Dodged a bullet, sort of...
#51
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
Thanks for all the advice and kind wishes. It's funny someone mentioned a possible return...I was already considering that, especially after my bellow. Still - I think it was the right thing to yell. We'll be harder pickings next time! We met several dogs, mostly pits, and are still researching. Ideally I want something like a Shepard or Rottweiler mix - maybe with a lab or retriever.
I'm hoping against hope they left prints on the lighter they left behind. The Philly police did their usual job - I had to push to get them to take prints off of the AC and they were generally disinterested in being bothered with police work.
I'm hoping against hope they left prints on the lighter they left behind. The Philly police did their usual job - I had to push to get them to take prints off of the AC and they were generally disinterested in being bothered with police work.
#53
Vello Kombi, baby
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Je suis ici
Posts: 5,188
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
We're going by the SPCA today to get a puppy. By puppy I mean dog that would make Michael Vick switch to cock fights. The trick will be finding one who won't mind the cats, will be warm and cuddly with us, but who would appear in the alien vs predator sequel with an intruder. I thought about a gun, but it wouldn't have helped; we'd just have a thief with a stolen gun. I honestly trust a dog over my aim. I'm not anti gun, or judging, I just think a dog is the way to go.
And how fierce a dog is can depend on several factors. This dog would gnaw the leg off anyone who dared mess with my GF:
He had been abused for several years, and then dumped in a local park. It took awhile, but he is now quite attatched to us.
This dog looks fierce and has a nice big bark:
At nearly eighty pounds, he probably is scarier to a burglar than he actually is. Once someone is in the house, though, I'd want the beagle. I'm not kidding. There would be blood.
I've found shepherd mixes inspire more fear, even more than pits. It's because they are smart and loyal. And the police use them.
__________________
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
Last edited by Poguemahone; 06-07-12 at 04:00 PM.
#54
Vello Kombi, baby
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Je suis ici
Posts: 5,188
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
As someone who has rescued more than a few dogs, I just want to point out the obvious....
Please consider the acquisition of a dog very carefully, and walk into it with your eyes open. They require a high level of care and commitment, and need human interaction. A lot of folks go into it without considering all of the ramifications, and the dog they initially thought was a great idea gets left alone, gets into mischief, and gets thrown out. Very few of those that are given up find homes.... most are destroyed.
Not trying to lecture you or insult you, just advocating for the dogs of the world. I like dogs more than I like most people.
Oh, yeah.... one more thing. When I was a consultant, not backing up client deliverables was a hanging offense.
Please consider the acquisition of a dog very carefully, and walk into it with your eyes open. They require a high level of care and commitment, and need human interaction. A lot of folks go into it without considering all of the ramifications, and the dog they initially thought was a great idea gets left alone, gets into mischief, and gets thrown out. Very few of those that are given up find homes.... most are destroyed.
Not trying to lecture you or insult you, just advocating for the dogs of the world. I like dogs more than I like most people.
Oh, yeah.... one more thing. When I was a consultant, not backing up client deliverables was a hanging offense.
When you get a dog, you have to make a deal with them not to give up on them and dump them.
__________________
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
#55
Unimatrix Zero
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 908
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Glad both of you are okay. That is a very very scary situation and you seem to have handled it well.
Another vote for the shepherds! I live with a spectacular border collie that was rescued a year and a half ago at 1yr of age. He has bonded well with everyone in our household, including the cat, and is very defensive of his home and yard. He does take cues as to when to relax but does bark and growl quite menacingly, which I am grateful for living in NYC. He is a very good judge of character, also, and knows who to trust on his walks. If people are drunk or obviously intoxicated, walking erratically, etc, he gets protective, but not aggressive. Also, super cuddly
Maybe you'll gain a great friend from this event.
Another vote for the shepherds! I live with a spectacular border collie that was rescued a year and a half ago at 1yr of age. He has bonded well with everyone in our household, including the cat, and is very defensive of his home and yard. He does take cues as to when to relax but does bark and growl quite menacingly, which I am grateful for living in NYC. He is a very good judge of character, also, and knows who to trust on his walks. If people are drunk or obviously intoxicated, walking erratically, etc, he gets protective, but not aggressive. Also, super cuddly
Maybe you'll gain a great friend from this event.
#56
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
I'm thinking the dog could be a silver lining. I promise...we are not the type to rush things. We've had a dog. We've been talking dog for months, this just iced it. We have 3 rescue cats, all picked off of the street.
#57
Rustbelt Rider
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Canton, OH
Posts: 9,104
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1420 - 1978 Raleigh Professional - 1973 Schwinn Collegiate - 1974 Schwinn Suburban
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 261 Post(s)
Liked 372 Times
in
177 Posts
Whoa Aaron, that is scary stuff. That is really awful about your computer and other things but I am glad no one was harmed. I can't imagine actually seeing the people inside your home.
__________________
|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......GO.BROWNS........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""''"**|(@)(@)*****''(@)
|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......GO.BROWNS........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""''"**|(@)(@)*****''(@)
#58
Get off my lawn!
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Garden State
Posts: 6,031
Bikes: 1917 Loomis, 1923 Rudge, 1930 Hercules Renown, 1947 Mclean, 1948 JA Holland, 1955 Hetchins, 1957 Carlton Flyer, 1962 Raleigh Sport, 1978&81 Raleigh Gomp GS', 2010 Raliegh Clubman
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 93 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 98 Times
in
48 Posts
An other option would be a Mokave or other large cat, I think they mature around 30lbs. that would make someone think twice
Plus I'm thinkin' low maintinace, litter box and at feeding time just let it out the back door....Im sure it could hunt up something for dinner
Ok cat people, small mamal and children lovers, the feeding comment was in jest....still a cool beast to have around the house don't ya think?
Plus I'm thinkin' low maintinace, litter box and at feeding time just let it out the back door....Im sure it could hunt up something for dinner
Ok cat people, small mamal and children lovers, the feeding comment was in jest....still a cool beast to have around the house don't ya think?
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 740
Bikes: 1973 Mercian Pro, 1972-73 Peugeot Track, 1983 Lotus Competition, Early 1970s Bottecchia Pro/Giro, 2000 Bob Jackson Special Tourist, 2011 Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen; 1996 Franklin custom
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
That sucks and it's scary. A dog is the best option, but ours died a few years ago and we're not in a position to take care of a dog now. So I keep a S&W in the bedstand. No I'm not a gun nut.
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wherever
Posts: 16,748
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 132 Times
in
78 Posts
RE: above,
I should probably clarify my previous response. I wouldn't recommend anyone buy a gun for self protection. Depending on where you live, of course. I own one because my wife and I used to enjoy the shooting sports, and I keep it around as an absolute last resort in case of impending grave threat of injury or death to a family member. I would never consider shooting someone over a bicycle or a stereo. I'm not sure about my wife, though. And she's an excellent shot. A dog is a much better deterrent to anyone coming in the house in the first place. Good luck Aaron and may it be the last time.
I should probably clarify my previous response. I wouldn't recommend anyone buy a gun for self protection. Depending on where you live, of course. I own one because my wife and I used to enjoy the shooting sports, and I keep it around as an absolute last resort in case of impending grave threat of injury or death to a family member. I would never consider shooting someone over a bicycle or a stereo. I'm not sure about my wife, though. And she's an excellent shot. A dog is a much better deterrent to anyone coming in the house in the first place. Good luck Aaron and may it be the last time.
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 11,016
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
11 Posts
Advice:
Have a gun (you don't have to feed or clean up after it).
Don't hestitate to use it.
Have a gun (you don't have to feed or clean up after it).
Don't hestitate to use it.
#63
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: PAZ
Posts: 12,294
Mentioned: 255 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2588 Post(s)
Liked 4,825 Times
in
1,709 Posts
FIFY
On a serious note: I'm glad you are both okay and it was nothing worse than losing some things. They can always be replaced - even the hard work - but you'd probably be hard pressed to find another Lori and she'll say the same about you, too.
I hope this is your quota filled for the year, dude!
DD
#65
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,410 Times
in
910 Posts
I'm glad you weren't hurt. Been there, chased them out into the woods, got 2 but not the 3rd.
Then I had to deal with all the yelling and screaming when the police got there; their "people" wanted me arrested for assualt.
The judge sentenced them to repay me the $2800; never saw a penny.
Then I had to deal with all the yelling and screaming when the police got there; their "people" wanted me arrested for assualt.
The judge sentenced them to repay me the $2800; never saw a penny.
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 06-07-12 at 09:46 PM.
#66
Cisalpinist
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Holland
Posts: 5,557
Bikes: blue ones.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
11 Posts
not much more to add to this, really . Just so sad to see all these things happen to you in such a short while. all the best wishes.
#67
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: The First State.
Posts: 1,168
Bikes: Schwinn Continental, Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn High Plains, Schwinn World Sport, Trek 420, Trek 930,Trek 660, Novara X-R, Giant Iguana. Fuji Sagres mixte.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 22 Times
in
10 Posts
Jasus Keerist... Move down here to Delaware and commute. No sales tax...
#69
Hopelessly addicted...
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Central Maryland
Posts: 4,955
Bikes: 1949 Hercules Kestrel, 1950 Norman Rapide, 1970 Schwinn Collegiate, 1972 Peugeot UE-8, 1976 Raleigh Sports, 1977 Raleigh Sports, 1977 Jack Taylor Tandem, 1984 Davidson Tandem, 2010 Bilenky "BQ" 650B Constructeur Tandem, 2011 Linus Mixte
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
9 Posts
Not all of them are so soft and cuddly. My wife, who has never been afraid of dogs in her life, is now afraid of dogs.
#70
Hopelessly addicted...
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Central Maryland
Posts: 4,955
Bikes: 1949 Hercules Kestrel, 1950 Norman Rapide, 1970 Schwinn Collegiate, 1972 Peugeot UE-8, 1976 Raleigh Sports, 1977 Raleigh Sports, 1977 Jack Taylor Tandem, 1984 Davidson Tandem, 2010 Bilenky "BQ" 650B Constructeur Tandem, 2011 Linus Mixte
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
9 Posts
Aaron, glad things worked out as OK as they did. Some years just get jacked up for no apparent reason. Your 2012 sounds like how my 2010 ended and my 2011 started out: BAD! If all goes well, all will get better soon!
#71
Velocommuter Commando
Not always... The next door neighbor's boxer took three bites out of my wife about 6 weeks ago. Animal Control took possession of the dog and observed it for a period of time and then euthanized it because of its temperament.
Not all of them are so soft and cuddly. My wife, who has never been afraid of dogs in her life, is now afraid of dogs.
Not all of them are so soft and cuddly. My wife, who has never been afraid of dogs in her life, is now afraid of dogs.
#72
Don't be a "Drew"
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 584
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Aaron so sorry to hear this. I'm glad you guys are ok. Me, I'm a gun guy but if you're not comfortable around guns and unless you know for a fact that you could pull the trigger on someone don't get one. If you know the work and care involved with a dog and are good with what it initials then I say go for it. My vote is for a Doberman. My family has had several and they are awesome dogs. My sister had one that was professionally trained for guard duties but was the sweetest dog. My niece was little and would crawl all over her. I also had a Dobbie and she was a great dog. If someone came over that she didn't know, she put always herself between them and me until she trusted them but would not be aggressive toward them. Every time I let her outside in the backyard she would make one lap around fence to check everything out. I always said she was on patrol, lol. Dobermans are very protective of their families, the females even more so. I am a big fan of rescue dogs, I have one now but in this case you may want to look at buying one. Go to a legit breeder and spend some time with some dobermans I think it will be just what you're looking for. Stay safe my friend!
Mutt
Mutt
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Paoli, PA
Posts: 65
Bikes: 2012 Singular Peregrine, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record, 1987 Schwinn Circuit, 1994 Cannondale M400
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This stinks, man. Sorry to hear about it and am glad the situation ended without any harm coming to you or your wife. Dog is probably the right move here and an alarm system wouldn't hurt either. I have a friend who lives on Iseminger in S.Philly and he has a nice and loud alarm system that I'm sure would be a deterrent in a situation like yours.
#74
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,942
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
+1 to BBM's advise here. Think about getting any dog first and make sure you are committed to caring for and loving the dog for its life. That said, I agree with your "get a dog" idea. Our son's setter has a deep booming repeated bark that has scared off a few suspicious people walking up the driveway. She would actually hold the door for them if they came in, since she loves everyone but, the noise she can make causes them to think twice. Sorry you got robbed Aaron, hope you get all the cards and accounts changed quick enough. If they knew to take a hard drive they are most likely selling personal info to other scumbags.
I do have 3 shotguns for bird hunting and a pistol of my wives in the house, with plenty of ammunition. She can unlock the gun case quicker than I can when she hears something around the house. Glad I don't sleepwalk. I think a load of shot from a 12 ga magnum duck gun would make them get gone and drop things they were carrying. and as everyone knows Florida has the Stand Your Ground law, too. And, we have an alarm system with motion sensors to boot.
I do have 3 shotguns for bird hunting and a pistol of my wives in the house, with plenty of ammunition. She can unlock the gun case quicker than I can when she hears something around the house. Glad I don't sleepwalk. I think a load of shot from a 12 ga magnum duck gun would make them get gone and drop things they were carrying. and as everyone knows Florida has the Stand Your Ground law, too. And, we have an alarm system with motion sensors to boot.
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Last edited by qcpmsame; 06-08-12 at 06:53 AM.
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 3,009
Bikes: '53/'54 Bianchi CDM, '62ish Altenburger Cinelli Mod B, '69 Rene Herse Competition, '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '73-74 Colnago Super,, '73-74 Cinelli SC, '78ish counterfeit Confente, '82 Medici Gran Turismo, '67ish Mondia Speciale, Eddy Merckx Pro
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 90 Post(s)
Liked 257 Times
in
87 Posts
Really sorry to hear about that, but glad you're all okay!
This is my home protection system:
George is a pound rescue as well. Loudest bark you've ever heard. Good thing, as we live in a bit of a sketchy neighborhood. It's the price you pay to have a house 200 yards from the beach. Having a dog is a big commitment (far less travel than the past), but very, very gratifying.
This is my home protection system:
George is a pound rescue as well. Loudest bark you've ever heard. Good thing, as we live in a bit of a sketchy neighborhood. It's the price you pay to have a house 200 yards from the beach. Having a dog is a big commitment (far less travel than the past), but very, very gratifying.
Last edited by bibliobob; 06-08-12 at 07:06 AM.