Elizabeth, if you are truly as fearful as your posts appear to indicate maybe it's time to seriously reconsider living where you do. Predators, whether human or animal tend to prey on the weak. And being fearful will, whether you realize it or not, transmit itself to any predator making you more likely to be a victim.

Take a self defense class. and get over your unwillingness to hurt someone who is going to hurt you. You have every right and obligation to defend yourself if you are capable of doing so. If you are not capable either mentally or physically then your best course of action is to remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.

I might call the airlines, out of curiosity, and ask what types of pets are allowed in cabin un-crated. It might give a hint as to type of certifications available.

Your veterinarian may help you by issuing a letter stating that the dog is for your protection. On every health certificate, there is a place where "purpose of travel" has to be filled in. Perhaps "protection" could be written there. Even if your dog is not a PPD, any dog offers some security.

Self defense classes FOR SURE. Wow...you would rather die than hurt someone else even if they intend to kill you??? wow. Even a timid bunny rabbit will try and bite if it's caught/cornered. I'd hate to have to take someone's life but if it's me or them...all bets are off!

 Quote: elaine haynes

Take a self defense class. and get over your unwillingness to hurt someone who is going to hurt you. You have every right and obligation to defend yourself if you are capable of doing so. If you are not capable either mentally or physically then your best course of action is to remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.

Someone once said..."If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."

 Quote: tammy moore

 Quote: elaine haynes

Take a self defense class. and get over your unwillingness to hurt someone who is going to hurt you. You have every right and obligation to defend yourself if you are capable of doing so. If you are not capable either mentally or physically then your best course of action is to remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.

Someone once said..."If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."

If I remember correctly it was Christ who said that to his apostles.

As you know service dogs are not nessisarily guide dogs for the blind but they can also be dogs that detect seizures, low blood sugar etc. That said I have seen something a long time ago about a lady that was terrified to go out and about doing routine things that most of us take for granted. I think it was a GSD she had. I don't know what the dog was specifically trained to do but he did give her the confidence to get out and face the day. He was considered a service dog and allowed to go anywhere with her. Sorry but that's all I recall about it.

All that aside as much as I enjoy getting out and doing things with the dogs my number one priority with them is to protect them. If I had to be somewhere where I felt that threatened the dogs would be safe at home. Like you I hate the thought of hurting or killing anyone but if it came right down to it being me or them then I'm afraid their number would be up.

Lisa

 Quote: Elizabeth Anderson

Handgun is out of the question. I would rather die than hurt someone else even if they intend to hurt or kill me.

I understand. I can't even kill a bug. Why not just take your pup with you until told otherwise? If no one takes offense and if she is well groomed and well behaved people may not even notice her.

I still strongly suggest self defense it will give you confidence which is a huge deterrent to someone looking for a victim.

I agree, on both points.

Take her with you, until someone says otherwise. Also, you could look into trying to get her certified as a therapy dog, since you do actually have a fear of being in public where you are.

Also, self defense classes - for sure! I grew up in a big city, and lived in a lot of crappy areas, partied all, afterhours clubs... Any how, in all that time, I was lucky enough to never need anything beyond my scathing wit (although one time I was using a payphone with my back to the sidewalk, and I didn't know it, but 2 drunk guys had come up behind me. All I heard was, "OW, he fucking bit me!" and my little beagle-y dog was standing there growling at them).
Anyhow, this past summer I was working at a very well known, annual music festival, here in BC. A lot of crazy stuff goes on, and the promoters do truly go above and beyond due diligence. So, I had to take a 40 hour course, to become a licensed security guard. We learned a lot of mental, and tactical stuff, but even the basic physical stuff - how to stand, where your hands should be, things to look for, a couple basic moves/holds - helped so much! I'm definitely sold on more classes.
I think they would give you a lot of confidence. Which, believe me, makes a huge difference. I can tell you more via pm if interest.