Dog snatchers

This post on Craigslist about not leaving your dog outside while you are in a store or restaurant really hit home with me. It happened to me once, so I've been wary ever since. Thankfully I got my dog back, but it was a heart-wrenching experience.

I live in Williamsburg, and there was a restaurant that allowed you to leave your dog outside while you ate, in fact it's pretty common here. Anyway, I came outside and Indy was gone. He was just a puppy then and to say I freaked out would be an understatement. I asked everyone (including random stranges walking by) if they had seen him and by pure chance someone had. It turned out some high school kids had taken him because they "thought he was abandoned." Uh huh. I caught up with them and got him back, but it was too close of a call.

Anyway, I understand the urge to take a dog with you. We're New Yorkers, and we all lead hectic lives, which sometimes means taking your pet on errands is the only time you get to spend together. But don't leave your dog tied up outside, even if everyone else is. Consider bringing a friend along to watch your companion while you are inside or patronizing animal-friendly stores. Better safe than sorry.

If anyone else has an opinion on this feel free to email or comment.