Pepper Spray Practice and the IRS

I went out for 6 miles this evening. Couldn't go this morning since I went to the IRS building/offices with my Mom which are located downtown. We had to tie up some loose ends on my Grandmother's affairs. She died 2 yrs ago. NOW they want more information and a tax return! She was on Medicaid and hadn't had enough income to file a return for years. The 800# we called had informed us that they do not make appointments for tax return help unless you are disabled. Anyone else must walk in/first come first served. So my Mom took off a day from work, we navigated our way around the city, and found a parking garage. Upon entering we had to show IDs and go through the metal detector. As I walked through the halls and used the elevator, I rediscovered that I don't like the confinement of the city and office buildings. I sure wouldn't want to be stuck in that building or in the city if the zombie apocalypse or other emergency occurred. Finally we entered the office and the receptionist informed us that they were shorthanded today and only had enough staff to take their appointments. Lucky us! Should I really be surprised?

So back to running: It was lightly raining when I left but I got lucky and it stopped not too far out. This run felt a little difficult. I think because it was later in the day than I am accustomed to running and it was very humid.

In the 4th mile a farm dog came out so fast with its teeth fully bared. It was really scary! Usually I meet with aggressive barking. This dog never even barked. It was going to get me for sure. I could tell it was serious. I have practiced this scenario in my mind. I believe you have to decide ahead of time what you will do if you are threatened. In this case, I had decided I would stand my ground and shoot. And that's exactly what I did. I was really impressed with the range and spread of this little container of pepper spray. This dog never stopped baring its teeth and was smart. He stayed just on the edge of the range of the spray. A man in a mini van pulled up and started honking and yelling at the dog. That made him back off a little. Then he came after me again! I sprayed again and still couldn't quite get him. The man honked some more and the dog finally took off. I was really grateful he stopped to help me. I'm not sure what would have happened if he hadn't. I didn't want to turn my back and run. And I wasn't having much luck spraying the dog. Maybe I would have eventually got him. The container holds 38 sprays! lol Who knows?

I'm not sure if it would make difference but I am tempted to drive there and nicely let the farmer know what his dog did. I love dogs and would hate to see the dog confined and they are out in the country where you kind of expect to live as you wish. But man that was dangerous!