out why.
Similar threads
Most reactions
-
522 -
298 -
254 -
234 -
218 -
177 -
169 -
159 -
152 -
141 -
135 -
125 -
104 -
100 -
96