From research done on the internet Mace (a brand name - really tear gas) is an irritant which causes pain. Someone or something with a high pain threshold may be able to attack through it. AKAIK dogs have a high pain threshold...

Pepper spray causes involuntary reactions to the spray...so in the case of a human attacker difficulty breathing, temporary blindness. Check wikipedia on both.

Also, "Mace" brand products are now pepper spray (OC).

Somebody needs to invent bullets-in-a-can.

hayley, your fears are reasonable. from your short bio here, it sounds to me like your entire system is on high alert, you are probably suffering from adrenaline poisoning from all that you have been through physically and emotionally in recent years. and as if all that wasn't enough, you had to deal with the AB attack, too.

cut yourself some slack. it is going to take time for you to get your biochemistry back to something resembling normal.

here's a big suggestion for you: find someone who practices chinese medicine. acupuncture could do wonders for you. you need to get your adrenal system back in balance. this is not all in your head. it is biochemical.

in the meantime, since this AB is evidently terrorizing the neighborhood and is a danger to the public, it might help you to regain some feeling of control over the situation if you were to put some positive energy into locating the dog and its owner and turning them in to animal control, or at least making a full report with your friend. you could also ask around the neighborhood and find out if others have been victimized by this dog.

if you and your friend can successfully get the AB out of commission, so he can't hurt anyone else, it might help you feel more empowered and less a frightened victim. it's a positive way to direct all that adrenaline.

just a thought.

wishing you well...

Hayley,
It's good you are posting. Writing addresses many issues and while it's not a cure, it does help to organize all that poison into readable sentences.


Get your stun-gun girl- and practice, practice, practice and when you wear it out buy another one. Also, please consider a gun handling class. If you find you like shooting (it really is a tension reliever), then buy a gun and practice, practice, practice. Personally I recommend a .357 revolver with a two-inch barrel-- it shoots 38-calibre and also bigger .357 ammunition. We have law enforcement in the family they recommended this particular size weapon. A revolver will not jam and is so not complicated to fire. You just pull the trigger.

Hang in and keep working on everything.
Ruth

P.S. I'm a 5'2" grandma.

 Quote:

P.S. I'm a 5'2" grandma.

<img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Sometimes it's not the size of the firecracker, but how much gunpowder is packed inside.

BTW, you ladies are an inspiration to me - okay, and you fellas too - but the chicks here all ROCK. Gives me a serious boost in morale and help. I really mean that too.

:biggrin:

Hayley -

The good news about pit bulls is they are bred to be people passive or at least they used to because they were bred to be handled during a dog fight. Most well bred pit bulls ones that they keep close to reliable blood lines tend to have DA but are very good with people..especially in an adgitated state. If you want to understand this breed as knowledge is power please PM me, I married into Pit Bulls with two daughters and as I am an analyst by trade I did my home work on these dogs. The problem all Pit owners face is the uncontrolled activity of the back yard breeders that breed a high energy, muscular high drive dog (that does not want to quit) with a guardian that will use people aggression - bad combination, or with blood of an unstable dog that a responsible breeder would cull. Expect DA from a pit bull, if weak nerves or people aggression is seen...stun that dog then attempt to have it PTS because it is not a good Pit Bull. I love the breed but I want the breed returned to its standard a lean 30 - 40 lb dog that you would never trust with another dog but would never worry about your children being around.

Hayley, I'm with Ruth here. Pick your weapon of choice and practice. You don't need to be a Green Beret to carry something that helps you feel a little more secure.

I weigh 105 lbs. and so would have no chance whatsoever at stopping a bigger breed by kicking it. I know this going on my walks every day so, in my opinion, I'd be crazy not to arm myself with "stuff".

Much luck and FWIW, every last one of us could use a dose of therapy <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> . Good luck too with the jacka$$, er I mean your ex-husband <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> .

Hayley, you have been through hell and back <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Remember, each terrible experience has made you stronger and better!

Having a little fear equates to having a healthy respect IMO... Keep in mind when you're in public that you don't know the dogs, you don't know the owners, how the dogs were raised, and what they were allowed to get away with etc. Going from extreme fear to none at all might not be the greatest idea. A while ago I asked a lady in my neighborhood if I could pet her rottweiler x, and if it bites. She said no go right ahead. Well the dog lunged for my face, I stepped back and she pulled back on the leash saving me from getting bit. That was right after the dog was attacked by the rottweiler x apbt across the street from me, so that could have been why. That was the last time I asked to pet someone's dog. So, keep a little bit of caution and reservation with strangers dogs. It sounds like the corso lady was a good find for you <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> But be careful of going from extreme fear to none at all, especially when you have your dogs with you, and other dogs. I think the best way to spend time with other dominant type dogs is without your dogs to fully prevent any type of spats that could arise and set you back.

Good luck and I'm glad things are looking up for you <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />