Saturday, March 24, 2012

Out of Sync and Unusual

Off to work on Friday in clouds of fog.  I've decided that driving in heavy fog is like driving with a blindfold on. Especially on our road because of the narrow and steep curves.  
The fog gave way to bright sun and the warmest day of the season.  Leaves are starting to appear on the Forsythia bushes. When I arrived home from work, outside it all seemed as it should be.  But inside, it wasn't.
When I went inside, the dogs seemed agitated about something, and I know it may sound silly, but I remember thinking that they seemed relieved that I was home.  Todd who is crated during the day was practically hysterical and he wouldn't stop barking.  I got everyone outside, and CarrieAnne went over to the neighboring field and just stood there and wouldn't come back.
The dogs really seemed out of sync and kept coming to me for reassurance.  We played a round of frisbee and I took a few pictures.  Eventually the dogs seemed relaxed and content.  
It wasn't until we came back inside that I realized that in 3 different rooms, the screens were off the open windows. With such nice weather I have been leaving them open during the day; someone had obviously tried to get into the house through one of them while we were gone. While we joke that the only way the dogs would hurt anyone is if they fell over them, they still would have all barked at anyone that came near the house.  I think this does explain why the dogs seemed out of sorts when I got home.  I called our dog-walker who said 'everything and the dogs seemed fine' when she came.  Even though there was no break-in, nothing missing etc., at her urging that it should be reported, I phoned our Sheriff's office. They said they would patrol our road and for us to take note of anything or anyone unusual.  I feel really safe where we live, but I do take this seriously and will of course make sure windows etc., are closed and locked when we're away.  But I hope that with all of our dogs, we'll be the only 'unusual' thing on our road.

55 comments:

  1. Oh that just stinks - and how frightening! I wonder who would be dumb enough invade a house with that many barking dogs? Time for a security system perhaps? So glad all is well in the end.

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  2. That really is very unsettling, but how good that you know your dogs so well , you could 'read' them like this.

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  3. CarrieAnne looks like she's trying to lead you somewhere, maybe to the intruder?

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  4. ....the dogs knew! ....and I bet the dogs scared a would be robber off. To much "hassle" with the dogs. Yikes. Keep those windows locked!

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  5. Wow, that's weird. So glad you can read the dogs and sense that something was not right. Also glad nothing seemed to be missing! Hope the rest of the weekend goes well.
    P.S. How is Lucas doing?? the teeth or lack of teeth :)

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  6. Oh, that is very unsettling. I'm so glad everything is okay but it sounds like you need some extra security.

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  7. oh, this is TERRIBLE! i hope they learned yours is not the house to mess with! thank goodness for your dogs! oh, kim...

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  8. Our home is well off the road and isolated too. Because of that we never leave windows open on the first floor if we are gone. I would rather spend a little money and have the air conditioning on to keep Nina comfortable than have someone break in. Of course Nina would probably bark enough to make it not worth the hassle either, but I prefer to err on the safe side.

    Let's hope that never happens to you again.

    Cindy

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  9. We have to start listening to what our dogs are telling us. If they could only speak! Can you imagine how frustrated they become with us for not 'listening' to them?!

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  10. Oh wow. That is horrible. Poor dogs. There have been a numerous amount of break ins in our neighborhood lately. Thankfully I am almost always home (well always). I normally do not go out. But it is scary. Thankfully the dogs were not hurt and neither was anyone else. I am sure who ever tried to get in was scared themselves being un welcomed by so many dogs.
    Love the picture of Todd by the gate. Super cute.
    Hopefully the dogs calmed down already and have gone back to their normal selves.
    TFS. Have a great weekend.

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  11. How frightening! I would feel violated knowing that someone attempted to enter my home while I was gone. Are all of the dogs crated when you're gone? I'm just wondering if all they could do was bark at the would-be-intruder or if they were able to pose more than just a verbal threat...

    I'm so glad everyone's OK!

    ((Hugs))

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  12. Wow, I'm so glad you and the dogs are safe. I always trust that our dogs would scare anyone away, but I still make sure to close up when we leave. And I think most dogs would be inclined to protect their home, particularly if they are in a pack. But I have heard of Dobermans who just sat there and watched the burglars burgle.

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  13. I do believe the dogs made a difference. It's good that you reported it to the sheriff.

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  14. People suck lemons nowadays.
    Glad nothing more than that happened.

    *hugs* ♥

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  15. That is so scary - it feels just horrible to think that someone violated one's home or personal belongings - you poor thing. Glad you called the police. Dogs will communicate the most amazing things in certain circumstances - it falls to the humans to interpret; you did a great job to notice!
    Hugs xoxoxo
    Sammie and Avalon and Mom

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  16. That's scary! My dogs make an incredible amount of noise when anyone gets near the house, but after showing an intruder where the treats are kept, they'd probably lick him to death.
    Sue

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  17. That's so disconcerting. Good to know the dogs helped you figure it out and probably scared the intruders off. We're in a cluster of houses in the country and when our greyhound passed hubby said the 2 little dogs would be enough but my daughter is here alone a lot - we needed a big dog. They are good company and good house sitters!

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  18. Probably someone who didn't KNOW you was going to brake in but thought better of the idea and left!! With a house full of dogs who would be that stupid!!!!
    I do feel better some Kim!!! But I haven't done any work either today!!! I have to go to work now!!! I have strawberries to wash and get ready for desert tonight. Do dishes and then get dinner going!!!Fun Fun Fun!!!

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  19. bet a house full of dogs would really put them off! So glad everyone is safe and sound!
    I love the photos of the fog and spring flowers. We are still working on trying to break the snow record up here :P

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  20. Hi Kim, When you said the dogs were out of sorts, I immediately wondered if someone had been on your grounds. How scary! I know that even though Goldens are so friendly, I'm sure they would protect their home. I'm sure Todd would do more than invite folks in for a party too. Stay safe my friend. This is one reason I will always have a dog-not only for the unconditional love but also for the feeling of protection.
    Hugs, Noreen & Reggie

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  21. Leave it to Carry Anne to make an attempt to clarify the pack's state of mind. Better to be safe than sorry Kim, calling the authorities was the right thing to do. Easton says he's a good alarm dog, knows how to "bark tough", has big toofies and scares most strangers. But, if you call his name, he is your friend....if you scratch his butt, he'll show you where the jewels are. Goldens - not the best guard dogs....BOL

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  22. It's amazing at what the dogs can sense! Better be safe than sorry!

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  23. How horrible, Kim. Your poor fur babies, I hope they feel more settled soon.

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  24. So glad they didn't go on in. We are having a rash of theft around here. People coming out into the country and breaking into houses while their owners are at work. It's sickening and scary. Again, glad everything is okay and it was wise to report it to the sheriff's department.
    Tammy

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  25. I would venture a guess, that if you only had Sammy and Todd, you would have come home to an empty house. Thank goodness for the numbers!

    Too bad you couldn't get fingerprints off the screens...

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  26. Please don't consider this an unkind comment but think only that your dogs can become targets themselves for people who are desperate enough. To me, a very good security/alarm system is more than worth it if you are in an isolated area.

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  27. What a shame. I do hope it is an isolated incident. You were definitely right to call the police.

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  28. Can't imagine any would-be thief taking on all those dogs. Our back door is always open during the day, but we make so much noise if anyone comes near the house, that we've never had a problem.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

    Usually, if we have a fog in the morning, we know a beautiful day is coming.

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  29. MOM never locks our back door (except if we both won't be home). Glad you called the police. The Forsythia picture, how beautiful.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  30. My gosh, I would have been terribly upset to come home and find that someone had tried to get into my place! That's why I'm so glad the the only way for people to get into my building is if they are buzzed in by a resident and also that we have video surveillance in the entrance!

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  31. Am so thankful your "alarm system" was barking..I mean working!
    How scary. Poor pups were probably frazzled, but did their job well I'd say!
    Take care..

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  32. Oh goodness! It's scary to think that perhaps someone was trying to get into your house. Good thing all the dogs were there!

    It is looking like you are getting some spring with those lovely leaves. And I don't like driving in fog either. :(

    xo Catherine

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  33. That's nerve-wracking to think that someone may have been ready to break into your home, but for the barking dogs.
    I bet they ran as fast as they could, maybe you need to post signs, "Beware of Dogs", you know they wouldn't hurt anyone, but they are non the wiser.
    It's good that you reported it, maybe the police will do an extra patrol now..
    Keep the doors and windows locked !
    ~Jo

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  34. We lock our doors all the time even when we are home because of unsavory situations in the past. Being a minority...you get the point...so safety is a locked latch and of course Sophie barking at any noise...OK with me!

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  35. That is very scary. I'm pretty sure the dogs warned off whoever it was. They sure were trying to let you know something was wrong. Glad you all are safe.

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  36. Oh, that is scary!! Good idea to be safe than sorry!

    wags
    Jazzi

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  37. i came home from work once to find my home had been broken into. the lock on the front door had been bashed. it's very scary.
    my little cocker puppy was inside and cowering in a corner. she had been so scared there was a little puddle by her.
    the smell of cigarette smoke was heavy in the air. i don't smoke!
    from then on she was petrified of any man wearing a ball cap.
    if they could only talk!
    it's a terrible feeling.
    hope the rest of your weekend is better.
    love,
    tammy j

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  38. How unnerving - even though nobody actually made it into your home, it can still feel like you've been invaded. Good for the dogs, for saving the day!

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  39. Gosh- how scary that would be to feel that someone had been there!
    The dogs were trying to tell you- the best that they could! I am glad the inturder must have gotten scared off. But still - just knowing someone tried to get in- is enough to make my heart tremble.
    I am glad you are all okay and safe.
    love
    tweedles

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  40. No wonder the dogs were upset. Someone who did not belong, tried to come into their castle and while you were gone.

    That is just wrong. I am so happy that all the pups were ok though. Other than being a bit traumatized.

    You live in such a wonderful place it is awful that you would now have to be worried.

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  41. Yes, our dogs let us know when things are not right...Very upsetting to think someone would even think of getting close to all the barking.
    Hugs!

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  42. Kim,
    How scary that someone would be that stupid to try and come near your house with so many dogs. They don't know that they are really pussycats:) But dogs can react very quickly to what they feel may be a intrusion and not so a welcoming quest.
    It may be time to invest in a security system or camera video security. We did last July when a number of homes where broken into. It's not what they take it's a matter of the damage they do while inside. Some of the people can be very doped up and looking for cash or anything to steal so they can sell it to support their habit. Sad but true. You don't want to walk into someone in this state of mind in your own home.
    I like the piece of mind I have with this system because we both come and go at different times you never know who may be watching. It also has a on star feature like your car for other emergencies.

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  43. OMG! That is scary! I can't imagine how scared the dogs felt too. It would just creep you out to know someone was that close trying to get into you home! Thank goodness everything was okay!

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  44. That is a scene I don't ever want to know......I don't think my 9 cats would have quite the same effect on the intruders.....such a lame name for people who do this...so so so glad you are alright! I just love how are animals just know........we ( silly us) sometimes doubt them but rarely ....... are they wrong....

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  45. Thanks for your comment today...I stopped by and was happy to learn that you are owned by so many animals and that I am currently owned by 3 Scotties, a classic black, a brindle, and a Sweetie Wheatie! How fun to know another Scottie mom! Oh, and mostly I'm glad that your home wasn't disrupted...that's the most important thing.

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  46. Oh wow that is something. Glad nothing was missing and no one was hurt. Take care!

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  47. That is very scary. I'm glad though that everyone was ok.

    Our house is set back from the road and we have had stuff stolen from our cars, but so far the house has been ok.

    There have been reported break ins in surrounding neighborhoods which concern me slightly.

    Luckily for us mom is home during the day and the dogs barking would alert her.

    I hope they catch the nasty SOB. :0

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  48. Even though nobody came in it is still such a violation of your comfort and confidence.

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  49. How sad when one has to be subject to attempted break-in. The violation of one's property is distressing and I do hope extra security patrols will deter any further attempts.

    Keep safe - all of you.

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  50. Yikes! At least they probably scared off the intruder with all the barking. Thank goodness!

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  51. No wonder the dogs were agitated, after having to go on High Pack Alert to protect the premises. Bet Todd was especially upset because he couldn't get out to help the pack defend the homestead. Sure hope the dogs scared them off for good, but the fact that they'd remove three screens suggests either more than one perp, or someone too stupid to be scared of being bitten by a pack of dogs the first time they yanked out a screen. Hope the screens weren't damaged.

    Jed & Abby

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  52. yikes! I'm glad nothing was done.

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  53. I love all the sweet dogs. I just joined your blog and hope you will join me to read about Jake (the farm dog) and my farm girl life

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  54. That's very scary! There was a break-in two houses down last year, and the same house got broken into just a couple of months ago AGAIN. It made my mommy feel very nervous for a while. Hopefully, whoever did that is smart enough to stay away and not come back.

    Keeping you in our thoughts -- keep safe!

    Woofs & hugs, <3

    ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!