I have just had a lovely day with my little pooch and I am very lucky to live in a dog friendly town, but something unnerved me today and I think I need some help in order to feel better.

My little cavie had been so well behaved in the chemist, newsagent and post office and then this guy who was behind me in the queue started to pat him which kind of bugged me at first but I was also so relieved that my little pooch was quiet and well behaved. However I think this guy was also impressed and ( done very slyly so I wouldn't notice) took a look at his collar and tags!

I know I'm overreacting but the thought of someone stealing a member of my family is so scary! I just don't know how at risk he is because he obviously looked at the tags for a reason?

Any views gladly received and also how can we make our little friends more secure?

Sorry for the ramble, I told you he got to me!!

9 out of 10 I would say it's just a fellow dog lover being friendly.

When I first adopted my staffie as a pup, after walkies, we popped into the local for a thirst quencher. While we were there, someone next to me "checked" her tag, (presumably to see her name - which isn't on there). But then to my suprise the chap exclaimed that "I used to live there"!

It turned out he used to live in the house I had recently purchased.

Anyway stay safe. (I'm suprised the shops let you take him inside).

What model of pooch is he (I assume cavie is his name)?

Some dogs are more targeted than others.

MOST STOLEN DOGS
1. Stafford Bull Terrier - 56%
2. Rottweiler - 5%
3. German Shepherd - 4%
4. Cocker Spaniel - 2%
5. Jack Russell - 2%
Source: Met Police report

Some people just have a genuine interest and maybe want to see what the dog's name is. Personally, I would rather strangers ask before petting my dog. If someone shows *too* much interest (I have a greyhound so am deadly paranoid about her getting pinched too), simply say your doggy has an illness eg epilepsy or something that requires medication and special care. If they were thinking of nicking the dog, they might put them off.

Say they are neutered puts a lot of people off too, if they can't use them to breed from they don't want them.

Lurchers are often stolen too. Lurcher Link advises never to leave hounds unattended outside shops.They also recommend using tags/collars stating I am microchipped, spayed/neutered and require daily medication. You can pick them up on ebay.

Two women were recently attacked in Lancashire by people trying to get their huskies from them. Whether to sell or what I hate to think.

I only have my contact numbers plus microchipped and neutered on my dogs tags, yes I know it's illegal but I feel safer. If my digs got free somehow there are 2 different contact numbers if they can't find the microchip.