Tinker -- what an awful situation. So glad it is behind you. Don;t you just get pissed off when people behave in a way that forces you to change your lifestyle? Having met Bubba, I would say let him have the run of the house -- at heart he is like our bull mastiff, Asha, a pussy cat - but these big dogs do look scarey. We had some kids break into our house years ago and took, of all things - wrapped Christmas gifts -- the feeling of violation was there. My sister in England has been broken into three times - my brother in law plans to leave a note saying - door open, come in - make yourself some tea - no valuables left.....leave quickly.