"A Magnum would help, too -- especially if she knew how to use it" This is a good point however, when she is in the kitchen and someone knocks on the door she goes into the living room to answer the door. At this point is when the door begins to open and she would have not opportunity to retrieve the "gun". This only leaves the dogs to defend her at that time. "BTW - locking one's doors is always a good idea. Even if you live in a "safe" place. Locking the doors prevents "accidental" intruders -- such as the man you described -- from getting inside to begin with" I would have to agree with this statement. However, we do not lock the doors when someone is home and there is almost always someone home. The other part to this is that I would prefer to have someone steal my belongings than the life of someone in the house. Everything of value that they can steal can either be replaced or lived without except for life. I hold the same thought process with my car. I do not lock the doors as I would rather only have to replace the radio then have to replace the window as well. "Locks only keep honest people honest" In ohter words, if someone wants to steal from you they will regardless of locks. They offer a moderate amount of security but do not overly rely on them. More family members are injured every year by "accident" due to someone thinking that someone is trying to break in than actual criminals by weapons kept near for "security". Pony