Thx ladies for your responses. I have indeed thought of posting a sign in the sub about the theives. It seems like they are not going away readily.

I appreciate the offer about borrowing the dog. That part is really sad in our house right now...

We have a lab. She's only five, but has recently been really sick and has a major back issue. She can't really walk even with the vets meds. I don't think a surgery would cure her either. I think the inevitable is coming.

Gentle a breed she may be, someone would never get that close to the house with her well. The big dog bark can be intimidating. The thieves showed up about the time the dog got sick and doesn't bark anymore.