I actually bought some pepper spray last year, because we had a crazy raccoon that would not go over the back fence (even when hit with a broom handle). I haven't had to use it on an animal yet, but I figured it would be a good deterrent and not require me to get as close as I do with the broom handle method. I also got a slingshot, which I'm more hesitant to use because there's some possibility of putting a rock through Grouchy Neighbor Lady's window, and nobody wants that.

Ugh, yeah, I mean...I have no doubt whatsoever that Molly would handily take apart any animal that came after us (and, er, no human has actually been stupid enough to come near me in a threatening way while I'm out with the dog), but she might get hurt doing it, and I don't want that.