Asswipe, indeed. Fortunately, our meter is in the front of the fence. But we've had this problem many times with cable and phone repair technicians and landscapers. Our dogs HAVE gotten loose as a result. It's enough to make me want to *kill* the offender.

I hope that your furkids are safe and sound!

Stuff like this is EXACTLY why I told the landladies here that they were to have NO maintenance people in this apartment unless either Mike or I are at home at the time.

As you know, we have cats. Eight of them. One in particular, the Stripecat, will run for the door whenever he hears anyone near it. Our front door opens out onto the street...no *buffer zone* such as a hallway. More than a few times, he has run out into the street, but we always managed to catch him and bring him back in. We live on a busy street, and none of our cats are allowed to go outside because of this.

The only other living soul we trust to look out for Stripes in our absence is Patti, the woman who takes care of the cats whenever we go away. Nobody else gives a flying fuck...these maintenance guys are careless, open and close the door without looking, and probably would not bother to go after Stripes if he did get out.

I understand exactly how you feel, Tess. I would not hesitate to cause comparable harm to anyone who would be careless enough to let our cats out!

Anyone who fucks with my dog gets turned into Alpo.

I hate people that have no regard for animals. That used to happen to me we had a gate leading up to my front porch. I can't tell you how many times I answered the door, saw the gate wide open, and had to run around the neighborhood trying to locate my dog! Bah!

Would it do any good to leave a big old sign at the gate saying "Please Make Sure Gate is Closed, Asswipe"????

Ah, but can he read?

Follow up: We've now put a lock on the gate so NO one's getting in or out without the combination. :)