nanci,

i agree with you BF. i was attacked by a dog just as i was slowing down in front of my house a year ago. even if i had pepper spray i would not have had a chance to use it. fortunately for me he bit and let go quickly so i didn't lose a chunk of my calf muscle (did have to get a shot though).

i've also been chased by dogs on my bike and i can't imagine trying to sprint AND getting the pepper spray ready!

in terms of human threats i think the general feeling is that if you carry a weapon of any type it will generally get used against you instead of your attacker. most of us aren't "wired" to inflict pain on someone and that moment hesitation is all that a "bad guy" needs to turn the tables.

i think our biggest source of protection is our own instincts. if i think i'm being followed or something i'll stop and look at my watch and look behind me as if i'm waiting for someone. or i'll pull out my cell phone and pretend i'm talking to someone. i think most attackers are opportunistic and are looking for easy marks. if they think things could get complicated they'll often move on.

traveller