Patrick Murray

Today I watched a 2-hour documentary on the BTK killer on MSNBC. It was a compelling and fascinating story. For those who don't know, BTK was a serial killer that targeted women who lived alone. There was no mention of any of the numerous victims owning a dog.

Many times I've heard stories on the news of children being abducted from their own home by a stranger or a woman getting raped in her own bed. It seems I never hear any mention of a dog so I assume that the people didn't own one.

Conversely, I cannot recollect ever hearing of someone being victimized that had a working-type dog in the home.

Countless times I've thought to myself "If they only had a dog that wouldn't have happened". Don't get me wrong, a dog isn't going to protect you against a committed criminal who happens to know that you have $50K in cash under your bed. But it seems, and this is certainly no revelation to this forum, that working-type dogs have tremendous deterrent power against random, opportunity seeking criminals.

While I certainly invite anyone and everyone to give feedback, I am most interested in the opinions of our LEO's and their experiences and opinions on civilians owning pet or even working line GSD's, Dobermans, Rottweillers, etc. and their benefit in deterring crime.

Thanks in advance!

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Patrick Murray
Amateur Working Dog Enthusiast