Our House was robbed....

[sundial]

Zen, glad you posted about the rescue. I was just about to suggest that. Dogs that are in rescue will have a foster mom or dad who can tell you exactly what the temperament is like (esp. in adult dogs), whether it gets along with other dogs or cats, children, birds, etc. I have a foster boy now that has a hang-up with other male dogs but loves females and people of all ages and sizes.

[sbctwin]

We have been burglarized several times. Two times resulted in a complete ransacking. Another time, they were thwarted by the the alarm system. Our garage has been broken in too many times. After the first break in, we put bars on certain windows. They just broke through a sliding glass door both times. We have completely removed that door and now have an alarm system. During the 2nd robbery, we had a dog and 2 cats. We joke that Toby probably followed them around the house wagging his tale. He was not a watch dog. The two cats (Katrina and Kallie) probably hid under the bed. I am thankful they weren't hurt. It took me a long while to feel 'secure' in our home again. I still don't feel completely safe and probably never will. I learned that I don't need anymore 'valuables'. We have motion lights around the house, but no security cameras. We were harrassed by some druggie neighbors for awhile and the police suggested we put cameras up. There are times I feel like we lock ourselves into a prison cell when at home. I don't know what the best solution is. It is quite depressing. {{{{Itself}}}} It will get better, just give yourself time. Make sure you inventory and take pictures of everything you own. Go through, room by room and write down serial numbers from everything. Do not leave that at your home, keep it somewhere else safe, like a safety deposit box. Insurance companies don't make it easy. I remember after the 2nd ransacking, the insurance company acted like we did it to ourselves. I wish I knew what else to say that would help you recover your mental safety, but only time does that....

[Tuckervill]

I've heard some really good things about Laser Shield. It requires no wiring and can call you if the alarm is tripped, in addition to calling the police.

http://www.lasershield.net/

Karen

[Brandi]

I am soooo sorry for you two and glad that you are ok. Please consider the dog. I don't want to bring this up but I know someone who was robbed and they hurt the cat. The cat WAS ok in the end but they could have really hurt her. The cat's might be a bit pissed at first for bringing a dog in but it is for thier protection as well. They will get over it it will take up to 6 months for them to forgive you and a year maybe to totally forgive you. But it can work.
Please think about it.

[Grog]

I'm so sorry Itself, that really sucks.

You might want to consider a house sitter. That way someone is home to watch things and take care of your kitties. Maybe a son or daughter of a co-worker?

I would think twice before leaving a teenager at my house knowing that there may be thieves interested in coming back for more. Who knows what the thieves would think when they'd realize, after checking on the house for a few days, that there's a young woman or a young man "in charge" while the owners are not there...? I really think the alarm, some neighbourhood watch system, and all the other precautions mentioned above would be the way to go.

[sundial]

I would think twice before leaving a teenager at my house knowing that there may be thieves interested in coming back for more.

I suggested this with the assumption that itself would only consider a mature, sharp, on-the-ball young adult. It's harder to find older adults to house sit because most households are dual incomes.