[D Edmund Joaquin]

yes, I believe that you have a right to defend yourself and your dog, especially on your own property. I think most trouble happens when people let their dogs run loose, but I think that is less common now than it used to be. I also think only a lowlife good for nothing would ever harm a woman or her dog.

On the other hand, consider this. Some years ago my elderly mother went out to get her paper, and 2 dogs running loose attacked her, in her own yard. Had I been there....well, as you see, it depends on the situation

[Goodgirlinred]

Yes, of course it depends on the situation. I would defend my mother, my children, my grandchildren, or anyone else being attacked by vicious dogs. I would defend my dogs or cats if they were being attacked.

I live in the country. I own 10 acres of land. My sister-in-law owns the other 98 acres. My dog, the young one Harm, runs on our property when my son-in-law lets his bird dog run loose. Otherwise, Harm stays with me.