For some dog owners it's not just something that sounds like a horror movie, it is a real tragedy and represents real loss. In recent years the theft of beloved home dogs has tripled, from 162 reported in the whole of 2009 to a staggering 224 during the months of January to July alone in 2011. These are not just casual thefts as houses are broken into and ransacked or hapless dog owners are forced to hand over their canine friends at gunpoint.

Puppies are especially in danger from these insidious dog-knappers but adult canines are also highly at risk. The favorite choice of these heartless thieves is a small, easily portable and concealable breed like Yorkshire Terriers. Pedigree dogs will bring in the best money but not all puppy snatchers are terribly concerned about that and will grab for anything that appears resellable.

Dog theft is a difficult crime to follow up on as there are often no clear leads and no witnesses. Collars with identification tags can be easily discarded, leaving no trail to sniff out. Quite often it even goes unreported as few can afford the fees associated with trying to gain the dog back. However, more and more pooches are replacing children and being regarded as such. They are no longer 'just the dog' but a beloved addition to the family and sometimes an owner's only companion on which is lavished every good thing. In these cases especially the pain is sharp, like losing a loved one, and confusing, shocking in its suddenness.

What Gain For The Criminal?
Why would anyone else steal little Valentino, the sweet and energetic terrier you have raised since puppyhood, you may ask. It is a valid question and the answer is ages-old: for money, of course. Especially during this biting recession where spending on pets has not lowered but actually skyrocketed, people are gaga for their animals; they are willing to pay what may be considered obscene amounts for food and accessories, much less getting back their dog. That's right; these poor pups are often held for ransom, a thoroughly villainous deed that harkens back to the 1960s and 1970s. Some thieves even return the dog themselves once a reward is offered.

Highly desired pooches such as the small and portable breeds, though pit bulls and other large dogs are often snatched, too, are also sold on eBay, online or from vans. Some are sold to labs for testing purposes (this is rare), some sold as fighters or to breeders but most are private purchases. Many owners offer rewards but extravagant ransoms are unrealistic. Dogs cannot be put into pawn and purebreds require the documentation of their lineage, though to many buyers a verbal assurance is enough especially when bought from questionable sellers.

How To Protect Your Canine Friend
Beloved pets can be stolen from back yards, locked cars, houses, pet stores, even the arms of children. They are taken when no one is home or, if the thief is bold enough, when families are home and in daylight hours. The obvious solutions are not to leave a dog, especially a known popular breed, outside when you are not home; locked fences are not deterrent enough for a determined crook. Never leave your dog tied outside anywhere or alone in your car. As homes can also be violated, the number one trick you can pull on a thief is to have your pet micro-chipped so her whereabouts can be tracked and electronically determined.

There are other actions to take too, such as alerting the media, canvassing the neighborhood, putting up picture fliers, talking to the local animal shelters and stores and as with all thefts of personal property, report it to the police. That should be your first response, including all the detail you can about your furry friend.

Never leave your dog unattended in the front yard or in a park as it can encourage wandering; large breeds have been known to be taken right off the road this way. Be wary of strangers who ask questions about the dog's value and be very watchful those strangers do not follow you home. This has happened and it ended with a vulnerable new puppy being stolen that night.

It's a dog-eat-dog world as the saying goes and while you cannot control every aspect of life or even day-to-day goings-on, you do have the power to at least have some say over it. Be ever vigilant for your pet's safety and get her chipped. As some thieves look for breeding potential, having your pet spayed or neutered may cut down on how desirable a grab she is. Perform some research to see if you are in a high-risk area and act accordingly. It may also be helpful for all dog owners of a neighborhood to get together and agree to form a watch, looking out for one another's pets. The more eyes you have on the security of your fuzzy extended family, the better.