The second time I got charged by an off-leash dog hiking at Spencers, I decided that rather than defend myself with my hiking staff or a rock and permanently damage someone's precious pet, I'd just pack a household size can of Mace.

Not long afterward I got confronted on trail by a big growling dog with tail down and lip curled. The owner, who arrived in time to collar his dog, said "He won't bite you" , to which I replied "Keep him away from me and I won't Mace him".

My offer still stands to dog owners who insist on taking their aggressive, anti-social dogs onto public trails. Your dog charges or threatens me or my family on public domain, I'll defend myself and my family. Be glad it's only Mace!