this is from our local paper today (Bristol Evening Post)

FAMILY'S HEARTBREAK AS PUPPY IS STOLEN 11:00 - 19 January 2004

A Thief snatched a four-month-old puppy as its owner was taking it for a walk in Kingswood. Rosie, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, was on a lead and ran up to the man at the junction of the Kingsway and Two Mile Hill Road.He picked up the dog, unclipped the lead, and jumped into a nearby car.Distraught owner Charlotte Baker, aged 30, said she screamed and ran after the vehicle.A passing motorist stopped to help her and called police but there has been no sign of Rosie since the theft on Friday at about 6.45pm.Mrs Baker, a mother-of-four, said: "Rosie is a very friendly puppy and is always bounding up to people so I didn't think anything of it when this man picked her up."But then he turned his back on me while he unclipped her lead."He jumped into a waiting car and drove off with her."The children are heartbroken."She said Rosie, who is brown and white, had only just started going out.Anyone who has been offered a small Cavalier King Charles spaniel for sale is asked to contact Staple Hill police on 01275 818181 or Mrs Baker on 908 0702.

It is hard to imagin what you would feel like if you loose any dog like that not just a puppy. Your mind must run wild thinking what could be happening to them, almost worse than knowing they are dead.

I've cross posted this onto a cavalier forum (www.ckcsforums.com), hopefully someone might here something. Its a frightening way to lose a puppy, i just can't believe the nerve of some people.

Hope they find her

Erin

Your post gave me goose bumps. 

It's a terrible story and no matter how many times we hear things like this it still keeps shocking us that people are actually that cruel.  I remember an old lady picking Molly up when she was about that age.  She clearly had no intention of stealing her but I was still shocked that a person would go up to a complete strangers dog in the street and pick it up!

Here's hoping they get their dog back - unharmed!

It's depressing that people can be so banal.  They don't seem to understand that a dog is not just a dog it it's owners but a family member.  I have to admit I watch everyone who comes into contact with Willow like a hawk; and she's a clumsy, hulk of a 4yr old WS now!

MW

This story made me feel sick.  The poor owners must be absolutely frantic.  It made me think that if someone can do that when you're walking your dog on a lead, what could happen when you let your dog run around off lead?  You can't live in fear, though, just try to be vigilant.