Toto and I take "Papa" with us!
If he sees a meduim/large sized dog a block away, he scoops Toto up in his arms and carries her until he knows there is no danger!
Seriously, although we live in a very safe neighborhood, you just never know. We just take our walks when Patrick is with us. Mace is a good idea ... I bought that for my daughter and she keeps it with her all the time. Be very careful and don't walk alone! There
really is safety in numbers.