That's um... what's it called... my worst nightmare. What really scares me in my neighborhood is that so many of the dogs that hassle or try to attack us are the kind of dogs that are normally never let out of their yard, so it's not as if they're what you'd call well-socialized to people or dogs. Just yesterday on a walk we were confronted by one that acted like it wanted to kill us, and then when I got a few feet further up the street, I realized the property's gate was standing open... right at the same time the dog realized it. It came charging out after us and thankfully it stopped when I responded to like I was willing to fight, but they don't always, and I'm dreading that day when one of them feels the need to take it that last step. One of my friends suggested carrying a stick when I go walking, but it's not exactly ideal for a runner. I have considered mace or something, but I'm just sure I'd only mace myself...

Also, aside from the requisite guilt at having to hit any animal, you shouldn't feel at all bad about that situation. I'm sure the woman that you saved from the neighbor's dog appreciates that you were there, and if the neighbors were anything less than understanding I'd be more than slightly disgusted. :-/