I began power walking in high school, escaping into my busy neighborhood with a Walkman in hand, allowing my mind to wander. This little ritual has been a constant in my life, helping me navigate the years.
In college, I walked with friends, and when I entered the workforce, those evening strolls became my way of unwinding after long hours inside. After having kids, pushing them in the stroller for an hour of fresh air was my lifeline. It was my essential self-care, and even on tough days, stepping outside revitalized me.
As my kids grew and started school full-time, I felt a strong desire to take up running. I discovered several routes I enjoyed, and they quickly became my regular paths.
Some have asked if I ever feel anxious about dogs during my runs. My answer has always been no. For over thirty years, my experiences with dogs on my walks or runs had been nothing but pleasant — like the time a golden retriever decided to accompany me for three miles and even came to visit my home.
However, everything changed a few weeks ago. While I was running, lost in the inspiration of a podcast, I passed a house I often run by, hearing the familiar sounds of barking dogs. I paid no mind; I had traversed this route many times over the past six years.
Suddenly, two large dogs were at my feet. One leaped up and bit my arm, tearing my long sleeve shirt. Realizing she wasn’t going to back off, I yelled for help. She jumped again, this time latching on for a bit longer.
The other dog was hyper and I feared he would join in, so I kept screaming. Thankfully, both dogs retreated home, and though my injuries were painful, they weren’t severe. I knew it could have been much worse. This encounter made me realize how vulnerable I was without any means of defense, so I promptly bought some pepper spray to wear on my wrist. I will never go out for a run or walk without it again.
If you enjoy walking or running, I strongly encourage you to consider the same. It doesn’t matter if you think only “friendly” dogs are around — one of them was friendly too. She had never bitten anyone before, and her family had three kids. Both dogs were even wearing shock collars, yet they managed to break through their fence and chased me down the road. I felt utterly helpless during the attack; it terrifies me to think what could have happened if the other dog had gotten involved.
The animal control officer informed me that dogs often go straight for the face. I was fortunate that didn’t happen to me. He also noted that dog bites on runners or walkers are more common than people realize, often from dogs that have shown no prior signs of aggression.
I don’t want to give up running — it’s a vital part of my life. I love being outdoors and can’t imagine being stuck on a treadmill. Yet, I don’t want to live in fear every time I go out. I feel more rattled and anxious now than I used to. Knowing I have a way to protect myself is reassuring. Whether you have a walking or running partner or not, I highly recommend you take precautions. I can’t believe it took me so long to realize the need for that, thinking it would never happen to me.
Life has a way of reminding us that we aren’t always in control of what can occur in an instant. However, this experience has prepared me for the possibility of it happening again. For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post or learn from the experts at Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, if you’re seeking information on pregnancy and home insemination, the ACOG website is an excellent resource.
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Summary:
In this article, I share my unexpected encounter with a ‘friendly’ dog while running, highlighting the importance of being prepared for unforeseen situations. After being bitten, I realized the necessity of personal safety measures, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities like running or walking. I encourage everyone to take precautions, regardless of their surroundings.