I agree; pepper spray or the equivalent, stun gun, whatever it takes so you feel comfortable walking with them again. I can attest to the benefits of walking them regularly (and yourself
)...I think walking with another person really helps too. I ALWAYS take my cellphone with me and make sure that I have it out if anyone comes anywhere near me. First of all, you can always use it to take a photo if you need to, and second, program the fastest way to dial 9-1-1. It's so much easier for them to lose weight when they're exercising (just like us) and it really doesn't take that much. Maybe get a whistle or some sort of personal alarm too....a lot of pedometers have alarms on them also...check them out; that way, you'll know how many steps you're walking which is a good thing, and you'll have another layer of security if anything should happen. Good luck to you sweetie...I don't want anyone to have to go thru the pancreatitis thing I've had to go thru before.....
I don't know what to do about the barking outside. Max doesn't do that, only at home when someone comes up to the door.....it sounds like Sweetie is being extra protective, but I'm sure someone else here can give you some good advice! Seana and Max