I think I finally made peace with my neighbor. They have a pit bull, which I am very much an animal person no matter the species or breed, but this girl just hates me. The first time she got out she charged me twice, I had my pistol but refrained from shooting her because she stopped short of what I would of pulled the trigger. The second time she got out I was unloading groceries from my truck. She charged, I grabbed my pistol. I came close to shooting that time except if I would of missed her I could of sent a bullet through my other neighbor's front window, and they just had a new baby. I backed up, away from the dog and she got the hint and ran across the street. I ran over to my neighbor's house, knocked on the door, and told them their dog was loose. In my other hand was my gun, I scared the neighbors too but not meaning to. I really do not want to kill an animal unless I have to, and only when something else's life is at stake. Well, they still have the dog, she has not left the yard for the past 2 months. Today was the first day the owner spoke to me, it was all pleasantries, nothing big and they seem to be very nice people. I'm glad he does not hold a grudge about the dog or when animal control showed up at his door with a $200 fine. By the way, my cousin is the district manager of animal control and I had called him. Best to resolve without spending bullets and the life of a dog that hates me. Now to finish my garden.
boosterp:
Dog attacking really do scare me. Back when I was a paramedic I responded to two kids getting mauled and it was a very gruesome scene. a few years later I was attacked by a dog. This dog had been super friendly before and she had come over to our yard. I did not think anything of it, called her over, pet her, and then reached for her collar. She snapped, latched onto my arm, and caused some damage. After that I guess I am just weary of dogs who are aggressive toward me or others without provocation. I am an animal person, the last thing I want to do is hurt any animal. I am they type of person to walk up to and try to pet any stray. And, I have adopted and/or fostered quite a few. I admit, I am scared when a dog charges me and I go into defense.
rhody:
Wow, sounds super frightening. I'm not sure how I would have handled the situation, but you definitely did the right thing!