Dogs Bite Runners
Could this be a threat to your running career?
Many years ago, a co-worker of mine was seriously mauled during a run by two dogs. He survived, but suffered serious injuries and endured a couple weeks in the hospital and a long recovery.
After that experience, he recommended that his running friends always carry pepper spray, and insurance information. And for a long time, I did.
I never needed the insurance information, but I did use pepper spray a couple of times and I was glad to have it. I’ve been more slack lately, but after reading this story about a dog attack in Southern California, I might get more serious about being prepared again.
They were running on a dirt road that ran parallel to Lake Wohlford Road just south of the middle school when the dogs —- five of them, possibly pit bulls —- appeared. They dragged Richard to the ground and he started screaming, she said.
“The dogs had him on his back, and they were just ripping him apart,” Maegan Garritson said. “From what we were hearing, Richard was telling us to keep running, but he was being torn apart.”
Yikes!
Have you ever had a bad experience or been attacked by a dog while running?
Do you carry pepper spray or something to protect against animal attacks? Inquiring minds want to know!
**1983, in Maui, on honeymoon: My newlywed better half and I were chased by a rabid dog. Screaming and rock throwing scared off said dog.
1**2008, in Davis, on canal dirt trail: Unleashed dog runs right at me. “Oh, he’s just being friendly,” says owner. Dog bites my left hip.
**2011, on Foresthill Divide Loop trail: Black bear jumps from tree onto trail 10 feet in front of me. Apparently doesn’t like my looks (or my smell) and, in a split second, takes off down a ravine toward Lake Clementine.
I wish I had a nickel for every time a dog owner told me, “Oh! He won’t bite!”
2Here’s a different type of story about a runner and a dog:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-297–12815-0,00.html
It’s good to be cautious. On the other hand, how many thousands of miles have most of us run without incident?
How many runners are injured by dogs as compared to cars? My point being that it’s a legitimate concern, but it is relatively rare.
3