Disturbed

[ampersat]

I awoke still asleep.

I don't know whether I was in the midst of a dream or not, but I heard a doorbell and then a moment later I heard a voice saying something. I was definitely still asleep but suddenly very awake. I tried to move but could not and it was as if I could feel the wind on my psyche as I forced myself to consciousness with a rush. In seconds I was fully awake and aware and able to move but I laid very still, listening. My first instinct was to reach for my handgun but instead I remained perfectly motionless hoping not to hear anything that would confirm my thoughts as to what might have woken me from a dead sleep.

Mine isn't the greatest neighborhood. To the south of me is one of the hotspots for crime in my area. Thanks to the city's online GIS mapping system, I'm able to see within a week's time exactly where and what types of crimes have occurred. My immediate neighborhood is actually very quiet though so it's an odd sort of dichotomy. I haven't had any issues personally but I once discovered bicycle tracks in my front yard leading away from my pickup so I've always been on alert for the possibility that something may happen. No matter how quiet your neighborhood, there's always that chance.

As I remained motionless, my ears focused for any sound, I heard the soft breathing of my three dogs. Surely they would have erupted had someone rang my doorbell and if it only woke them as it woke me, the voices would have set them off. Instead, they all remained asleep. Was it possible that they were sleeping more soundly than I was just moments ago?

I laid awake for several minutes and having heard nothing else besides the mantle clock tolling midnight, relaxed myself into a return to sleep. I slept well for the remainder of the night and awoke refreshed but still a little disturbed by the night's event. After finishing my first cup of coffee of the morning, I dressed warmly to go outside. I was worried that the freezing temperatures might cause one of my unprotected spigots to burst. I covered the one on the back of the house, then went out the front door to cover the other one.

I'd recently cut down some shrubs just in front of my porch and removed the stumps, so the dirt right in front of the porch was quite soft. Directly in front of the door in the dirt was the right footprint of a shoe. Being the sort of person who pays close attention to details, I can say that almost certainly it was not there when I had returned from a quick ride on my motorcycle in the late evening the day before. I would not have stepped there myself so at the very least, someone had visited my front porch within the last day or so.

My first thoughts were that someone meant to harm me. I think under the circumstances, I think it would be anyone's first thought. Later in the morning, it occurred to me that perhaps it was someone who needed my assistance; I reason that were this the case it can't have been that dire or they would have taken more pains to get my attention. Regardless, I will never know now what the situation might have been at that late hour of the night.

[butwhymalemodels]

Interesting that the dogs didn't react, but I've noticed noises that my pup doesn't bat an eyelash at. I think you're right...if someone would have needed assistance, they would have been a little more persistent at the door. You made the right choice.

[Hogmaster]

It was just the neighbor kid.

[Jsail]

A common practice for those about to break into your house is to knock first and wait out of site to see if anyone is home. umpkin:

Could it be that you just forgot to take some or all of your medication yesterday?
Has this happened to you before?
How do you feel about this?

How about a sign "FORGET ABOUT THE OWNER BEWARE OF THE DOGS"

"PROTECTED BY SMITH & WESSON"

"WE WILL SHOOT FIRST AND ASK QUESTIONS AFTER WE DRAG YOUR LIMP BODY INTO THE HOUSE"

If you really think you had a prowler call the cops and tell them where and when. They can use all the help they can get to round up the ......

[Hogmaster]

OK, seriously this time. It may have been a print you missed. Let's hope so. And the good news is that even if it wasn't, the prospective perp found something incongruous with a break-in being a good idea. Maybe your snoring. That would explain why the dogs weren't stirred. They are used to sleeping through it.

You could try a sign on the porch like, "Have you ever wondered what it is like to be shot and eaten by three dogs? Come on in!"


I still think it was the neighbor kid.

[Matthewc]

Originally Posted by ampersat

I awoke still asleep.

I don't know whether I was in the midst of a dream or not, but I heard a doorbell and then a moment later I heard a voice saying something. I was definitely still asleep but suddenly very awake. I tried to move but could not and it was as if I could feel the wind on my psyche as I forced myself to consciousness with a rush. In seconds I was fully awake and aware and able to move but I laid very still, listening. My first instinct was to reach for my handgun but instead I remained perfectly motionless hoping not to hear anything that would confirm my thoughts as to what might have woken me from a dead sleep.

Mine isn't the greatest neighborhood. To the south of me is one of the hotspots for crime in my area. Thanks to the city's online GIS mapping system, I'm able to see within a week's time exactly where and what types of crimes have occurred. My immediate neighborhood is actually very quiet though so it's an odd sort of dichotomy. I haven't had any issues personally but I once discovered bicycle tracks in my front yard leading away from my pickup so I've always been on alert for the possibility that something may happen. No matter how quiet your neighborhood, there's always that chance.

As I remained motionless, my ears focused for any sound, I heard the soft breathing of my three dogs. Surely they would have erupted had someone rang my doorbell and if it only woke them as it woke me, the voices would have set them off. Instead, they all remained asleep. Was it possible that they were sleeping more soundly than I was just moments ago?

I laid awake for several minutes and having heard nothing else besides the mantle clock tolling midnight, relaxed myself into a return to sleep. I slept well for the remainder of the night and awoke refreshed but still a little disturbed by the night's event. After finishing my first cup of coffee of the morning, I dressed warmly to go outside. I was worried that the freezing temperatures might cause one of my unprotected spigots to burst. I covered the one on the back of the house, then went out the front door to cover the other one.

I'd recently cut down some shrubs just in front of my porch and removed the stumps, so the dirt right in front of the porch was quite soft. Directly in front of the door in the dirt was the right footprint of a shoe. Being the sort of person who pays close attention to details, I can say that almost certainly it was not there when I had returned from a quick ride on my motorcycle in the late evening the day before. I would not have stepped there myself so at the very least, someone had visited my front porch within the last day or so.

My first thoughts were that someone meant to harm me. I think under the circumstances, I think it would be anyone's first thought. Later in the morning, it occurred to me that perhaps it was someone who needed my assistance; I reason that were this the case it can't have been that dire or they would have taken more pains to get my attention. Regardless, I will never know now what the situation might have been at that late hour of the night.

Well now that deer season is over, you will have a second use for your trail cams : )

[ampersat]

Sometimes I really hate it when it turns out that my first intuition is right. I was loading up the dogs this morning to take them for a hike around the Sandy Delta area and thats when I noticed the two BB gun holes in the big front window. Thankfully, it's just a storm window kind of setup so it's not that bad but I guess I'll get to learn all about the wonderful products used to repair this kind of damage. My guess is that the person or persons who did this came up to check their handiwork after finding no one stirring downrange.

While I was out hiking I had plenty of time to consider the situation. No major damage was done and no one got hurt (at least not yet) so while it's a bit troubling, it's no major issue in the grand scheme of things. However, had the situation been more serious, I realize now that I was rather unprepared. I didn't have clothing to put on at the ready should I have needed it (having no shoes on can be a big disadvantage when faced with intruders) and that situation will be remedied post haste. I'll also be researching a wireless security camera setup so that I can keep tabs on the front yard.

[Jennie@ifish]

You almost saw Santa Claus!!!!

No?

[StickFish]

Probably some kids dad trying out the Red Ryder BB Gun he just got his kid for Christmas. If it was something else, at least they didn't see anything within reason to continue the intent. This time of year there are lots of folks casing houses for all those nice expensive items under the tree.

PS, reach for the Shotgun instead of the pistol - racking a round in the chamber is enough to dissuade most folks from continuing there poor behavior. If not you won't have to worry as much about endangering the neighbors with a stray bullet

[Jsail]

"My first instinct was to reach for my handgun but instead I remained perfectly motionless hoping not to hear anything that would confirm my thoughts as to what might have woken me from a dead sleep. "

Sorry for making lite of the situation. I'm glad you figured it out.
The not knowing will haunt a person as well as knowing that they are vulnerable.

About the gun .... have you taken the concealed handgun coarse?
That is the best place to find out when it legal to shoot an intruder. Even then; they (or their family) can still sue you for damages. Doesn't mean they would win but the cost is considerable anyway.

I made lite of it before but the truth be known, I don't know if I'd kill someone or not if they were not a immediate threat. I'm sure I'd have help making the decision if a intruder showed up. A 40 S&W ends issues real quick, but I'd rather hold them for the boys in blue.

Maybe a phone with 911 speed dial would be handy to have next to your bed boots. Even if you just dial it and set it down they'll get the message.

[Jennie@ifish]

Yikes, Amp! I just read "the rest of the story!"

Why don't you move? Please? I know it's probably not possible, but I'd sure feel better if you could arrange it.

[Jennie@ifish]

I got a little worried about our situation. If we would have had any kind of emergency, no one could have helped us. That was a strange feeling!

fire? Good luck! My aorta? Bend over and kiss....

Anyhow, we were without power and any kind of means for any vehicle to get here. We couldn't even walk out!

Anyhow, scary stuff, Amp!

[jokester]

Well, glad you and your family is safe and sound, Amp.

I've always liked the sign that said, "WARNING: Tresspassors will be shot, survivors will be shot again!"

-jokester

[Dave G]

Glad you and the family is safe, Santa's GPS was obroken and he needed directions.

[yankemnbankem]

looking for a certain pic......... here it is!

[7066]

Originally Posted by ampersat

Sometimes I really hate it when it turns out that my first intuition is right. I was loading up the dogs this morning to take them for a hike around the Sandy Delta area and thats when I noticed the two BB gun holes in the big front window. Thankfully, it's just a storm window kind of setup so it's not that bad but I guess I'll get to learn all about the wonderful products used to repair this kind of damage. My guess is that the person or persons who did this came up to check their handiwork after finding no one stirring downrange.

While I was out hiking I had plenty of time to consider the situation. No major damage was done and no one got hurt (at least not yet) so while it's a bit troubling, it's no major issue in the grand scheme of things. However, had the situation been more serious, I realize now that I was rather unprepared. I didn't have clothing to put on at the ready should I have needed it (having no shoes on can be a big disadvantage when faced with intruders) and that situation will be remedied post haste. I'll also be researching a wireless security camera setup so that I can keep tabs on the front yard.

If you are interested PM me and I will send you my phone number and we can discuss camera systems and my experience with mine. I have 6 cameras around my house. I do not sell them or represent any company just had them installed. If you want to bounce your ideas off some one feel free.

[Cat n Tat's Dusky]

Glad nobody was hurt, first of all. Very easily could have gone wrong.

What are the laws in Oregon about handguns/concealed weapons? Laws here in Florida used to be you had to be in imminent danger, now you shoot first, ID later. A few brainiacs have found out the hard way that people are tired of the criminals having more rights than the victims.

As far as the alarm system....my nephew (13 yr old) started hanging out with some "cool kids" in the neighborhood, who have tried breaking into the house several times. Cameras will be going up shortly.

[HOGGEMIN]

In Oregon if the intruder is inside your home you may shoot, if out side you must feel your life in in danger. Also my multnomah county sheriff instructor for concealed permit training said to aim to kill do not intend to wound. By the way you do not need a concealed weapons permit to protect your home or to investigate outside happenings.

[ampersat]

I've taken the concealed permit class but have not obtained my concealed permit yet (but that situation is soon to be rectified).

Hoggemin has it right except for the "intend to wound" part. Always shoot for the center of mass, namely the torso. Adrenaline is pumping and things happen very fast. If things come to the point where you need to actually fire your weapon (and in most cases, even when you have to draw and aim your weapon, it won't but if it does...), you'd better make darned sure that you're maximizing your chances for success (courtesy of my NRA master instructor with twenty years of experience training county sheriffs). You've got X number of chances to hit your intended target depending on the capacity of your weapon of choice and choosing suboptimal shot placements increases the odds that you will be killed. Chances are quite good that unless you're well trained by the military or have spent extensive time training yourself, the end result will be a non-life-threatening wound anyway.

Lest anyone misunderstand, if the intruder is in your home, you have every reason to believe your life is in imminent danger. If you are outside of your home, you'd better be absolutely certain that your life or the life of someone else is in imminent danger because you will spend the next few years of your life and many thousands of dollars of your hard earned money defending that fact in court.
__________________________________________________ ______________________

Back to our regularly scheduled story
Having had some time to think about it all, it was probably just a couple of kids out playing with a BB gun late at night. I haven't filed a police report and likely won't. At most, I'm out some $30 for a new pane of glass, although a glass repair kit retails for $12 and I'm sure I'll be satisfied with the results. More disturbing to me is that I have three dogs who slept clean through the whole thing. I'm almost certain that the doorbell was a product of the dream I was having at the time (since it didn't sound anything like my tired old doorbell), but that the voices were "for real". When I had achieved consciousness, I told myself that since the dogs hadn't alarmed it was probably nothing. Turns out that it wasn't nothing, and that really bothers me.

I'm considering some options (non-lethal) for increasing my home security. My house was equipped with an alarm system that I'm considering retrofitting for my own purposes (namely, waking me up). I'm also going to add better motion detection lighting for the front and rear of the house to help deter folks from coming onto the property.

While this event did not happen to you, I hope you can learn something from it. It's always a good time to review and upgrade the security of your home by whatever means you see fit.

[Matthewc]

Originally Posted by Jennie@ifish

You almost saw Santa Claus!!!!

No?

Yea! he was just trying to give you a Red Ryder BB gun!

[DAB]

2 much food just before bed time. In my humble opinion you was just dreaming, at least I hope.
DAB

[ampersat]

I certainly didn't dream the footprint in the dirt right off of my front porch window with two fresh BB holes in it. They're both still there and I'd gladly go out and take pics for you if you'd like.

[CombinationLicense]

Like StickFish said - load the shotgun! I keep pants, slip on shoes, a good flashlight and a 12 ga riot gun handy for just that type of scenario. Also, don't open your door unless you know the person on the other side. You can call the cops for their assistance with the door shut. With the increase in "home invasion" type robberies, I wouldn't give them any opportunity to gain entry.



"CL"

[Thumper]

You can borrow my aging Jack Russell if you like.:tongue: