Well, I can't approve of starting out on one of those ugly, harsh riding, plastic ones they're making these days or being one of "those guys" and impeding traffic so that you can ride your bike
, but otherwise welcome to the other side of cycling. Road biking can be fun when it's too wet or hot out to mtb. Or some days when you just feel too lazy to load up the bike and drive to the trails, but you still want to get a short ride in. It's a decent back up option to still get in some "me time" on two wheels. Enjoy.
Sincerely,
Young "retro grouch" with paved cycling trails all over the city
(Honestly just teasing. I've ridden a carbon bike and it was nice, and I'm sure you're respectful of traffic. Don't know what to tell you about those dogs, though. Glad I've never been in that situation...)