So, I just got back from a nice run on an overnight in SCE. A little more than halfway through, in a residential area, there is a guy bringing groceries in from his car. As I pass, I hear three barks, and see a medium sized dog running from the garage straight at me. Fortunately, the owner dropped his groceries and dove for the dog, grabbing him by the collar and wrestling him back inside.

I can't help but wonder what I would have done if he weren't there- there were no big sticks around, and I would have had to resort to "hand to paw" combat with the animal. Obviously, we can't bring much with us on the road thanks to the TSA, or I'd run with a baseball bat, so what do you guys who run all the time do to prepare for this possibility?