Piper, our dog, and I occasionally take walks. I say “occasionally” because during this cold siege, my “exercise consciousness” has succumbed to the living room couch, a blanket, and a good book.
However, since it has warmed up, I asked Piper, “Do you want to go for a walk?” Accent on walk. She goes nuts. Into the back seat of the car, she jumped to sit there on her rug, staring out the window waiting for this adventure.
Normally, I take walks where there are sometimes people present, and sometimes there are not. While visiting on the phone with Greta about our laziness during this weather, I mentioned Piper’s and my walks in these more un-peopled areas.
Greta’s phone was on speaker, and Milo joined in. He remarked that this isn’t a good idea; cautioning me that times are not the same as they used to be regarding our safety. ... Lots of crazy people out there. I agreed and said that I usually text someone to tell them where I am in case they need to look for my body. Not funny, I know.
Remember, I take Piper with me when I walk.
But we know Piper. She would expose her belly to anyone who approached me, including a threatening person. “Yeh, thanks Piper. To think we adopted you thinking you would be a great watchdog.” (I have seen her become aggressive one time when another dog was on our property and threatened her domain!)
Milo said, “Get some pepper spray and carry it with you.”
I replied, “I have a conceal and carry license and could carry my gun.”
Milo: “You don’t want to carry it if you don’t mean to use it. If you don’t want to use it, the aggressor can use it on you.”
Me: “I know. And shooting within the 3-second rule is something one has to decide that he or she will do. On the other hand, I don’t think I could do it. But hey, I bought a little alarm gadget that when pulled, it squeals loudly and harshly. But it kept going off in my purse and so I don’t carry it.”
Milo: “Lot of help that is.”
Greta: “We gave our daughter pepper spray when she was in college!”
Milo: “Yes, Greta, but I don’t think she ever remembered to carry it!”
So, my point is: We are living in dangerous times, and we don’t know just how much worse it can become. We have been trusting and naïve. Learning to be wise, to watch, and not to take crazy chances is a must today. Watch your back.
Piper and I will continue to take walks, but I will be armed, and the pepper spray is my first line of defense. I can use that within three seconds. The gun? Since talking to Milo, I have decided I could use it if the situation were really, really serious. But, first the pepper spray! But I recommend the pepper spray especially if you don’t leave it at home!
Hope this wakes us up a bit. There is nothing to fear if you are prepared for any possible threat. We will pursue this subject further in the future if it’s OK with you?
Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com.
