Nope, I totally agree with you, Marni. We don't have a lot of paths here, but I generally avoid them like the plague. I rode one last week, with a friend, which was just OK.
Of course, I have often dealt with the dog issue on the road. We also have a strict leash law, which the people in my neighborhood think doesn't apply to them. Then there are the by laws we have regarding dogs at our neighborhood pond/beach. The rule is, no, they are not allowed. Yet, people continue to let their dogs swim in the water and romp around by the shore.
Because of this, I've been to the pond only 3 times this summer.