Glad to know you're going to be OK Darthmuffin.

Dogs aren't a big problem where I live. Even the few roaming the neighborhood aren't a big deal. Bears are are more of a concern, so I carry bear spray. It's legal to use on animals, but it IS an offense to use on people (Assault with a Weapon and Assault Causing Bodily Harm).

I've only had one run in with a dog, but put my bike between it and myself which helped. As soon as I got off the bike, the dog kinda backed off. I think it mistook my white sock for a chew toy.