I was completely traumatized... someone tried to take my dog!!!!

[RAsChickens]

So this morning, I went for a run around a lake in the middle of the city with my black lab, Minni. Keep in mind, I'm only 5'1" and have no muscles. About 20 minutes in, this man approached me and he literally grabbed Minni's leash and said "I'm gonna walk the dog while you run". I grabbed the leash back and say "No, thank you." I started jogging again, but this man grabs my shoulders and says "Give me your dog." I kicked him in the calf and ran off with Minni as fast as I could. I came to a Starbucks. I explained what had happened, described the man, and asked a barista if I could bring in Minni. He said yes. He announced for everyone to look out for this man. I called my fiancé, who was at home, and told him. He said he'd come and get me and Minni. I started to relax a bit and ordered a drink. Then, the man came in! I walked up to the counter and pointed him out to a barista. She said she would call 911, asked for my phone number, and told another male barista to keep an eye on him and prevent him from leaving. He just orders a drink and sits down- at the table next to me. I ignore him and pretend I don't know he's there. Then, he grabs Minni's leash again. I yank the leash from his hands and yell "GET AWAY FROM ME AND MY DOG!!!" He just rolls his eyes and ignores me as I move tables. Then, a few minutes later, someone comes in. My fiancé. I must've looked like a crazy girl as I ran to him, wrapped my arms around him. Then I started crying. Seeing someone I've known since middle school and who is the love of my life come to get me was the best thing ever at that moment. He went over and gave this man a piece of his mind. Then he thanked the baristas who took care of me when I was so horrified. I grabbed my drink and Minni and we went home. I arranged to have my car towed to our house. Then, we got a call from the police. They said the man was mentally ill and I said I didn't want to press any charges because he was disabled. I just needed to get this off my chest because it was very scary and I thought the man was going to hurt me and take my beloved dog.

 

[FrankieDoodle]

Oh no! I'm glad he didn't get him... if that happened to me I would have punched him in the face as hard as possible. I hope that doesn't happen to you again. Is there a way you could take self defense classes? Again I'm so sorry

 

[RAsChickens]

Oh no! I'm glad he didn't get him... if that happened to me I would have punched him in the face as hard as possible. I hope that doesn't happen to you again. Is there a way you could take self defense classes? Again I'm so sorry

I've taken self defense before, but stunk at it!

 

[FrankieDoodle]

I've taken self defense before, but stunk at it!

Oh

 

[21hens-incharge]

Mace perhaps?

Seriously if that man is disabled it still does not excuse the act or make your terror any less.
If he grabbed my dogs leash or touched me while my dog was with me he would need stitches for dog bites. My dog won't tolerate that sort of thing at all.
He is very lucky your dog did not react badly. You are very lucky that he was not a more determined or serious threat.

I would still start carrying a rape whistle and pepper spray.
The whistle draws attention and the pepper spray is a strong deterrent.

 

[andreanar]

I had a similar experience many years ago, Its so frightening. I was walking my English Setter at our local lake and a man came up and started asking questions: what kind of dog, How old is he, then asked is he friendly and if he could pet him. Of course, like a dummy, I said yes and he petted him. Next thing I knew, he grabbed the leash and started walking away. I followed him and tried getting my leash back, but no go. I was looking around, but we were alone so I didn't dare strike out at this man and start a fight I knew I couldn't win. I just followed and continually asking for my dog until we ran into more people and I asked them for help. The guy gave my leash back and said "aw I was just playin". So scary.
Your guy def must be not quite right since he wasn't hiding from you, just coming into the coffee shop like he did no wrong, very scary.
I carry pepper spray now when I walk my dog, I don't live in the best area. And I will never tell people my dog is friendly when I'm alone and vulnerable. Glad you are ok.

 

[RAsChickens]

Mace perhaps?

Seriously if that man is disabled it still does not excuse the act or make your terror any less.
If he grabbed my dogs leash or touched me while my dog was with me he would need stitches for dog bites. My dog won't tolerate that sort of thing at all.
He is very lucky your dog did not react badly. You are very lucky that he was not a more determined or serious threat.

I would still start carrying a rape whistle and pepper spray.
The whistle draws attention and the pepper spray is a strong deterrent.

Minni started growling and her hackles went up, but that's it. She's very mellow.

 

[21hens-incharge]

He is lucky she is mellow.

Heck when my hubby comes home after dark I have to let him in the house. He has been in the dogs life from the start. Hubby for 15 years and dog is 8. Yup dog is protective over me.

I would still be rather uncomfortable over the whole thing.

 

[RAsChickens]

He is lucky she is mellow.

Heck when my hubby comes home after dark I have to let him in the house. He has been in the dogs life from the start. Hubby for 15 years and dog is 8. Yup dog is protective over me.

I would still be rather uncomfortable over the whole thing.

A few minutes ago an email from Amazon came to my inbox... fiance ordered me pepper spray and a whistle! When I tried to go get the mail, he said he'd do it... and literally went to get the mail with his pistol in hand! Until the pepper spray and whistle arrive I can't even go collect eggs without bringing a pistol, a golf club, or him with me! Why? "I love you too much to let anything happen to you. EVER."

 

[lazy gardener]

Mentally disabled or not, a police report should have been filed, and I'd be sure to press charges. The next incident with this fruit loop might end in personal injury. By not holding him accountable, he will be emboldened to repeat or escalate his behavior.