I lost my cat because of a burglary.

by Kate Santoro

I lost the most precious thing to me because of a burglary.

They came in through the back door and that's where Duchess got out. Duchess was my very much loved cat, a Siamese, not show quality but most beautiful all the same.

The burglars took most of my jewelry, over time that can be replaced, but you cannot replace a well loved pet.

Duchess must have been scared senseless when they busted into her home, panicked and bolted out of the open door, and kept running. She was an indoor cat that had never been out of the house. The poor thing would not have much chance of surviving out there. It broke my heart.

I spent days knocking on doors all over the neighborhood and giving out handbills, even offering a reward, but not one sighting of her.

Those burglars will never know what they have done or how much pain they caused.

I have improved the security of my whole house not just the back door and had an alarm installed, but I can't undo what has been done. If only I had this level of security before, Duchess would be still here with me now.