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I've been checking out the "network cameras" (or "IP cameras"), as they're called. A good hard-wired version can be had for well under $100, and wireless for about twice that. They actually have their own webserver and email software, so that they serve pictures that can be viewed from any browser (with the proper login, of course), and can email you when the motion detector is triggered. You can even set them up to stream video to your cell phone when the alarm triggers.

That's a great story about Chloe! What a gorgeous dog! I don't think I agree with the BC/beagle mix, though... that's a Jack Russell head (and ears) if I've ever seen one. Strays are seldom just two kinds of dog, but if I had to pick two, I'd say Jack Russell and Pembroke Corgi. Definitely a JRT head, and a thick body like a long-legged Corgi. The sharp tri-color markings occur with both breeds.

Mary was reading the story, and reached exactly the same conclusion independently. (She's a lot better at guessing than I am, since she's been a groomer for 15 years and sees hundreds of dogs a week as salon manager at a "major nationwide pet chain", as she prefers to put it.)

Our two girl dogs are also rescues. We've had Honey (the blonde) for about six months, and she's finally decided she likes us. She loves John David, our three year old. He could take her anywhere on lead, because she's not getting more than a foot from his side. We've had Katie (the BC mix) for about two years. In the 4+ years that we've been married, we've fostered a dozen or more dogs, and found homes for all but three. Honey and Katie were just too shy to place until past the point when they'd become keepers. And Lady --the greatest dog who ever lived (half German Shepherd, half Australian Shepherd)-- came to us when she was 11, and spent her last two years as happy and comfortable as we could make her.

Oliver the standard poodle is still Alpha Dog, and knows his place in this world. He's 11, and is just now starting to slow down just slightly. He can still clear a 4' fence without touching it, though.

Kevin

seamusTX wrote:You can buy intrusion alarms based on various technologies at Radio Shack and other such places. If there is a single path of access to your porch, an infrared beam would be best. A horn and a strobe light would make teenage intruders beat feet and probably not come back.

This may seem like overkill for sneak thieves, but it would also be effective against more ill-intentioned night visitors.

- Jime

I might do something like that. Beams work great because you can set them high enough that the dogs and cats won't set them off.

Back to the original poster's question, which I hijacked: the best cheap alarm and intrusion deterrent can be had from your local humane society. Our triple-redundant "system" was no doubt raising all sorts of ruckus when my fridge got raided, but we weren't there to respond to the alarm.

Unlike a simple alarm system, they also serve as a physical barrier.

Here are ours:



The poodle is a lover, not a fighter. The little yellow terrier mix is the number one alarm system. The one to be feared, for someone who doesn't belong, is the Border Collie/terrier mix. She's a sweetheart with us, distrusting of strangers, and just crazy enough to turn into 45 pounds of snapping fury if cornered by a stranger.

Kevin

seamusTX wrote:

KBCraig wrote:Yeah, I could lock it up. I'd rather catch whoever's stealing 3 feet from my back door.

Camera or not, you'd better lock it up. When these kids tell their buddies, you're going to have uninvited visitors beating a path to your door. :^(

This had happened twice before, months ago, when the obvious suspects were the white trash kids across the street. They moved a few months ago, so I figured the problem was solved.

But as you point out, word gets around.

You might want to hang one of your better targets on the refrigerator door.

I've got several ideas in mind. I thought about one of those pepper spray boobytraps, but those are about $75 a pop (and wouldn't create the kind of area fog I'd want to lay down, not on an open patio).

All three times it's happened, it's been a new, unopened case (built-in handle, easy to carry). Today I replaced the case, but put the cans individually in drawers (and six in the house, just in case; always have a backup. )

So, I think I'll buy some cheap sodas, fill an empty beer case and glue it back up, along with a note expressing my disappointment with their life of crime. And possibly a more "personal" note, like the one you recommend.

I'd use a game camera, but the flash would be an obvious giveway. They'd probably smash the camera.

Obviously, finishing my privacy fence is on the priority list, too. The yard is fenced on three sides, and most of that is 6' wooden privacy fence (a short section is 4' chainlink, barbs up, covered in blackberry brambles).

I've got to add about 120' of fence on one side of the yard to have it completely enclosed, and that stuff's not cheap. Plus, my post hole digger is on active duty.

Kevin

I guess I'm going to have to install a security camera. I have a refrigerator on our patio, right beside the door from the living room. We use it for soft drinks, beer, and non-critical stuff that won't fit in the kitchen fridge.

Yesterday I put a brand new, unopened 30 pack of beer in it at 3pm, then went to work. When I got home at midnight, it was gone. The apparent juveniles who heisted it also thought it would be great fun to make a mess, so they grabbed some sodas and threw them against trees to make them explode.

This had to have happened during the daylight, when my wife took our toddler and went to the store for a couple of hours. When we're home, the dogs definitely let us know if someone or something is in the back yard.

Yeah, I could lock it up. I'd rather catch whoever's stealing 3 feet from my back door.

Kevin