Picked Sasha (CrazyBonez "Bruiser") up this a.m. and just love her. I personally wouldn't put my dogs/animals out unattended. For the same reason as you mentioned. When I used my cat and dog last year I took a coated somewhat thick wire and anchored/tethered them down to things nearby so they couldn't just "walkoff" easily. That was so if we both went in the house for some reason on Halloween night for a short break we had a little bit of insurance they'd still be there. It is so sad to need to think this way but I have read police blotter reports during the holidays of people's decorations being taken in our area. This year I may set up a Bunkerhill driveway alert system to "announce" people to our yard. I only set up on Halloween so a shorter time to protect them from Dog Nappers.