[Maximo]

Mike, I am so relieved that you, Eddie, Jillie, and Lucy escaped unharmed. I read your blog and I could picture how scary the situation must have been.

Intense fear of loose dogs is something I struggle with daily when I take the guys out. We have had a few scary encounters, but none as threatening as yours. One of our doggy friends here was mauled by a Corgi, so you never know when it is best just to try to stay cool and let the dogs sniff each other.

Your pinata comment in your blog also made me think of when I swung my guys in the air to avoid an angry, large dachshund. I agree with you that this probably made them look more appealing to the charging dog, but I was panicked.

It is time consuming to do one-dog walks, but I will never take both of my guys out together in the neighborhood again. Even one dog is frightening, and picking up the small dogs is no guarantee of safety, as you pointed out. I am a tall person, but many of the dogs in our neighborhood could easily take me down.

It's frustrating that so many dog owners are irresponsible letting their dogs run loose, not doing enough to secure them.