Mine definitley try to go up to the big dogs, but I always ask the owner if their dog is used to small dogs and I always hold them while we owners are talking... I'm just too paranoid bc I know anything can happen in an instant

As far as the mace is concerned... Am I the only person that has heard that regular old mace does not work in this situation and that you have to carry a special mace that is for hikers to protect them against bears????

Thank you ...I didn't know that... but I WANTED that chow to come to me so I guess without knowing it I may have been doing the right thing ???? I saw the whole thing in my head ...but I DID have time to think - most dog attacks there is no warnings - so that's where we need MORE advise :D

If one goes for the throat - do you go under the chin or directly to the center of the neck ?

..not that I'm planning to take down a huge dog...but we have several in my neighborhood that roam off leash and are really scary looking ...but seem ok in temperment.

No doubt in my mind---I would have Hulk Hogan down for the count if he tried to bother one of my critters.. Same goes for his dogs!!! LOL
Hawks and eagles are my big predators here. An air rifle sits loaded right by the door at all times. My WV up-bringing made me a pretty good shot!!!! Just ask my sons...

I would run for my life holding my babies

Confession
 

Well, I must say...I was the other person with a big dog (Mastiff 160 lbs of him) that attacked a little Pomeranian. Beacuse of my love for all animals. (Don't care for spiders and snakes too much) but, any who....I adopted Buddy (the mastiff) because he was at a rescue for a couple of years and being that he didn't get along with other pets, he was housed in the basement of the rescuers home. (He was well taken care of though)
So, we got Buddy because we didn't have any other pets and I knew in my hearts of hearts no one would adopt him if they hadn't already, well my kids had 2 friends over that sad day and 1 of them :eyebrow2: left the front door open and Buddy charged across the street where the owner was walking the Pom. (We only had Buddy a month or 2 at the time)

Mind you....they where hitting Buddy, they lifted the Pom way above their heads and even threw him over the fence. (like one of the posters stated they would do) But Buddy went under the fence and got the little baby. :cry8: I was in the kitchen cooking when it happened and didn't know anything until it was over but the kids who left the door open, their mom went outside trying to get control of the whole situation.

Well, I paid for the creamation etc. to the owner and also paid fines like I think any other good person in my situation should do. (I still speak to the Pom owner on occasion) And this is just one of the reasons that I decided to go small but also not to adopt this time because you never know what type of problem, issues and/or training that they have. I would love to adopt and I still may in the future but I am very cautious because there are mean people that train there pets to kill other pets/animals. And now that I am on the other side of the fence...I worry because there maybe a Buddy that gets out or can get out by accident and 160lbs is a little more than what some of us weigh (eh hum I didn't say me :embarasse )

Well to end this...I didn't get rid of Buddy because of what happened. He still deserved a chance at life. He was a loving dog that nobody wanted and I thought it would be nice for him to live out his life in a real home. He died last year and then I got Gizmo that next month after his death. But, wow what would you do against a big dog like Buddy? Yikes...I cringe at the thought.

Gizmo&Trinkets mom

To be honest, one way or another the dog attacking me or my dog would be dead. Plain and simple. Sorry folks.

That was really heartwrenching to read...the poor pom ...poor owners and poor you. Buddy was doing what comes natural - I understand that part... and it sounds like you were VERY responsible and had him inside....The door being left open was an accident. I get upset with the people that let their pets roam free - but one that gets out can happen to anyone - it happened when Tessa almost got attacked ...our fault that hubby left the gate open.

Buddy sounds HUGE - 160 POUNDS ? He sounds like a big ole sweetie and attacking that pom is nothing I would ever hold against a dog....well maybe not quite...but no one can condemn an animal for instincts.

I don't think my mind was thinking THAT big of a dog though....

but I still believe I would tackle anything that went in the direction of my girls and hang on for their dear lives....You sound like a really good person who stepped up to the plate and felt really bad - not all people are like you are.

Awww
 

Thanks Red

Adopting is great because there are sooooo many pooches that haven't had a chance at life or had one and it got snatched away from them but, adopting is just not for me right now. I am planning on moving within the next several months so that I can have my own little rescue (I don't want to be an organization though) just something small who gives to those who need love and can give love. (No charge) I never really understood the charge factor with adopting :confused: They would have to pay for food, vet and other things associated with pets anyway whether adopted or not. Not only to mention they are an "organization" so I am sure where one rescue is lacking the other will chip in and support.
Sorry, I got a little off track but I hadn't talked about this because it bothered me soooo much. Just needed to vent and find out what I should do in case of a Buddy attack? It can happen. Now where can I get Bear mace? :eek: