Before I begin, I would like to make it clear that I love animals. I am not part of the Michael Vick set, who strives to see them in the throes of torture, nor do I look for a way to make a fortune off man’s best friend. I am, however, relatively protective over my body, as well as my girlfriend. And I deem it necessary to take the proper precautionary measures that neither one of us are going to get hurt. We both enjoy taking walks in our neighborhood, sometimes dusting off the Huffy bicycles and venturing out after a quick dinner. Television shows like Deal or no Deal can just as easily be viewed at a later time after we experience the beauty of a sunset with the wind at our backs.
But lately, such forms of exercise have become more and more troublesome. And not because the latest Fall preview lineup on TV has jumped into our living rooms. Instead, we have found ourselves at the mercy of inconsiderate neighbors. And you probably know the type. They leave their dogs unleashed and unchained; the canine often waits in hiding under a parked vehicle in their driveway, shadowed and well-hidden from the unsuspecting passerby. Then, when all is right with the world, a darting bullet in furry-form, snarling and raging at two individuals whose only defense may be a set of keys, Nike sneakers, and a cheap pedometer.
Often, the dog owner will be outside to call the dog away from you, and he or she will inform you in a good natured unabashed sing-song, “That is Rex’s way of saying hello. He won’t bite you.” Sure. And yet strangely enough, this does little to soothe the nerves, since this was the very same Rex that seconds ago, had a wild-eyed, foaming-at-the-mouth-I-am-going-to-rip-you-apart expression that would make Hercules himself bolt away in his sandals.
Sometimes, dear reader, the best offense is a good defense. And allow me to reiterate, I am in no way an abuser of pets, nor do I take glee in the inexcusable cruelty to animals. But not being able to safely enjoy an evening stroll can be considered cruelty to the casual exerciser, can it not? (And trust me…I am a very casual exerciser; just entertaining the idea of walking to my truck causes me to break out into a sweat.)
This is where Mace Muzzle Dog Repellent Spray comes in handy. Each canister contains a pepper solution fairly similar to the type used on individuals that resist arrest. Practice using this device may be a good idea, since one does not want to wait until an emergency to use it. The contents of one can are usually good for between 10 to 12 quick sprays. It is strongly encouraged only to use this device in a worst-case scenario; some people are far better understanding a dog’s approaches than others.
The price tag of $14.95 for the spray is a very minimal price for the protection that it guarantees. Weigh the possibilities here: Would you rather have an untrained and unwatched dog tearing apart your arm, leg, or face? Such injury could result in a fortune in doctor visits, rabies shots, and Lord only knows what else. Or would it be more beneficial to spray the possibly hostile dog that is only trying to protect its assumed territory. The spray itself will not cause any permanent residual effects. Instead, the stinging remains temporary and will cause “Rex” to stop in his tracks, giving you the chance of an easy escape.
Does it really have to come to thisll you may ask. The answer depends solely on the consideration of people around you. In my neighborhood, sadly enough, the answer is “yes.” Now, if the laws were slightly different, one would assume that the real target of this mace would be the negligent owners of large dogs that allow them to attack walkers, joggers, and other enthusiasts in the first place. But if the situation arises in which your inconsiderate neighbor should chastise you for the spraying of his or her dog, you may want to say two words: You’re welcome. Because the spray is a temporary warning, but a dog who actually is successful at biting an unsuspecting civilian is an automatic lawsuit.
