Of Dogs and Hooded Men

In the last few years, there have only been a few times where I felt physically threatened enough that I might consider using force to defend myself. And they both happened in 2008.

A few months ago, likely around 10 PM, a person knocked loudly on my door. That, in and of itself, is strange. Most adults are smart enough to call on the telephone at a late hour, if absolutely necessary. So I proceed to the door slowly and look through the glass at the top of my door (yes, I'm that tall). I see a large person, about 300 pounds, dressed in a dark hoodie and dark pants. He had his back to my door and I could not see his face. I waited, and waited, and waited, all the while with my hand on the butt of my pistol. Then, since I had not answered the door, he turned around to ring the doorbell again, and I could see that it was my neighbor from across the street.

Whew.

Another incident happened over the weekend. I was standing in the Scout Master's driveway discussing the upcoming scout camps when down the street we heard a man yelling. The Scout Master's 2 year-old daughter was standing next to us. As we stared toward the yelling, we noticed that one man had a large dog on a leash and that another large dog had gotten away from the 2nd man. They were chasing the dog. Brad grabbed his daughter and quickly took her into his house and shut the door. We proceeded in our discussion until the loose dog entered his yard. I immediately placed my hand onto the butt of my pistol because the dog was coming straight for me. He approached and stood directly in front of me for about 10 seconds and then took off down the street.

Whew.

I believe dogs have a sense for nervousness. In fact, I know they do. With my hand on my pistol, I was confident that I could defend myself if the dog attacked me. I think the dog knew that too. My heart was not racing, but in my mind I was saying to myself, "BRING IT ON, LITTLE DOGGIE!"

Luckily, I've never had to employ deadly force to defend myself. I hope I never have to. But I will always be prepared to defend me and my family. Better to be prepared and not have to use it, than WISH you were prepared in that moment of need. That would lead to some bitter regret if something ever happened to my wife or kids.