Dog Nappings:
We’re not talking about your dog taking little naps. While this isn’t about snoozing, it is about a serious topic: dog kidnappings.
Whether the intent is for thieves to steal your dog and sell it or wild animals kidnapping your dog and not even knowing there’s a term for it, the message is this: you’re not immune from dog nappings. It could happen to you.
You may have heard celebrities in the news who experienced dog nappings ranging from Paris Hilton to Vanessa Williams; well, here’s how you can be a celebrity in your own right by preventing dog kidnappings from happening in the first place.
In order to prevent a dog napping from occurring, please remember the following tips:
- Always, always, always ensure that your dog is wearing his or her ID tags. This is a must. If your dog is indeed kidnapped, you will have a proper way to identify her assuming the tags are still intact. As for the consequences if your dog is not wearing its tags and it is dog napped? Game over.
- Keep an eye on your dog. If you’re at a nearby park and had a toddler who crawled everywhere, would you watch the baby’s every move or would you wander into another area of the park, letting your toddler roam unattended? Our point exactly. Your pet is a valuable member of your family, one which you love and shower with affection. Now is not the time to be ignorant. If you’re outside with your pet, be sure to put it on a leash and always watch him or her at all times.
- Be smart. If you run into a supermarket and leave your dog in the car, lock the doors to prevent a dog napping. If you’re on the go and need to run into Starbucks and leave your dog outside, don’t simply tie the leash to a tree or bicycle rack. Anyone can simply come along and snatch your canine, hence the very essence of a dog napping – don’t make it easy for a crook. Instead, leave your dog at home or have the buddy system.
- Like the point noted above, sometimes bringing your dog along for the ride isn’t creating the best of circumstances. You may not be able to take your dog into certain stores depending on where you live and you may not want to leave him or her idle outside either. Net net: plan ahead. Either leave your pooch at home or if you bring him or her, you may want to ensure someone you love or know is coming along with you.
While this is just a list to get you started, awareness is key. Be aware of your dog’s surroundings at all times as well as random people who approach your dog to prevent dog nappings from occurring. Just as we tell children to not accept candy from strangers, it’s important for your dog to not be lured by the smell of a yummy biscuit.
At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being. For more information about dog kidnappings or to read more about lost pets click here. Your local pet shelter can also be a good resource for you as well.
