While I haven't been robbed in my home, we have had our cabin robbed. There wasn't much stolen, but what was stolen was very dear to us. My grandfather purchased two eight man rafts during World War II and brought them to the cabin when they built it. The rafts have been used by our family and friends every year since 1976. We have so many memories, so many pictures. Rafting is one of the things that we look forward to doing each summer. That was taken away from us. We can purchase new rafts, which we eventually will, but the memories and nostalgia of the old rafts won't be there. What amazes me is that the robbery happened almost two years ago and thinking about it still angers me.

I am so sorry for what happened to you. I too, live in a pretty rural area where most folks aren't compelled to lock their doors.

I have had things stolen before - a coat, a camera, etc. and I know how violated that feels. I can't imagine knowing that someone has entered my home and gone through my things. You must be so angry.

A dog would be a great early warning if someone was poking around. I have a weimaraner and she alerts us to people coming to our door before they even ring the bell. She also warns us if there is someone on the ditch bank behind our house. I added a dog to our home when we had only a cat and that just didn't work out. I ended up finding a new home for our cat because she simply wouldn't use the litter box and used my newly carpeted office instead - GRRRRR! It ended up being an expensive addition, the dog. I had to re- carpet the newly carpeted room. I don't, however, regret for a second getting the dog. She is a fantastic companion for me and for the kids and I love the security that she gives us. She sleeps in the basement with two of our kids and I know she will alert us to anything that we need to be concerned with. I also love having her around when my DH is gone for a night or two here and there. Cat's just don't make that great of guards!

Hope we all can help you through this. Once again, sorry, that just stinks.