In honor of Pet Theft Awareness Day (February 14th).
I wanted to share a short story about the day my dog was almost taken at a local coffee shop. Maybe you can learn from my mistakes.
In case it's helpful, below are the topics covered in this post:
One Day at a Coffee Shop...
My first dog, Shadow, and I frequented a nearby coffee shop. I hated coffee, but we went so that Shadow could enjoy the fresh air and relax in the middle of a long walk.
When we arrived at the coffee shop, I tied Shadow's leash to the table I picked out and set out a bowl of water for him before heading in to make my order. I always left a bag filled with whatever I thought Shadow would need during a long walk like extra potty bags and treats.
There were many people at the coffee shop that day. My only fear was Shadow's large size scaring some of them. However, I knew Shadow was a well-behaved dog and would keep to himself until I returned.
While waiting in line, a guy aggressively tapped my shoulder. "They're taking your dog!" I looked out the window and saw a woman removing Shadow's collar.
I rushed out of the line and confronted the woman and her partner.
I asked why she was removing my dog's collar. She said she was sorry and thought he was abandoned. Other people overheard her and started arguing with her.
"Why would you think he was abandoned when he was wearing a bandana and collar with tags?!"
"What made you think he was abandoned when the owner left her purse on the table with him?!"
"Why are you lying about trying to steal this dog when we all saw him come with his owner?!"
The woman and man rushed off as strangers came over to confront them. I put Shadow's collar back on his neck. He still sat where I told him to stay before I went into the coffee shop, smiling as he seemed oblivious to what almost happened.
I held in tears (I have social anxiety and hate attention). I felt embarrassed by the situation. I felt like I mishandled the situation. I felt like what happened was my fault somehow and I was too stupid to know what I did wrong.
I felt like a horrible pet owner. Did I do the wrong thing by tying him to the table outside to get a coffee drink I did not even like? Should I not take him to coffee shops and restaurants unless I invited another person who could watch him when I left for a few minutes to make an order?
People checked to see if I was alright. I wanted to leave, to run away from my embarrassment and the sudden focus of attention, but a few people offered to keep Shadow company and encouraged me to go back inside to make my order.
When I headed back inside, the man who alerted me of the woman handed me a drink. Because I was a regular, the barista knew my order and the man bought my usual drink for me. People who were indoors and figured out what happened asked if my dog and I were alright.
I am forever grateful for the kindness of strangers. Someone ordered a puppuccino for Shadow (I did not know those existed before that day). A barista came out often to fill Shadow's bowl despite me having a couple bottles of water displayed on the table.
Shadow enjoyed his time at the coffee shop. He received so much positive attention from strangers. I would not be surprised if it was one of the best days of his life!
Yet, I developed a paranoia about my dog being stolen. Shadow was my first dog and an important part of my life. I never thought about giving up when he was by my side. I feared losing him too soon.
Making Sure My Dogs were Safe
Fortunately, I already had the following in place if Shadow and my two current dogs were to be stolen:
Registered microchip
Collar with identification tags.
A gazillion updated photos of Shadow and his unique markings.
Dog ID card with updated shots and license information and front-facing photo.
I made Shadow a "dogid" card to make soldiers laugh when I was asked for identification at the gate before entering post. They often joked about Shadow being escorted off post by MP (military police) without an ID.
However, the card later proved helpful when I needed some information from the card to share with others like a hotel receptionist upon check-in day. (Maybe I should recreate the card for my other dogs? I could make some for my friends' pets and a downloadable version for anyone else who may want to make their pets an ID card.)
Experts online do not recommend tying dogs outside of a restaurant or store, but I was unaware of this fifteen years ago. As far as I was concerned, I wanted Shadow to be able to visit many different places since he was stuck in the apartment for fifty plus hours weekly when I was away for work. I wanted him with me whenever possible.
We continued to visit coffee shops with large windows at the front of the building. I would sit outside with Shadow until the line at the register was short or empty. I kept an eye on him while I waited for my order. I also ordered something extra like a large water or pup cup to have an excuse to check on him outside before heading back in for my order.
If there were other people outside who smiled when they saw Shadow, I developed the courage to ask if they would keep an eye on him for the minute or two while I was inside.
I did not ask people who seemed disinterested in our arrival, busy/focused on something, or about ready to leave. I never received a "no," and most of the time I would return to see people sitting at the table with Shadow draped across their lap.
Once mobile order became a thing, I always ordered ahead so that my dogs would only be alone outside for the few seconds it took me to go in and out of the shop with my drink.
Of course, visiting a restaurant or coffee shop was easier with another person. It was convenient and more fun to meet up with a friend who could keep an eye on the dogs for me after they went in to make their own orders.
What's Next?
In honor of Pet Theft Awareness Day celebrated on February 14th, I encourage you to do research on how to prevent your pet from being stolen. Animal Behavior College has an informative article on Pet Theft Awareness - How to Protect Your Pet.
Comment below to share your pet theft story or thoughts!
Don't forget to subscribe below to be notified by email when I post something new.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam